Delegations of India, Pakistan to the 118th Bilateral Meeting on Indus Water Treaty
Highlight
- During PCIW meeting, officials of India, Pakistan discussed several issues related to water
- The Indian delegation was led by AK Pali, the Indian Commissioner of Indus Waters
- India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after 9 years of talks
Officials from India and Pakistan discussed a range of water-related issues during a meeting as part of the Permanent Commission on Indus Waters (PCIW), the Foreign Office said on Tuesday.
A six-member delegation led by Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah participated in the 118th meeting of the Pakistan-India Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) in New Delhi from 30-31 May.
The Indian delegation was led by AK Pal, the Indian Commissioner of Indus Waters.
A wide range of water-related issues were discussed between Pakistan and India, including advance sharing of flood information, tourism/observation programme, and signing of the report of the Permanent Indus Commission for the year ended March 31, 2022 . the office said in a statement.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to the true implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
It said Pakistan also highlighted its objections to India’s hydroelectric projects on the western rivers and sought an answer to its objections to Indian projects, including the 1,000MW Pakal Dul.
The Indian side was also requested to provide advance flood-flow information as per the provisions of the treaty.
According to the statement, “Indian side assured to arrange visit/inspection after the coming flood season. Indian side also assured that outstanding objections of Pakistan will be discussed in the next meeting as Indian side is yet to discuss the details.” The investigation is in process.”
Both sides also expressed hope that the next meeting of the Commission would be held in Pakistan at the earliest.
India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the Washington-based World Bank being a signatory.
The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and exchange of information regarding the use of rivers between the two countries. However, there have been disagreements and differences between India and Pakistan regarding the treaty.
Under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), all waters from the eastern rivers – the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi – annually amounting to about 33 million acre feet (MAF) are allocated to India for unrestricted use. The waters of the western rivers – the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab – are about 135 MAF annually, largely assigned to Pakistan.
India is permitted to run river plants on western rivers with limited storage as per norms specified in the treaty.
Under the provisions of Article VIII(5) of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Permanent Indus Commission is required to meet regularly at least once a year, alternately between India and Pakistan.
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