♤ 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.

♤ In the context of the recent acrimony in relations issues related to the Indus Water Treaty have gained salience.

1.4. The Indus Water Treaty

♤ The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. Signed by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the then President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan.

♤ The treaty pertains to most complete and satisfactory utilisation of the waters of the Indus system comprising of the six rivers running across the Indus basin.

♤ The negotiations were the initiative of former World Bank President Eugene Black.

♤ Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often."

1.4.1. Significance