New Delhi: Days after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in a strong diplomatic action against Pakistan, the World Bank on Thursday mentioned it had no role to play beyond a facilitator.
“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 & fix the problem but it’s all bunk. The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator,” said World Bank president, Ajay Banga, who is currently in India and had held talks with PM Narendra Modi on Thursday. On Friday, Banga visited Uttar Pradesh and called on UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
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 & fix the problem but it’s all bunk. The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator
-World Bank President, Ajay Banga on #IndusWaterTreaty Suspension… pic.twitter.com/6bbiZpKf0o
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 9, 2025
The World Bank had facilitated the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan in 1960 to manage and share the waters of the Indus River system.
After the deadly Pahalgam attack, India said that it will hold the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan takes decisive action against terror groups.
New Delhi has also started regulating water flow to Pakistan, especially through the Chenab River.
According to reports, India has also started work to boost reservoir holding capacity at two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indus Basin rivers support Pakistan’s 25% GDP. It plays an existential role in maintaining the country’s food security.
