Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Neutral Expert Proceedings

The recent developments concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) have highlighted ongoing tensions and procedural challenges. This summary provides an overview of the key events and decisions related to the neutral expert proceedings.

India's Non-Participation and Neutral Expert's Response

• India has stayed away from the recent fourth meeting of the neutral expert proceedings related to the IWT, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Neutral expert Michel Lino stated that in case of India's continued non-participation, he would proceed 'expeditiously' and determine the issue without further submissions or site visits to India.

Pakistan's Position and Communication

• On October 1, Pakistan requested the expert to determine the matter urgently, based on the initial submissions and the first site visit.
• Lino's office acknowledged Pakistan's request and confirmed the intention to proceed without further inputs from India unless it decides to rejoin.

Proceedings and Future Steps

• In case India re-engages, the neutral expert will consider amendments to the work programme, considering the stage of the proceedings and construction schedules.
• India had previously stated on September 29 that future meetings should be paused.
• The fourth meeting in Vienna included only Pakistan's submissions and responses, with no participation from India.

Original Work Programme and Current Status

• Originally, the fourth meeting was to include India's memorial and Pakistan's counter memorial, with a second site visit planned for December 2025.
• This programme also included subsequent submissions and rejoinders through 2026, which are now paused.