Highlighting the broader resumption of the diplomatic ties, the two countries announced that, they are all set to hold their first meeting in three years of a “Permanent Indus Commission” on March 22, 2021. The commission that deals with the water rights on the Indus River.
Highlights
The Permanent Indus Commission which was set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will meet on March 23 and March 24 in New Delhi. The commission deals with the bilateral water issues and they will discuss the same during the meeting.
Agenda of the meeting
During the meeting, Pakistan will raise its objection on the technical designs of Pakal Dul of India and the Lower Kalnai hydroelectric plants. The talks also represent a thawing in the bilateral ties which was frozen since the suicide bombing in Indian Kashmir in the year 2019. The suicide bombing was blamed on Pakistan-based guerrillas. India’s decision to revoke the constitutional autonomy of Kashmir to bind it closer to India also opposed by Pakistan. But now the countries are making tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders since both the countries are struggling of the worst economic slowdown amid the covid-19 pandemic.
Permanent Indus Commission
It is a bilateral commission which comprises of the officials from India and Pakistan. The commission was created to implement and manage the goals and objectives. It also outlines the agenda of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Indus Waters Treaty
It is a water-distribution treaty in between India and Pakistan. The treaty is backed by the World Bank. The treaty provides for the provision of using the available water in the Indus River and its tributaries. The treaty was signed by the Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and the President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan in Karachi on September 19, 1960. The Treaty provides control over the waters of three Eastern Rivers namely, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej.