India participated in a pivotal two-day meeting in Vienna regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects dispute with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Convened by a neutral expert, the discussions were part of the proceedings set under the Indus Waters Treaty.
India’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate Harish Salve, represented the nation, with the delegation headed by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources. Both Indian and Pakistani representatives were present.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India’s involvement aligns with its stand that the neutral expert proceedings are the sole valid approach currently. Rejecting any involvement with the parallel arbitration court, MEA emphasized the illegitimacy of its formation concerning the same projects.
India remains committed to resolving issues per the Indus Waters Treaty, even as it rejects cooperation with the Court of Arbitration. It believes that running dual resolution processes breaches the Treaty’s three-step graded mechanism. India advocates for neutral expert proceedings to address the dispute.
