Indus Waters Treaty Dispute: Pakistan to Attend Neutral Expert Proceedings in Vienna, India Stays Away

New Delhi: The dispute between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is once again deepening. Pakistan announced on Wednesday that the next round of Neutral Expert Proceedings under the treaty will be held in Vienna, Austria, next week. The proceedings will be held between November 17 and 21. This move comes at a time when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April this year. Afghanistan follows India’s Indus water move; Could dams on Kunar spark tensions with Pakistan? Background of the Indus Waters Treaty The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, mediated by the World Bank. The treaty regulates the distribution of water from six rivers of the Indus River system—the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. According to this treaty, India has the right to use the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), while Pakistan has greater rights over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). India's Suspension of the Treaty India suspended the treaty on April 22nd. This decision was taken after Pakistani terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India believes that continuing water cooperation is not logical when Pakistan is promoting terrorism. Pakistan's Response and Arbitration Proceedings Following India's move, Pakistan initiated arbitration proceedings on September 19th under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan maintains that it is protecting its rights in accordance with the treaty's terms. [caption id="attachment_165678" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Taliban’s move echoes India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after April terror attack.[/caption] Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the Court of Arbitration recently clarified certain issues and confirmed that the proceedings will continue in a phased manner. Proceedings Continue Despite India's Non-Participation The Foreign Office also stated that the neutral expert proceedings were initiated at India's request, but India has now decided not to participate in the process. Despite this, Pakistan is actively participating in the proceedings. According to Pakistan, the neutral expert has made it clear that India's non-participation cannot stop the proceedings. India's Stance and Future Plans India clarified in October this year that the water saved by the suspension of the treaty with Pakistan will now be used for domestic purposes. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that this water will be made available to Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan in the next one and a half years. The aim is to ensure that the water given to Pakistan can be utilized within the country. Pakistan begs for water after India suspends Indus Water Treaty Overall, tensions have increased between India and Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty. While India has suspended the treaty over security and terrorism issues, Pakistan is attempting to assert its position through international forums. The proceedings in Vienna in the coming days will determine the next phase of this entire dispute.