Pakistan has announced the next phase of Neutral Expert proceedings under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will be held in Vienna from November 17 to 21, 2025. These proceedings originated from India’s formal request on September 6, 2016, addressing disputes over Pakistani objections to India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects on western rivers. After Pakistan initially resisted appointing a Neutral Expert, one was appointed by the World Bank in October 2022, with proceedings administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. India engaged fully until April 22, 2025, when it suspended participation following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, linking it to Pakistan-backed militants and halting treaty operations indefinitely. Despite India’s boycott, the Neutral Expert ruled that non-participation would not obstruct proceedings, and Pakistan continues to actively engage. The developments highlight ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and the challenge of managing critical water resources amid geopolitical rivalry, stressing the strategic significance of treaty adherence for regional stability.