Troubled ties: Pakistan-India

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Despite a recommitment to observe a ceasefire in accordance with a 2003 understanding, formal dialogue between Pakistan and India has been suspended for some time, and long-standing disagreements and disputes have persisted. Recently, Pakistan denounced India's decision to hold a G20 tourism working group meeting in occupied Kashmir and called for Muslim countries and China not to attend meetings in the disputed region. Additionally, India has notified Pakistan of its intention to modify the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which governs the sharing and management of trans-border rivers. India seeks to bar third-party intervention in disputes by the proposed treaty modification, which has raised concerns in Pakistan.

Formal dialogue and the peace process between the two countries were suspended by India long before the 2019 Kashmir action. However, both countries agreed to observe a ceasefire on the Line of Control, and the ceasefire has mostly held. But the diplomatic deadlock continues, with strongly worded statements exchanged with regularity. The more consequential development for Pakistan-India relations in recent months has been over the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. This has raised questions over the fate of the treaty that governs the sharing and management of trans-border rivers.

Pakistan has long disputed the construction of the Kishanganga hydroelectric project on the Jhelum river and the proposed Ratle Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab river in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This has figured for decades in bilateral talks and meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission. India served notice on Islamabad that it would unilaterally amend the treaty two days before the first court hearing at the Hague, which India boycotted, citing Pakistans intransigence in handling disputes.` Pakistan rejected India's call for negotiations on amending the treaty's dispute mechanism and accused Delhi of trying to divert attention from arbitration proceedings at the Hague.

Finally, tensions have even affected sports. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in September, but Indian Cricket Board's Jay Shah unilaterally announced a schedule for the tournament without consulting the host country. When Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi protested, Shah conveyed India's refusal to play in Pakistan. Sethi offered a hybrid option with matches involving India played in a neutral venue and the rest in Pakistan.

 (Courtesy: Dawn.pk)