The authorities in the south Indian state of Karnataka have released disputed water from the Cauvery river to the next door state of Tamil Nadu. Officials in Karnataka say heavy rains have enabled the authorities to release the water.
The decision came as the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the dispute.
The two states have argued for decades over sharing the water, with Tamil Nadu now arguing it should have more.
A BBC correspondent says Mr Singh is expected to ask Karnataka to release more Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
But analysts say if monsoon rains continue for another 10 days the issue between the two states would be settled at least for this year.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version