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In a dramatic response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday, India has announced the immediate suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This unprecedented move comes after the deadly assault, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and has heightened tensions between the two nations. The attack, which is the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, has led to sweeping diplomatic and security actions by India.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened immediately after the attack to discuss the gravity of the situation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed the government’s response to the terror attack and detailed the key decisions taken in the aftermath of the violence. Misri expressed that the Cabinet had condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and sent their deepest condolences to the victims’ families.
Key Measures Taken by India:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
One of the most significant steps announced was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which had been in effect since 1960. The treaty was designed to share the water of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement, Pakistan had control over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India controlled the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. India has now held this treaty in abeyance, with the condition that Pakistan must stop its support for terrorism before the treaty can be reinstated.
The suspension of the treaty is expected to severely impact Pakistan, as India can now cease sharing critical water data, potentially straining Pakistan’s water resources. India’s decision sends a strong message to Pakistan, signaling that terrorism will no longer be tolerated without consequences.
Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border:
In a related move, India decided to shut down the Wagah-Attari border, which is the only operational road link between the two countries. The decision to close the border significantly impacts both trade and people-to-people exchanges. The integrated checkpost at Attari will remain closed until further notice, and the government has given people who have crossed over until May 1, 2025, to return through the route.
Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats:
The Indian government also ordered the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats stationed in India. Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave the country within one week. This decision is a direct consequence of Pakistan’s failure to prevent terrorist groups from operating within its borders. Furthermore, India has ordered the expulsion of all Pakistani nationals holding SAARC visas. All visas previously issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) have been cancelled.
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Reactions:
This significant escalation in India-Pakistan relations comes at a time when both countries were already facing strained ties. The attack in Pahalgam was attributed to the Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has been responsible for numerous terrorist activities in India. The international community has condemned the attack, with several countries expressing their support for India’s right to defend its citizens and its borders.
Lieutenant General Sarath Chand, former vice chief of the Indian Army, emphasized that while India has traditionally upheld the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty even during times of conflict, the recent decision is a warning to Pakistan. He stated that the potential suspension of water to Pakistan, especially to its Punjab province, could have devastating consequences.
India has expressed that these measures will remain in effect until Pakistan takes concrete steps to cease all support for terrorism. The Indian government has indicated that further actions will be taken if Pakistan continues its support for cross-border terrorism.
Looking Ahead:
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, coupled with the diplomatic expulsion and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, marks a significant turning point in India’s relationship with Pakistan. These actions reflect India’s resolve to combat terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy towards violence emanating from across the border. The measures taken are expected to reverberate across the region and could have long-term consequences for the political and economic ties between the two countries.
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