1.3. Key Issues

The India-Pakistan joint statement on 23 September 1998, following the meeting of the two Foreign Secretaries in New York, identified the issues to be included in the CDP between the two countries and the levels at which they were to be addressed.

1. Peace and Security including Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) — Foreign Secretaries

2. Jammu and Kashmir — Foreign Secretaries

3. Siachen — Defence Secretaries

4. Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project — Secretaries, Water & Power

5. Sir Creek — Additional Secretary (Defence)/Surveyors General

6. Terrorism and Drug Trafficking — Home/Interior Secretaries

7. Economic and Commercial Cooperation — Commerce Secretaries.

8. Promotion of Friendly exchanges in various fields — Secretaries, Culture.

♤ Terrorism: India has been pressing its concern on the role of Pakistan based actors in terrorism in India. This is backed by the US as well. Terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territory under its control has, however, severely limited and disrupted initiatives to build a stable relationship.

♤ Kashmir: Following the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947 over the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, its territory has remained divided between India and Pakistan. A ceasefire line (1949), later known as the Line of Control (LoC, since 1972), separates the Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered parts. Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the issue at forums such as the United Nations. However this has produced diminishing returns. CDP remains the only bilateral forum where Kashmir is formally brought to the table by India and Pakistan

♤ Normalization: Normalization refers to the process of making progress on the contentious issues between the country. It involves, trade, cultural exchanges and resolving the issues known as ‘low hanging fruits’ such as Siachen and Sirceek issues.♤ It is Seen as one of the most successful international treaties,♤ It is the first and only treaty that goes beyond water sharing to partitioning rivers.unrestricted use.1.4.3. Indus, Jhelum and Chenab: Western Rivers and India o Domestic Use;♤ The treaty states that except in certain cases, no storage and irrigation systems can be built by India on the western rivers.o The World Bank’s role in relation to “differences” and “disputes” is limited to the designation of people to fulfill certain roles when requested by either or both of the parties.1.4.4. Recent Disagreements ♤ India and Pakistan disagree about the construction of the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants being built by India.♤ Talks related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power plants are ongoing. However, different treaty mechanisms are sought by India and Pakistan.♤ The Treaty does not empower the World Bank to choose whether one procedure should take precedence over the other.1.4.5. What are Indian Concerns in Recent Times?♤ Given that water is J&K’s main natural resource and essential for economic development,1.4.7. Should the Treaty be Revoked?♤ The treaty has survived India-Pakistan wars of 1965, 1971 and the 1999 Kargil standoff besides Kashmir insurgency since 1990 and is considered as the most successful water treaty in world. Upholding the treaty even under adverse circumstances has added to the international image and India prides itself in being a responsible country 1.4.8. India’s Options