India seeks pause in World Bank expert’s proceedings over Kishanganga & Ratle

• India has written to World Bank’s neutral expert requesting a pause in hearings on Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects.

• The move follows the government’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.

• Dispute concerns two hydropower projects in J&K:

• Kishanganga (on Kishanganga River)

• Ratle (on Chenab River)

• Pakistan claims India’s designs violate treaty rules, especially minimum flow requirements.

• Pakistan was to submit a counter-memorial by August 7, 2025.

• A joint meeting with the expert was scheduled for November 17–22.

• India-Pakistan Exchange of Letters

• India formally informed Pakistan of the IWT suspension on April 24.

• Pakistan responded positively before Operation Sindoor (May 7), but India has not replied.

• No further dialogue is currently planned.

• India plans a canal to divert Indus system waters to Indian states.

• Flushing operations were conducted at Salal and Baglihar dams to clear sediment — the first since their construction.

• India is fast-tracking four major projects on the Chenab:

• Pakal Dul (1,000 MW)

• Ratle (850 MW)

• Kiru (624 MW)

• Kwar (540 MW)