India agrees to redesign disputed Miyar Hydroelectric plant

ISLAMABAD: The Indian delegation led by Indian Indus Water Commissioner P.K. Saxena agreed to halt progress on Miyar hydroelectric project's design.

The delegation accepted Pakistan's reservation on the disputed project during the second and last day of talks on the Indus Water Commission in Islamabad. 

"India will create and share a new design of the project," said Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner Mirza Asif Baig.

Baig further said that India agreed to review the design for the disputed Lower Kalnai hydroelectric project.

Talks on the second day of the 13th Indo-Pak Indus Water Commission conference concluded on Tuesday afternoon.

"Meeting minutes will be finalised today,” a source told Geo News.

The 13th Indo-Pak Indus Water Commission conference commenced in Islamabad Monday.

Discussions on disputed projects including Miyar, Lower Kalnai, and Pakal Dul are on the agenda of the two-day meeting between Pakistani officials and the 10-member Indian delegation.

On Monday, addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Water and Power, Minister of Defence and Water and Power Khawaja Asif welcomed the Indian delegation. He said he would not make any speculations on the resolution of disputes.

"The talks, postponed since 2015, have resumed due to efforts made by the government," said Asif. "They are in the best interest of both neighbours."

"Deliberations on the Ratle hydro projects on Jhelum and Chenab rivers will begin in Washington next month," said the minister. "We are hopeful of a positive outcome from the resolution of the water dispute."