Facts For Prelims
Source: TH
Context: India has stated that it cannot be forced to participate in “illegal” proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Kashmir.
- The court ruled that it has the authority to consider the dispute between India and Pakistan on the matter. India has argued that it will not join the proceedings initiated by Pakistan as the dispute is already being examined by a neutral expert under the Indus Waters Treaty.
About Indus Water Treaty:
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, deals with cross-border river matters. India believes that the parallel processes initiated by Pakistan violate the provisions of the treaty. India has been participating in the neutral expert proceedings and has been in talks with Pakistan for treaty modification.
About Permanent Court of Arbitration:
- Established in 1899. An international intergovernmental institute has been established in order to resolve disputes between states.
- The PCA has a three-part organisational structure that includes the Administrative Council, which oversees its policies and finances, Members of the Court, a panel of independent prospective arbitrators, and the International Bureau, which is led by the Secretary-General.
- It has a Financial Assistance Fund, which attempts to assist poor nations in meeting a portion of the expenses associated with international arbitration or other forms of dispute resolution offered by the PCA.
