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Amit Shah Calls High-Level Meeting to Discuss Future Action on Indus Waters Treaty ‘Abeyance’

Amit Shah Calls High-Level Meeting to Discuss Future Action on Indus Waters Treaty ‘Abeyance’

New Delhi — In an important move that signals India’s shift in position in water diplomacy the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been reported to have called an high-level conference to consider what the future holds for the Treaty on Indus water amid increasing calls to put the treaty to “abeyance.”

Strategic Review of Indus Waters Treaty

The meeting, which is scheduled to take place at New Delhi this week, is expected to comprise high-ranking representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs, Jal Shakti Ministry, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The agenda is said to revolve around developing a three-step plan to reexamine the obligations of India in the treaty specifically considering Pakistan’s behavior in world forums and claims of support for terrorists who are crossing borders.

“India cannot continue to show goodwill unilaterally,” an top government official informed ArtKerala.com on condition of the anonymity of.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The treaty was signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty provides Pakistan access to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers and Jhelum, while India retains its rights over Sutlej, Beas, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

But, India is now revisiting its pledge because of:

Conflicts between geopolitics
Security issues
Water resources that are not being used to the extent permitted. resources

Calls for ‘Abeyance’

The expression ” abeyance” is a reference to temporary suspension has become popular in the policy world in recent years, in the context of India investigates diplomatic and legal avenues to stop or limit access to Indus water to Pakistan without violating international standards.

Experts suggest India might:

Accelerate the construction of diversion and water storage projects
Reclaim the maximum usage permissible in accordance with the treaty
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International Reactions Awaited

Pakistan which is heavily dependent on Indus waters for agriculture as well as drinking, has protested at the Permanent Indus Commission and tried to get in discussions with the World Bank. But, India maintains that the bilateral talks can be the sole feasible solution.

Expert Insight

Security experts in the field of water warn that, while any move that is drastic could increase tensions in the diplomatic arena, India has solid grounds to assert its rights particularly in light of the recurrent misuse by Pakistan of gestures of goodwill.

What’s Next?

The summit called to be held by Amit Shah could prove to be an crucial moment for Indian water diplomacy. A formal announcement is expected to be released later in the week, which could provide India’s new strategy for interacting to the international treaty.

To stay informed regarding the issue, go to artkerala.com.