UN Experts Say India’s May 7 Strikes Violated UN Charter, Raise Alarm Over Indus Waters Treaty

United Nations human rights experts have raised serious concerns over India’s unilateral military actions on May 7 inside Pakistan, saying the use of force violated the principles of the UN Charter and risked escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

In a report examining the latest India–Pakistan confrontation, the UN experts said Indian strikes hit civilian areas, damaged mosques, and resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. The experts noted that such actions contravened international law governing the use of force.

The report said Pakistan informed the UN Security Council that it had reserved its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to the attacks.

Lack of Evidence and Legal Concerns

According to the UN experts, India failed to present credible evidence demonstrating Pakistan’s involvement at the state level in the Pahalgam attack, which New Delhi cited as justification for its actions.

The experts stressed that international law does not recognise a right to unilateral military force under the pretext of counterterrorism, warning that such actions could lead to a major regional conflict.

They described India’s strikes as a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and a breach of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

Indus Waters Treaty Under Scrutiny

The UN Special Rapporteurs also endorsed Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), expressing deep concern over India’s declaration to hold the treaty in abeyance.

The experts warned that any obstruction or threat to transboundary water flows would directly affect the fundamental rights of millions of people in Pakistan, including rights to water, food, health, employment, a clean environment and development.

“Water must not be used as a tool of political or economic pressure,” the experts said, emphasizing that interference with shared water resources violates international norms.

Treaty Cannot Be Suspended Unilaterally

The report underscored that no party has the legal authority to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that it remains in force unless both India and Pakistan mutually agree to terminate or replace it through a new agreement.

The experts also referred to India’s refusal to participate in arbitration mechanisms and its challenge to the scope of the treaty, noting that such actions undermine established dispute-resolution frameworks.

India Urged to Comply with International Law

The UN experts called on India to fully honour its treaty obligations, refrain from actions that violate Pakistan’s rights, and take concrete steps to prevent human rights violations arising from the obstruction of water flows.

They also disclosed that UN Special Rapporteurs sent a formal questionnaire to the Modi government, seeking clarification on India’s allegations against Pakistan and its intentions regarding a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

India did not respond to the questions, the report said. Due to the lack of response, the UN experts proceeded with the public release of their findings.

The report adds international scrutiny to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, highlighting concerns over military escalation, civilian harm, and the weaponisation of shared natural resources.