India Participates in Neutral Expert Meeting on Indus Waters Treaty

Vienna, September 21, 2023 – India’s delegation, headed by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, participated in a meeting of the Neutral Expert proceedings regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle matter at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Vienna on September 20 and 21, 2023. Senior Advocate Harish Salve KC represented India as its Lead Counsel in this critical matter.

This meeting was convened by the Neutral Expert, appointed at India’s request under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty, and saw the presence of representatives from both India and Pakistan.

India’s engagement in this meeting aligns with its consistent and principled stance that, in accordance with the graded mechanism outlined in the Indus Waters Treaty, the Neutral Expert proceedings are the sole legitimate proceedings at this stage. Consequently, India has made the Treaty-compliant decision not to participate in parallel proceedings conducted by an unlawfully constituted Court of Arbitration concerning the same issues related to the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs).

The Neutral Expert proceedings are currently ongoing and are anticipated to continue for some time. India remains dedicated to participating constructively and in a manner that facilitates the resolution of these issues in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.