Indus Waters Treaty talks fail to reach an agreement: World Bank

While the two countries witness a chill in bilateral talks, the World Bank has asserted to continue its work to resolve the issue impartially, in a friendly manner.

Amid growing tensions across the border, the second round of talks between India and Pakistan on Indus Water Treaty have concluded without reaching an agreement. And while the two countries witness a chill in bilateral talks, the World Bank has asserted to continue its work to resolve the issue impartially, in a friendly manner.
Representatives from both India and Pakistan met at the World Bank headquarters in Washington on September 14 and 15 to discuss on Ratle and Kishanganga hydroelectric projects, which was earlier opposed by Islamabad.

The World Bank, in an official statement released on Saturday, mentioned, “While an agreement has not been reached at the conclusion of the meetings, the World Bank will continue to work with both countries to resolve the issues in an amicable manner and in line with the Treaty provisions. Both countries and the World Bank appreciated the discussions and reconfirmed their commitment to the preservation of the Treaty.”
With the World Bank being a major signatory, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 after nine years of continuing negotiations. However, the World Bank’s role in relation to the “differences” and “disputes” is restricted to designation of the appropriate people to fulfill certain roles.
Headed by Union Water Resources Secretary Amarjit Singh, the Indian delegation included India’s Indus Water Commissioner and representatives from the ministry of external affairs, power, and Central Water Commission. On the other hand, Pakistan’s Secretary Water Resources Division Arif Ahmed Khan headed the country’s delegation which also included secretary of Water and Power Yousuf Naseem Khokhar, High Commissioner of Indus Waters Treaty Mirza Asif Baig and Joint Secretary of Water Syed Mehar Ali Shah.
Delegations from both the countries last met on August 1 for their first round of talks on the Indus Waters Treaty, under the aegis of the World Bank.