According to officials, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Jammu on Sunday evening to participate in Neutral Expert proceedings, aimed at inspecting two hydroelectric power projects in Jammu and Kashmir under the Indus Water Treaty. This marks the first visit by a Pakistani delegation to Jammu and Kashmir in over five years, as part of the dispute resolution process outlined in the 1960 Treaty.

India and Pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank as a signatory. The treaty establishes a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding the use of waters from several cross-border rivers.

#WATCH | Jammu: A delegation from Pakistan reached Jammu in connection with the Indus water treaty. The delegation will visit different dam sites in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/AN7zsYR37x

— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2024

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A three-member Pakistani delegation last inspected the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric power projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in January 2019, before relations between the two countries deteriorated following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. According to officials, while in the Union Territory, the visiting experts, which include delegates from Pakistan, will conduct inspections of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power projects located in the Chenab Valley.

Pakistan initially requested the World Bank’s intervention in 2016, raising objections to the design of the two hydroelectric projects and seeking resolution through a ‘Neutral Expert.’ However, Pakistan later shifted its approach, seeking adjudication via a Court of Arbitration. India insisted that the issue should be resolved solely through ‘Neutral Expert’ proceedings.

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After negotiations failed to yield an agreement, the World Bank appointed a Neutral Expert and the chair of the Court of Arbitration in October 2022. India, objecting to parallel considerations, issued a notice to modify the Treaty, stating such dual processes were not covered under any IWT provision.

In July 2023, the Court of Arbitration declared itself competent to adjudicate Pakistan’s disputes. Pakistan submitted its first Memorial with supporting documents in March 2023, and the Court conducted a visit to the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-Electric Plant in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to understand run-of-river hydro-electric plant operations along the Indus system.

India, opting out of the Court of Arbitration, submitted a Memorial to the Neutral Expert in August 2023. Pakistan participated in the second meeting held by the Neutral Expert in Vienna in September 2023, discussing the organisation of the site visit.

To facilitate the visit of neutral experts and delegations from India and Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has appointed 25 “liaison officers.”

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