India Urges World Bank to Recall French Dam Engineer from IWT Oversight

India has recently voiced its concerns over the role of the World Bank and its appointed Neutral Expert, a French dam engineer named Lino, concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This tension stems from a disagreement involving two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan contests, asserting they breach the IWT.

Lino was appointed by the World Bank on October 13, 2022, to determine if the hydroelectric projects comply with the IWT, a crucial agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. While Lino has backed India's claims regarding the project, India is firm in its stance against the World Bank's continued involvement in the matter.

The IWT has been a cornerstone of water-sharing in the region, authorizing India to utilize the Eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while designating the Western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—primarily for Pakistan. This treaty has survived nearly 65 years, weathering various conflicts between the two nations.

Currently, the dispute revolves around the technical specifications of the hydroelectric plants. India contends that their designs align with the IWT, while Pakistan asserts they do not. As these disagreements unfold, India’s request for the World Bank to withdraw its involvement reflects deeper regional tensions and the intricate nature of international water-sharing agreements.

In summary, India’s demand for the World Bank to reconsider its French dam designer speaks volumes about the complexities of the IWT and the ongoing challenges faced in resolving disputes in a shared water resource landscape. For more insights on the Indus Waters Treaty, you can visit World Bank - Indus Waters Treaty.