Current Affairs 22nd January 2025
Current Affairs 22nd January 2025 by Saurabh
Pandey Sir
Indus Water Treaty Dispute Neutral
Expert’s Role
🌊 Michel Lino, appointed by the World Bank, has declared his competence to resolve disputes between India and Pakistan regarding hydroelectric projects on Indus Treaty rivers. India’s Position Summary: The Neutral Expert appointed under the Indus Water Treaty has declared his competence to resolve disputes, but India and Pakistan remain at an impasse regarding treaty renegotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms India has welcomed the Neutral Expert’s decision. Continues to seek a renegotiation of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) from January 2023. Stalled Discussions
📅 India has halted meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) until the IWT is renegotiated. The last meeting occurred in May 2022 Communication Breakdown ✉ India has reached out to Pakistan four times since January 2023 to initiate talks on revising the treaty. No formal response has been received from Pakistan. Dispute Resolution Mechanism ⚖ India believes disputes should be resolved sequentially through the PIC, Neutral Expert, and then a Court of Arbitration. Pakistan has proceeded without India’s agreement
Parallel Mechanisms
🔄 The World Bank has facilitated both a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration. India argues this contradicts the treaty’s provisions. Upcoming Decisions
🔍 The Neutral Expert is expected to assess whether the design parameters of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects comply with the IWT.
Summary: The Neutral Expert appointed under the Indus Water Treaty has declared his competence to resolve disputes, but India and Pakistan remain at an impasse regarding treaty renegotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms
Indus Water Treaty Overview of the Treaty Definition
A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. Established: 1960, brokered by the World Bank. Rivers Involved: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab (mainly for Pakistan) and Ravi, Beas, Sutlej (mainly for India). Key Points: Regulates water distribution. Aims to resolve disputes over water resources. Provides a framework for cooperation. Recent Developments Neutral Expert’s Role: World Bank-appointed expert supports India’s stance. Dismisses Pakistan’s claims regarding hydro projects.
