Indian Government took a strong and historic measures against Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir which killed 26 people including a foreign tourist. The Indus Waters Treaty will be suspended indefinitely by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi after cross border links to the attack were revealed as part of an investigative effort.
A water sharing accord signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 under the supervision of World Bank. According to the Indus Waters Treaty, India was entitled to use the waters of Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers while Pakistan had rights to the waters of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers.
The treaty held for more than six decades even as the two countries fought three wars.
However in light of this latest attack the Indian government has chosen to put the treaty on hold. This could severely affect Pakistan which is already struggling with water scarcity due to factors like population growth, poor water management and climate change.
Alongside this, India has also decided to shut down the Attari Wagah border crossing with immediate effect. Only those Pakistanis who entered India with valid endorsements will be allowed to return through this border before May 1, 2025. Additionally the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) which allowed certain Pakistani officials, journalists and dignitaries to travel without regular visas has been cancelled.
India has also taken diplomatic measures by declaring Pakistani military officials posted in New Delhi as persona non grata. In turn, India will recall its defence staff from its High Commission in Islamabad. Both countries will reduce their diplomatic staff to 30 members each by May 1, 2025.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that these actions were taken due to the serious nature of the attack which comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is moving forward peacefully after successful elections. He stated that India will continue its efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
