American expert in public policy, national security and foreign affairs Laurie Watkins on Tuesday said that India’s decision to withhold river flow data and its failure to respond to Pakistan’s official correspondence constitute violations of the principles of international customary law, stressing that no state can evade its international legal obligations by unilaterally declaring a treaty suspended.
India’s suspension of water data sharing with Pakistan violates int’l customary law, says U.S. policy expert
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): American expert in public policy, national security and foreign affairs Laurie Watkins on Tuesday said that India’s decision to withhold river flow data and its failure to respond to Pakistan’s official correspondence constitute violations of the principles of international customary law, stressing that no state can evade its international legal obligations by unilaterally declaring a treaty suspended.
Speaking at an international seminar titled “Indus Waters Treaty: An Instrument of Peace and Regional Stability,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting here at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Watkins described the Indus Waters Treaty as one of the world’s most significant achievements in international diplomacy.
She said that the treaty was designed to address an exceptionally complex challenge and has functioned effectively for more than six decades.
According to Watkins, river-sharing agreements worldwide are intended to prevent conflicts, while the Permanent Indus Commission remains an outstanding institutional model for cooperation under international standards.
She said the treaty provides a structured mechanism for joint inspections and the phased resolution of disputes, making continuous communication between the parties essential to its success.
Referring to recent developments, Watkins said Pakistan had formally written to India regarding the flow of the Chenab River, but India neither provided data on variable river flows nor responded to Pakistan’s written communications. She stressed that this was not merely an administrative or technical issue.
Drawing on international experience in transboundary river management, Watkins warned that suspending the exchange of hydrological information could have serious consequences. She said that when water data sharing stops, mistrust, miscalculations, and ultimately heightened tensions are likely to follow.
Watkins further stated that despite India’s declaration suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, withholding river flow information and ignoring Pakistan’s official correspondence violate principles of customary international law. She maintained that no country can absolve itself of its international legal responsibilities simply by announcing the suspension of a treaty.
Citing the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, Watkins said that international agreements must be implemented in good faith and that states remain bound by their legal obligations under international law.
