Indus Water Treaty: India takes strong exception to World Bank decision

India on Thursday night took strong exception to the World Bank’s “inexplicable” decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan’s complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

Surprised at the World Bank’s decision to appoint a Neutral Expert, as sought by the Indian government and at the same time establish a Court of Arbitration as wanted by Pakistan, India said proceeding with both the steps simultaneously “legally untenable”.

“Inexplicably, the World Bank has decided to continue to proceed with these two parallel mechanisms simultaneously.  India cannot be party to actions which are not in accordance with the Indus Waters Treaty.

“The government will examine further options and take steps accordingly,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.