Amid escalating tensions over the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed openness to dialogue and cooperation, emphasising the need for mutual understanding, reported news agency ANI.

"Tamil Nadu have every right to meet as we meet. We don`t object to their meeting. It is their duty," Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated, addressing the ongoing discussions on water allocations. He refrained from direct comments on Tamil Nadu`s recent actions but highlighted positive developments in water inflow in the Cauvery region, reported ANI.