Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Water Resources, the Republic of India and the Ministry of Water Resources, the People’s Republic of China on Strengthening Cooperation on Trans-border Rivers
10/23/2013

The Ministry of Water Resources, the Republic of India and the Ministry of Water Resources, the People's Republic of China (hereafter referred to as the "parties"),

Recalling the Working Regulations of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India of April 2008, the MOU between the Ministry of Water Resources, the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Water Resources, the Republic of India upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Langqen Zangbo/Sutlej River in Flood Season by China to India of December 2010, the MOU between the Ministry of Water Resources, the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Water Resources, the Republic of India upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to India of May 2013, and the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India of May 2013,

Have reached the following understanding:

1. The two sides recognized that trans-border rivers and related natural resources and the environment are assets of immense value to the socio-economic development of all riparian countries.

2. Both sides agreed that cooperation on trans-border rivers will further enhance mutual strategic trust and communication as well as strengthen the strategic and cooperative partnership. The two sides appreciated the role and importance of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers between China and India.

3. The Indian side expressed appreciation to China for providing flood-season hydrological data and the assistance in emergency management.

4. The Chinese side agreed to extend the data provision period of the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River, which was agreed upon in the MOU between the Ministry of Water Resources, the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Water Resources, the Republic of India upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to India of May 2013 from 2014, that is to start from May 15th instead of June 1stto October 15th of the relevant year. The two sides shall implement this in accordance with related Implementation Plan. The Indian side expressed appreciation to the Chinese side in this regard.

5. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation on trans-border rivers, cooperate through the existing Expert Level Mechanism on provision off lood-season hydrological data and emergency management, and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest.

This Memorandum of Understanding will enter into force upon signature and can be amended and modified with mutual agreement.

Done in Beijing on this 23rd day of October 2013, in two originals each in Hindi, English and Chinese, languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.