Pakistan requests information on India’s hydropower projects at the 116th of Permanent Indus Commission
The discussions were held against the backdrop of a subsequent military standoff and thaw in bilateral relations, which had taken a hit after the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing.
The second day of the Permanent Indus Commission’s (PIC) 116th meeting between India and Pakistan was held in Delhi on March 24. The commission that deals with the water rights on the Indus river continued discussions about the designs of two Indian projects, namely, Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW), reported news agency ANI.
The Indian delegation led by Indus water commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena in New Delhi held discussions with the delegation, led by Pakistan’s Indus water commissioner Mehr Ali Shah in the national capital on March 23-24.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, the Indian delegation maintained that these projects are fully compliant with provisions of the Treaty & provided technical data in support of its position.
However, after discussing the two projects, the Pakistani delegation has requested India to share the information on the design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned and developed.
In accordance with the Pakistan commission’s request, India assured that the information will be supplied as and when required to be supplied under the provisions of the Treaty, suggests an ANI report.
Indian side held that these projects are fully compliant with provisions of the Treaty & provided technical data in support of its position. Pakistan side requested India for sharing of information on design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned to be developed: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021
The discussion is being held against the backdrop of a thaw in bilateral relations, which had taken a hit after the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing and a subsequent military standoff.
The commission was established to implement and manage the goals and objectives and outlines of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
During the commission’s 116th meeting, Both the Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to interact more frequently in an attempt to resolve the issues by bilateral discussions under the Treaty. The Ministry of External Affairs also added that it was agreed to hold the next meeting of the PIC in Pakistan on mutually convenient dates.
Both the Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to interact more frequently in an attempt to resolve the issues by bilateral discussions under the Treaty. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the PIC in Pakistan on mutually convenient dates: Ministry of External Affairs
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021
The last meeting of the permanent Indus Commission was held in Lahore in August 2018.
