The dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty has escalated as proceedings initiated by India are set to continue despite New Delhi’s decision to suspend its participation, according to a ruling by the Neutral Expert.

In a statement on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development while also welcoming a separate but related decision by the Court of Arbitration. The Court provided what the ministry described as “helpful clarifications” regarding its earlier award on the general interpretation of the treaty, which was issued on August 8, 2025.

The Court has also released a Procedural Order, affirming that its arbitration will move forward in a phased manner. The order noted that the Court would take into account the parallel hearings being conducted before the Neutral Expert under the provisions of the treaty.

The upcoming phase of the Neutral Expert process, which India had originally requested, is scheduled for November 17 to 21 in Vienna. While India has now withdrawn its involvement from these talks, the Neutral Expert has determined that its absence will not halt the legal mechanism.

Pakistani officials reiterated that the country remains actively and fully engaged in the process in good faith, notwithstanding India’s non-participation.