Diplomatic engagements over J&K hydroelectric project World Bank, Pakistan team visit to review

India is set to welcome delegations from Pakistan and the World Bank for discussions on Jammu and Kashmir's contentious hydroelectric initiatives. These meetings are part of the ongoing dialogue facilitated by the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water distribution and usage rights between the two nations.

EPN Desk 16 June 2024 07:37

India is preparing for a significant diplomatic engagement as it gears up to host representatives from Pakistan alongside World Bank experts.

The focus of the upcoming discussions will be the hydroelectric power projects located in Jammu and Kashmir, which have been a point of contention for Islamabad.

The dialogue is scheduled under the auspices of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, endorsed by the World Bank.

This treaty outlines the management and development of irrigation and hydropower resources, assigning the control of the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while India retains rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Marking a first in recent times, India is allowing this visit following the World Bank's appointment of a neutral expert in October 2022 to investigate these disputes.

The delegations are expected to conduct on-site assessments in Jammu and Kashmir. The IWT permits each country specific utilizations of the rivers allocated to the other.

This event follows a report by TOI on June 10, highlighting that India would be hosting Pakistani officials for talks regarding the Indus river system.

This meeting signifies the first instance of direct communication between India and Pakistan since the re-election of India's NDA government.