India

India notifies Pakistan to amend Indus water treaty

India is seeking changes in a six-decade-old Indus water treaty and has formally notified Pakistan to amend the pact. The longstanding dispute concerning Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects has prompted India to seek a modification in the treaty.

According to the treaty, the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab waters were allocated to Pakistan, while India has rights over the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej). India has the right to produce electricity from run-of-the-river projects.

However, Pakistan has time and again objected to these projects, thus affecting the water flow to India.

According to sources, “India has served a formal Notice to Pakistan on August 30, 2024, seeking review and modification of the Indus Water Treaty under Article XII(3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Under Article XII(3) of the IWT, its provision may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments.”

India’s notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty. Among various concerns, important ones include changes in population demographics, environmental issues–the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet India’s emission targets–and the impact of persistent cross-border terrorism etc.

The notification was issued in the background of a separate prolonged controversy concerning Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Projects.

In this regard, the World Bank has simultaneously activated both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration on the same set of issues. The Indian side has, therefore, also called for reconsideration of the dispute resolution mechanism under the treaty.

With this Notification, India has called Pakistan to begin government-to-government negotiations to review the Treaty under the provisions of Article XII(3).

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

IAF orders enquiry after MiG-29 aircraft crashed near Agra

Indian Air Force (IAF) has said it has ordered an enquiry hours after a MiG-29…

5 hours ago

Paank urges Pakistan to end enforced disappearances following release of abducted students

The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, has emphasised that enforced disappearances…

5 hours ago

UKPNP condemns new restrictions on civil liberties in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has condemned a recent notification from the government…

5 hours ago

India-Vietnam Joint military exercise Vinbax 2024 commences at Ambala

The 5th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise "VINBAX 2024" commenced on Monday and…

7 hours ago

“Disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific: A key element of India-Australia bilateral ties”, says EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between India and Australia during…

8 hours ago

Bramption temple attack: Hindu organisations call for protest against “Khalistani intimidation” today

Following recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, the Coalition of Hindus of North America…

8 hours ago