Islamabad, 15 May, 2025: The World Bank has clarified that it is not acting as a mediator in the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, a spokesperson confirmed.
The spokesperson stated that although the World Bank is one of the signatories to the Treaty, its role is narrowly defined.
READ MORE: India Violates Indus Water Treaty Many Times, Report
The official explained that under the agreement’s framework, the World Bank’s only accountability is to appoint a Neutral Expert or or to help set up a Court of Arbitration to resolve disputes, but only when requested by either of the two countries.
The spokesperson further added that, so far the World Bank has not received any such request from either Pakistan or India.
READ MORE: Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty An Act of Water Warfare, Pak Minister
This clarification follows World Bank President Ajay Banga remarks last week, who said the Indus Water Treaty cannot be suspended until Pakistan agree.
He said there is no provision in the treaty to allow for suspension the way it was drawn up. It either needs to be gone, or replaced by another one, and that requires the two countries to want to agree.
