A high-level delegation from India, led by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, took part in a crucial meeting on September 20 and 21, 2023, at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Vienna, significantly advancing the Neutral Expert proceedings regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Notably, during these proceedings, India’s Lead Counsel was Senior Advocate Shri Harish Salve KC.
The Neutral Expert facilitated the meeting, which was called as a result of India’s request under the Indus Waters Treaty. It represented a crucial step in resolving the long-standing water-related issues between Pakistan and India by bringing together representatives from both countries.
India’s participation in the meeting is consistent with its unwavering commitment to uphold the Indus Waters Treaty ‘established graded system. This mechanism acknowledges that the Neutral Expert proceedings are the only appropriate and legal means of resolving treaty-related disputes and issues.
India made the decision to refrain from participating in concurrent proceedings brought by an arbitration court that it believes to be unlawfully established as a blatant demonstration of this commitment. Similar topics, particularly those pertaining to the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects( HEPs), were the focus of these parallel proceedings.
As both nations work to resolve their differences in accordance with the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Neutral Expert proceedings, which are currently ongoing, are anticipated to last for some time. India’s participation in these proceedings highlights its commitment to using diplomatic means to resolve water-related issues and uphold a cooperative stance in this crucial area.
Stakeholders and observers will closely monitor the results as the proceedings develop in the hopes of fostering productive discussions and solutions that advance regional stability and benefit both India and Pakistan.
