India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Closes Border, Expels Diplomats in Stern Retaliation to Pahalgam Terror Attack

 

In an unambiguous and forceful response to the brutal terrorist assault in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Government of India has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Announcing the decision, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the press in New Delhi, conveying the Government’s outrage and resolute measures following the grievous attack which left 26 dead, including one foreign national.

The decision, taken at the highest level by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), signals a fundamental shift in India’s approach towards Pakistan in light of what are now confirmed to be cross-border linkages uncovered during the early phases of investigation.

The terror strike in Pahalgam, which took place just a day ago, targeted a civilian convoy and is believed to have been meticulously coordinated with support emanating from across the Line of Control. This marks one of the deadliest terror incidents in the region in recent years.

Effective immediately, the following diplomatic and strategic actions have been enforced by the Government of India:

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India will no longer honour the provisions of the 1960 treaty brokered by the World Bank. This decision places the water-sharing agreement in complete abeyance and renders India unbound by its obligations henceforth.
2. Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border Crossing: All civilian and commercial movement across the Attari-Wagah border has been halted with immediate effect.
3. Visa Cancellations: All SAARC visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked. All Pakistani citizens residing in India under these provisions have been instructed to depart the country by 1st May.
4. Expulsion of Defence Personnel: Three Pakistani military attaches posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave Indian soil forthwith. In a reciprocal move, India will withdraw its own three defence attaches, along with five support staff, from its High Commission in Islamabad. Their families will also return.
5. Diplomatic Downsizing: The strength of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been capped at 30 officials, down from the existing 55. India’s mission in Islamabad will be maintained at parity.

In parallel, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has announced a Rs 20 lakh reward for credible information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that this is not merely a diplomatic gesture, but a strategic shift in posture. “There must be consequences for states that continue to sponsor, shelter and glorify terror,” Misri said sternly, adding that India will not countenance any further provocations.

This marks a pivotal moment in Indo-Pak relations, potentially redrawing the contours of bilateral engagement in the months to come.