New Delhi– In a significant diplomatic blow to Pakistan, the World Bank on Friday clarified that it will not intervene in disputes related to the Indus Water Treaty, asserting that its role is strictly limited to that of a facilitator.
The statement comes in the wake of India’s suspension of the treaty following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists. Pakistan has since indicated plans to pursue legal action and raise the issue with the World Bank, which historically served as a mediator in the 1960 agreement.
World Bank President Ajay Banga, currently visiting India, conveyed a firm message through the Indian government, saying, “We have no role to play beyond that of a facilitator.” Addressing speculation in the media, Banga dismissed the notion that the World Bank would mediate or “fix” the dispute. “It’s all bunk,” he said. “The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator.”
Signed in 1960, the Indus Water Treaty governs the distribution of water from six rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—between India and Pakistan. These rivers are crucial to Pakistan’s agriculture, particularly during dry seasons when water is released from dams such as Salal and Baglihar on the Chenab River.
India’s decision to suspend its participation in the treaty follows escalating tensions over Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, allegedly orchestrated by its military intelligence agency, the ISI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly affirmed India’s stance, declaring that water from the rivers belonging to India will now flow in India’s interest. “Bharat ke haq ka paani, Bharat ke haq mein bahega,” Modi stated.
During his visit, Banga met with Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. According to Indian officials, Banga reassured the Prime Minister that the World Bank would not interfere in India’s decision regarding the treaty, despite pressure from Islamabad.
After wrapping up meetings in the capital, Banga departed for Lucknow on Friday to observe development initiatives in Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s fastest-growing states in terms of economic progress.
The World Bank’s neutral stance comes as a setback to Pakistan’s efforts to internationalize the dispute and seek intervention from global institutions in what India views as a bilateral issue rooted in national security. (Source: IANS)
