New York (Capital News Point)
A United Nations special report has stated that India’s military action known as “Operation Sindoor” constitutes a violation of international law and has called on New Delhi to act in good faith in implementing the Indus Waters Treaty. The UN has formally sought an explanation from India regarding its actions.
In their special report, UN experts raised serious objections to India’s unilateral measures, condemned the Pahalgam attack, and emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable under the law. The report noted that Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and has called for an independent and transparent investigation.
According to the report, on May 7, 2025, India used force within Pakistani territory under Operation Sindoor. The experts stated that this conduct is inconsistent with the United Nations Charter. The report further said that India failed to formally notify the UN Security Council under Article 51 of the Charter, and that the lack of prior notification constituted a violation of required procedures.
UN experts reported that Indian strikes targeted civilian areas, damaged mosques, and resulted in multiple civilian deaths and injuries. They added that on May 7, 2025, Pakistan condemned the Indian action and informed the Security Council that it reserves the right to self-defense under Article 51. The report emphasized that India was unable to present credible evidence proving any state-level involvement by Pakistan in the Pahalgam attack.
The experts stated that there is no recognized separate right to use unilateral military force in the name of counterterrorism. They warned that unlawful use of force may amount to a violation of the right to life and could increase the risk of a wider conflict. The report noted that if India’s actions are considered an armed attack, Pakistan would be entitled to exercise its right of self-defense. The experts described India’s actions as serious violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention.
The report also said that India avoided participation in arbitration proceedings and challenged the jurisdiction of mechanisms under the Indus Waters Treaty. UN experts have formally asked India to provide explanations, consider possible reparations and an apology, implement the treaty in good faith, and take measures to prevent further human harm.
The experts urged India to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty in good faith and refrain from violating Pakistan’s rights. They also called on India to outline concrete steps to prevent human rights violations and damage resulting from water obstruction.
According to the report, UN special experts sent a detailed questionnaire to the Indian government, exposing inconsistencies in its claims. India reportedly failed to respond to the questions. The experts asked whether India possesses any evidence to support its allegations, whether it will compensate for loss of human life caused by the unlawful use of force and issue an apology, and whether it intends to fulfill its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty while respecting Pakistan’s legal and fundamental human rights.
Additional questions addressed India’s commitment to dispute resolution mechanisms under the treaty and the steps it plans to take toward a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, including granting the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination.
The UN experts directed India to provide answers to all questions within 60 days. India’s response will be published on the UN website alongside the report and presented to the Human Rights Council