“Largest Killing of Civilians Since Mumbai Attacks”: Indian High Commissioner to UK Condemns Pahalgam Attack
New Delhi, April 25, 2025 – In the wake of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians including a Nepalese national, India has taken unprecedented diplomatic and strategic steps. Among the most significant is placing the 1972 Simla Agreement in abeyance, effectively removing India’s obligation to adhere to the Line of Control (LoC)—a development that could have long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.
Simla Agreement Suspended: Legal and Strategic Implications
The Simla Agreement, signed in 1972 following the Indo-Pak war of 1971, has been a cornerstone in India-Pakistan relations, committing both nations to resolve disputes bilaterally and maintain respect for the LoC.
However, citing Pakistan’s continued support to non-state actors and its failure to curb cross-border terrorism, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced:
“In light of persistent provocations and the recent civilian massacre in Pahalgam, India hereby puts the Simla Agreement on hold. We can no longer be expected to adhere to diplomatic protocols that are routinely violated by the other party.”
This effectively frees India from its legal and moral obligation to maintain the sanctity of the LoC, opening the door for potential recalibrations in military posture and engagement rules along the Kashmir frontier.
France Voices Strong Support
In a powerful show of solidarity, France stood shoulder to shoulder with India, strongly condemning the attack and acknowledging New Delhi’s right to take decisive action.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued the following statement:
“France stands firmly with India in this hour of grief. The massacre of innocent pilgrims is a heinous act that cannot go unanswered. We support India’s right to defend its citizens and territory against acts of terror.”
France, a key defense partner of India and the supplier of the Rafale fighter jets used in the ongoing Exercise Aakraman, emphasized the need for coordinated international pressure against terrorism emanating from across borders.
International Echoes
France’s position aligns with a broader global sentiment. The United States, United Kingdom, and Israel have also expressed their support, calling for Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil.
UK MP Bob Blackman, who has consistently raised Kashmir-related concerns in Parliament, remarked:
“We must all condemn the atrocities in Pahalgam. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to state-supported terrorism. India has every right to act.”
The United States State Department echoed similar sentiments, affirming India’s right to self-defense and pledging enhanced counter-terror cooperation.
India’s Military Readiness Rises
With the LoC no longer governed by the Simla Agreement, India’s security apparatus has entered a heightened state of readiness:
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The Indian Air Force launched Exercise Aakraman using Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets to simulate retaliatory and defensive operations.
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The Indian Navy conducted missile-firing drills in the Arabian Sea, sending a message of strategic preparedness.
A senior defense official noted:
“We are exercising every option. With no agreement in place, we will now redefine our own rules of engagement.”
What This Means Going Forward
The suspension of the Simla Agreement could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Indo-Pak relations—one that sees greater assertiveness from New Delhi, both diplomatically and militarily.
Key Consequences:
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Increased freedom of action for India along the LoC.
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Possible resumption of cross-LoC surgical operations if provoked.
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Further deterioration in diplomatic ties unless backchannel talks resume.
A Landmark Treaty, Now Suspended
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, has been one of the world’s most enduring water-sharing agreements. It allocates the waters of six rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — between India and Pakistan.
Under the terms, India had control over the eastern rivers, while Pakistan had rights over the western ones. Despite multiple wars and border conflicts, the treaty remained intact — until now.
Official Government Statement
In a press briefing, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated:
“India can no longer be expected to uphold the sanctity of a treaty when the other signatory consistently uses terror as a tool of state policy. The Indus Waters Treaty is hereby suspended until further review. This move is not against the people of Pakistan, but against a regime that shelters extremists and undermines peace in the region.”
Immediate Impact on Water Flow
Immediate Impact on Water FlowSources in the Ministry of Jal Shakti confirmed that India has begun reviewing water flows from key hydroelectric projects on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers. Flow control mechanisms at the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams are reportedly being recalibrated.
India may now fully harness the potential of the western rivers, which were previously allowed to flow largely unhindered into Pakistan.
Why Now?
This announcement follows the Pahalgam terror attack, in which over two dozen civilians, including women and children, were killed. The government argues that such barbaric acts, which continue to be orchestrated across the border, nullify the spirit of mutual cooperation that formed the basis of the treaty.
Global Reaction
While Pakistan has termed the move “an act of aggression” and vowed to raise the issue at international forums, initial global responses have been cautious. However, France, the US, and the UK have maintained that India has the sovereign right to reassess its obligations, especially when national security is at stake.
British MP Bob Blackman commented:
“It is disappointing that Pakistan has once again allowed violence to determine the narrative. India’s suspension of the treaty must be seen in the context of prolonged provocation and persistent loss of innocent lives.”
What’s Next?
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India is expected to accelerate construction on storage and diversion projects.
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A high-level committee has been formed to revisit water-sharing strategies and review unused entitlements under the treaty.
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Legal experts believe that India’s move is consistent with international law under the principle of material breach of treaty terms.
Strategic and Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists have warned about potential downstream consequences if the water flow is significantly altered. However, government officials have assured that any changes will be gradual and scientifically reviewed.
The abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty marks the end of an era in Indo-Pakistan relations. What was once a shining example of peaceful conflict resolution has now become collateral damage in an increasingly volatile geopolitical equation.
As one senior bureaucrat put it:
“Water was meant to unite. But blood has flowed instead.”
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, has been described as the largest killing of civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. At least 26 tourists, mostly Indian nationals, were killed in what is now considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in recent years. The attack targeted tourists during the peak season, with armed assailants reportedly separating victims based on religion before shooting them.
In response, the High Commission of India to the UK, led by High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, held a solemn prayer meet at the Gandhi Hall in London to honor the victims. The event saw participation from cross-party British parliamentarians and diaspora organizations, underscoring the gravity of the incident and the solidarity shown by the UK. The attack was also raised in the British Parliament, with UK lawmakers expressing condolences and reaffirming their support for India in the fight against terrorism.
Catherine West, the UK Foreign Office minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific, stated, “UK stands shoulder to shoulder in the face of cowardly attacks of terrorism against innocent civilians,” highlighting the international condemnation and the shared commitment to justice and support for the victims’ families.
High Commissioner Doraiswami’s leadership at the commemorative event and the strong statements from UK officials reflect the recognition of this attack as a major tragedy, comparable in scale and impact to the Mumbai terror attacks, and emphasize the need for global solidarity against terrorism
How Families of the Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims Are Being Supported
In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, families across India have been left grappling with unimaginable grief and uncertainty. As the nation mourns, efforts are underway to bring comfort, support, and a measure of stability to those who have lost their loved ones.
Financial Relief and Practical Support
Recognizing the urgent needs of the bereaved, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has stepped forward with a pledge of ₹1 crore to assist the families of the victims. This financial aid aims to help families manage immediate expenses and begin to rebuild their lives in the face of sudden loss.
Insurance companies, too, are responding with compassion. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has simplified its claim process for those affected, waiving typical documentation requirements and proactively reaching out to ensure families receive the benefits they are entitled to without delay.
State governments are also offering targeted assistance. In Odisha, for example, the government has announced a relief package of ₹20 lakh for the family of Prashant Satpathy, one of the victims. Beyond financial aid, they have promised a government job for his widow and pledged to cover the educational expenses of their young son, providing a lifeline for a family whose future was upended overnight.
Emotional and Psychological Care
While financial support is crucial, the emotional wounds left by such a tragedy run deep. Mental health professionals are urging a trauma-informed approach, highlighting the importance of immediate psychological support for survivors and the bereaved. Community support groups and counseling are being encouraged to help families process their grief, especially for children who may be particularly vulnerable to long-term trauma.
Experts emphasize the need for a calm, supportive environment where families can express their emotions and begin to heal, surrounded by understanding and care.
A Nation Stands in Solidarity
The outpouring of support has not been limited to financial and psychological aid. Leaders from across the country, including state Chief Ministers and national officials, have visited grieving families, offering words of comfort and solidarity. Public gatherings and memorials have served as a reminder that the pain of these families is shared by the entire nation.
As India comes together to support those left behind, the hope is that these combined efforts—practical, emotional, and communal—will help families find strength in the face of tragedy and begin the long journey toward healing.
As the dust settles over the picturesque meadows of Pahalgam, the shock and sorrow of the April 22 terror attack continue to reverberate across India and beyond. The nation is still coming to terms with the loss of 26 innocent lives—tourists who had set out seeking beauty and peace, only to have their journeys cut short in an act of senseless violence.
In the immediate aftermath, local residents displayed remarkable courage, rushing to rescue the wounded and offer shelter to survivors. Emergency services and the military responded swiftly, airlifting the critically injured and establishing helplines for anxious families. Across the country, communities have united in grief, offering prayers and support to the bereaved, while government agencies have mobilized to provide financial, emotional, and practical assistance to those left behind.
At the highest levels, the response has been resolute. Prime Minister Modi cut short an overseas trip to oversee emergency meetings, vowing that justice will be served and that those responsible will not escape accountability. Security forces have launched an unprecedented crackdown, detaining over 1,400 individuals across Kashmir in a determined effort to dismantle the networks behind the attack and prevent further bloodshed. Meanwhile, cities like Mumbai have heightened their vigilance, determined not to let fear take root again.
The attack has also shaken diplomatic corridors, with global leaders expressing outrage and solidarity, and the tragedy has reignited difficult questions about security, coexistence, and the enduring scars of conflict in Kashmir.
Yet, amid the heartbreak, the resilience of the Indian people shines through. From the selfless acts of local rescuers to the outpouring of national and international support, there is a collective resolve to honor the victims not just with words, but with action—by standing together against terror, by supporting the families in their darkest hour, and by refusing to let hatred define the future.
As the investigation continues and the nation mourns, one truth remains clear: the memory of those lost in Pahalgam will not fade, and their legacy will be a renewed commitment to unity, compassion, and the unyielding pursuit of peace.
READ MORE: 2025 Pahalgam attack – Wikipedia
