Indus Waters Treaty: The World Bank has on Friday said that it has a limited role as a facilitator in the Indus Waters Treaty, which India suspended in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is an agreement that regulates the utilisation of six rivers flowing between India and Pakistan: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.The Chenab River holds significant importance for Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Two major dams, Salal and Baglihar, are situated along its course. Following persistent concerns about Pakistan’s inaction against cross-border terrorism, India opted to suspend the treaty.According to PIB, World Bank President Ajay Banga has said: “We have no role to play beyond a facilitator. There’s a lot of speculation in the media about how the World Bank will step in and fix the problem but it’s all bunk. The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator.”Ajay Banga on Thursday held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, according to a TOI report.Pakistan faces a significant challenge as it is preparing international legal proceedings regarding India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Reuters reported that Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, indicated Pakistan was considering three legal options, including approaching the World Bank.Also Read | Operation Sindoor: Can Pakistan economically afford a protracted conflict with India as tensions escalate? Here’s a reality checkPrime Minister Modi has stated that India will utilise its rightful water resources.Modi has said: “A discussion is going on in the media over the water issue (referring to Indus-Water Treaty)… ‘Bharat ke haq ka paani, Bharat ke haq mein bahega.”Recent footage from Thursday in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, revealed the Salal Dam’s three gates fully opened. Previously, India maintained strict regulation of water flow to Pakistan through this dam situated on the Chenab River.In retaliation to the Pahalgam terror incident, India has launched Operation Sindoor, targetting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The situation intensified when Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on Indian military installations on Thursday, which were successfully intercepted and prevented by the Indian armed forces.
