India Ignores Pak Calls on IWT, Bolsters Canal Infra

Launches study for Chenab-Ravi-Beas-Sutlej link to divert water

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @New Delhi

DESPITE Pakistan's appeals for rethink on the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 1960, India has chosen to remain silent. Instead, India is proactively bolstering its water storage and canal infrastructure, strategically positioning itself to divert the flow of water from Pakistan's rivers ahead of any negotiations.

Officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of External Affairs have acknowledged that India has received four letters from Pakistan since the IWT was put on hold.

The letters, sent by Pakistan's water resources secretary Syed Ali Murtaza, articulate the neighbouring country's desire for revival of the treaty and restoration of the cooperative framework that governs the flow of water resources.