India, Pakistan talk on water issues

Under the resumed dialogue process between India and Pakistan, delegations of the two countries met in Islamabad from 12-13 May to discuss the water issues and amicable solutions of the differences.

The Tulbul Navigation project/Wullar Barrage was discussed between the delegations of the two nations.

The Pakistan delegation was led by Javed Iqbal, Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power, Government of Pakistan and the Indian delegation was led by Dhruv Vijai Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.

Singh and members of the Indian delegation also called on Pakistan Minister of Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar.

In a joint statement the two sides said the talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to bilateral engagement in a spirit of constructive cooperation. They discussed their respective positions on the Tulbul Navigation Project / Wullar Barrage while reaffirming the commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.

Both sides emphasised the need for an early and amicable resolution of the issue within the ambit of the Indus Waters Treaty.

In order to address the concerns of both countries, it was agreed that the Indian side shall forward comprehensive technical data to Pakistan within one month.

The Pakistan side shall examine the said data and furnish its views to the Indian side by Sep 15.

Both sides further agreed to take the matter forward in the light of the outcome of such technical consultations and in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.