New Delhi: India has been vindicated after the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert ruled that it has the authority to resolve the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over two hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision, which upholds India’s position, has been welcomed by New Delhi.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that India’s stance had always been consistent—that only the Neutral Expert has the competence to address the differences related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants under the Indus Water Treaty. The MEA said the ruling confirms that the seven points of contention regarding the projects fall under the Neutral Expert’s jurisdiction.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, is a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank, to regulate the use of the Indus River and its tributaries. The dispute over the Kishenganga and Ratle projects stems from concerns raised by Pakistan about the technical design of the hydroelectric power plants, claiming they breach the treaty.
While Pakistan had requested the formation of a Court of Arbitration to address its concerns, India had called for the appointment of a Neutral Expert. The Neutral Expert, after carefully analyzing submissions from both countries, ruled that it has the competence to decide the issue, moving the matter to the next phase: deciding on the merits of the dispute.
The MEA reiterated that India would continue to engage with the Neutral Expert process, rejecting the Court of Arbitration proceedings as “illegally constituted.”
There was no immediate comment from Pakistan regarding the latest development.
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