The Annual Meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) comprising the Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan was held on March 23-24, 2021 in New Delhi.
The discussions were focussed on the designs of the two Indian hydroelectric power projects on the Chenab river, namely, the Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and the Lower Kalnai (48 MW).
The Indian side maintained that these projects were fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty and provided Pakistan with the technical data supporting this position.
Pakistan requested that India share information on design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned and developed. The Indian side, in turn, assured Pakistan that information will be supplied as and when required to be supplied under the provisions of the Treaty. India has sanctioned several hydroelectric power projects in Ladakh after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. The Central government has approved projects in Turbuk Shiok, Shanku, Nimu Chilling, Rondo and Ratan Nag in the Leh area.
“The meeting was held in a cordial manner. 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”, a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. Under the provisions of the treaty, the two Commissioners from each country are required to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan. Last year’s meeting could not be held due to the global COVID-19 pandemic conditions and the restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
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