The World Bank has clarified its position regarding the escalating dispute between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), stating that its role is limited to facilitation and does not extend to intervention. This announcement comes in the wake of India's decision to suspend the treaty following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which India attributes to Pakistan-based militants.

World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized the institution's limited role, stating, "We have no role to play beyond a facilitator. There's a lot of speculation in the media about how the World Bank will step in and fix the problem, but it's all bunk. The World Bank's role is merely as a facilitator."

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, allocates the use of six rivers between the two countries. India's recent suspension of the treaty has raised concerns about potential water scarcity in Pakistan, which relies heavily on these rivers for agriculture and energy. In response, Pakistan has warned that any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water would be considered an "Act of War."

India has accelerated the construction of hydroelectric projects in Kashmir, including the Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle dams, aiming to complete them ahead of schedule. These developments are part of broader efforts by the Indian government to fast-track water infrastructure projects amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

The World Bank's clarification underscores the bilateral nature of the treaty and the limited scope for third-party intervention. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, aware that the dispute over water resources between these nuclear-armed neighbors has far-reaching implications for regional stability.