New Delhi:
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga met Prime Minister Narendra Modi after today, when India suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan after the Pahgam terror attack. The meeting was held after a air strike on the terrorist infrastructure in India and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Pakistan tried to target Indian military establishments in 15 cities yesterday, but was reprimanded. India today retaliated by striking air defense systems in Pakistan.
The meeting of the President of the World Bank with Prime Minister Modi took place in India in 1960 shortly after the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Mohammad Ayub Khan. The World Bank supported a nine -year -long talks that paved the way for the treaty. It is also a signator for the treaty.
After the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, India had stopped the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River for the last few days. A run-of-the-super power project, Baglihar Dam is located in Jammu and Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir and currently produces 900 MW of hydroelectrics.
According to the Indus water treaty, it can only catch water to a certain height. Once met, India will have to release water. The only way to prevent water for a long period is to increase the height of the dam, which will not be overnight. India’s move to block water was a message for Pakistan amidst growing tension.
During his visit to India, Mr. Banga will visit Uttar Pradesh tomorrow and participate in a series of meetings and programs. The Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement, “His visit shows the increasing global interest in the rapid development of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as the state continues to move towards its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.”
