India giving flood data to Pakistan by diplomatic means

Amid rising water levels along the border areas, especially in Punjab, India has been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through diplomatic channels, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

Asked whether the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) had impacted cooperation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the sharing of information was continuing, though outside the framework of the treaty.

“We have been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through our High Commission in Islamabad and other diplomatic channels, as and when required. This is being done on humanitarian considerations, given the kind of rainfall and flooding that has been witnessed in the region,” Jaiswal said. Pakistan has been facing severe flooding in multiple districts since the start of the monsoon season, which has claimed more than 850 lives. The flooding in low-lying areas along the India-Pakistan border has caused concern on both sides, with authorities closely monitoring river systems swollen by incessant rains.

In the past 10 days, the New Delhi has reportedly shared hydrological data twice with Islamabad, which was duly reported by Pakistan media.

MEA sources have stressed that the arrangement was meant to ensure timely communication in view of the current flood situation and was not linked to the IWT, which continues to remain in abeyance.