Avail Indus Water Treaty norms to resolve matters: India to Pak

Pakistan fears that if completed, the Kishenganga and Ratle projects will inflict damage to the water flow to the lower riparian country

India said on Saturday, it hoped that Pakistan will avail provisions of the bilateral Indus Waters Treaty to amicably resolve matters of mutual concern pertaining to hydro-electric projects and not violate it by rushing to a third forum.

Noting that a Pakistan team led by Water and Power Secretary visited India recently, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the visit was in response to India pointing out that Pakistan was violating provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in rushing to a third forum without attempting to avail Treaty provisions for amicably resolving matters of mutual concern pertaining to two hydro- electric projects.

The two projects are — Kishenganga (330 MW on Jhelum tributary) and Ratle (850 MW on Chenab).

"During the talks, both sides stated their views at government level. We hope that the Pakistan side will see reason in our suggestions on the way forward," he added.

The Indo-Pak meeting came amidst reports that Pakistan has decided to move the Court of Arbitration (CoA) against India for alleged breaches of IWT 1960 by erecting Kishanganga and Ratle Hydropower Projects with objectionable designs.

According to reports, Pakistan fears that if completed, the projects will inflict damage to the water flow to the lower riparian country.