India’s Hydroelectric Plant on River Shared With Pakistan Is Lawful If Flows Maintained

CHANDIGARH, India—India will be allowed to divert water for electricity generation at the Kishanganga Hydro-Electric Project provided it fulfills its obligation under a treaty with Pakistan to maintain a minimum flow of water in the Kishanganga River, following a decision by an international tribunal.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague made the ruling Feb. 19 and said the plant India is building on the Kishanganga River (known as the Neelum once it enters Pakistan) is lawful under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.

The court will determine what constitutes a minimum flow of water in a final ...