UN Experts Question Legality of India's Cross-Border Strikes and Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

UN human rights experts say that India’s reported cross-border strikes into Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack may violate international law. A 17-page UN communication dated Oct 16 and made public Dec 15 found that India provided no publicly verifiable evidence linking Pakistan to the attack. India did not notify the UN Security Council under Article 51 (self-defence), raising concerns over unlawful use of force and potential right-to-life violations. The experts stress that counter-terrorism actions must meet necessity, proportionality, and distinction under international law. They also express serious concern over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) being put in abeyance; the treaty is a binding 1960 water-sharing pact, and unilateral suspension may breach international obligations. Disruption of Indus waters could affect millions in Pakistan who rely on the river for drinking water, agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. Access to safe drinking water is a recognized human right and should not be used as political leverage. The experts called on India to clarify the legal basis for military action and treaty suspension, and to safeguard against humanitarian, environmental, and economic harm, while urging a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in line with international law and the right to self-determination.