A World Bank spokesperson has clarified the institution’s involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty, the landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.
The spokesperson explained that while the World Bank is indeed a signatory to the Treaty, its role is strictly defined and limited. According to the agreement, the World Bank’s primary responsibility is to appoint a Neutral Expert or help set up a Court of Arbitration to resolve disputes—but only if either India or Pakistan formally requests such intervention.
As of now, the spokesperson confirmed, the World Bank has not received any such request from either country.
This clarification comes on the heels of recent remarks by World Bank President Ajay Banga, who stated last week that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended without Pakistan’s consent. Banga emphasized that the treaty, as written, contains no provision for unilateral suspension. “It either needs to be gone, or replaced by another one, and that requires the two countries to want to agree,” he said.
