New Delhi – India has taken decisive measures following the devastating attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed at least 26 lives.
On Wednesday, the government announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and ordered the immediate closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
These actions were revealed after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting lasted over two hours and concluded with a stern condemnation of the attack, which has further strained India-Pakistan relations.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press conference, stated, “The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance until Pakistan unequivocally ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.” The treaty, signed over six decades ago, governs the use of rivers shared between the two nations.
This move underscores India’s zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism and marks a significant escalation in its diplomatic stance.
Closure of Wagah-Attari Border
India also announced the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, the sole road link between the two countries. “The integrated checkpost at Attari will be shut immediately. Those who crossed into India legally may return by May 1, 2025,” Misri added.
The border has long symbolized a tenuous connection between the nations, facilitating limited trade and civilian exchanges. Its closure signals the depth of India’s response to the terror incident.
Expulsion of Diplomats and Visa Cancellations
As part of its measures, India has expelled Pakistani military advisors stationed in New Delhi. “The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in Pakistan’s High Commission are now persona non grata and must leave within a week,” Misri said. In a reciprocal move, Indian advisors will also be withdrawn from Islamabad.
Further, all Pakistani nationals holding SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) permits must exit India within 48 hours. “SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals are now null and void,” Misri confirmed.
Diplomatic Fallout
The terror attack has triggered a seismic shift in India’s policy towards Pakistan, with the government taking robust steps to pressure Islamabad. The CCS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Indian lives and interests, while expressing condolences to the victims’ families and calling for global support against terrorism.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Wagah-Attari border are likely to impact bilateral relations significantly, raising questions about future diplomatic engagements.
As tensions mount, the international community will closely monitor how these measures shape the already fragile dynamic between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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