Joint Statement – Pakistan-India Talks on Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project 12-13 May 2011

(2011-05-13)

Under the resumed dialogue process between Pakistan and India, delegations of the two countries met in Islamabad from 12-13 May 2011 to discuss the Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation project. The Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Javed Iqbal, Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power, Government of Pakistan and the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Dhruv Vijai Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. Secretary Singh and members of the Indian delegation also called on Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water and Power, Government of Pakistan.

The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. The two sides reiterated their commitment to bilateral engagement in a spirit of constructive cooperation. They discussed their respective positions on the Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project while reaffirming the commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.

Both sides emphasised the need for an early and amicable resolution of the issue within the ambit of the Indus Waters Treaty. In order to address the concerns of both countries, it was agreed that the Indian side shall forward comprehensive technical data to Pakistan within one month. The Pakistan side shall examine the said data and furnish its views to the Indian side by 15 September 2011.Both sides further agreed to take the matter forward in the light of the outcome of such technical consultations and in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Islamabad
13 May 2011

162/2011