Kashmir: In a landmark and forceful diplomatic response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the Government of India has taken unprecedented steps by suspending the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing with Pakistan. These decisions were announced following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, 2025.
🔴 The Pahalgam Massacre: Catalyst for Action
The horrifying attack occurred on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a prominent tourist destination in South Kashmir. A group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire indiscriminately at tourists, resulting in 26 fatalities — including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen — and injuring at least 17 more.
The group behind the assault, calling itself “Kashmir Resistance”, claimed responsibility, accusing the victims of being informants of Indian security forces. The attack has been widely condemned, with India attributing blame to Pakistan-based handlers who allegedly supported and coordinated the operation.
Security agencies have launched a region-wide manhunt for the assailants, intensifying anti-terror operations in South Kashmir.
🌊 Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: A Diplomatic Shockwave
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, has been a rare example of cooperation between India and Pakistan even amidst wars and political tensions. The treaty regulates the sharing of six rivers flowing through both countries — with India receiving control of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), and Pakistan receiving the three western ones (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
However, India has now formally suspended its adherence to the treaty, citing national security concerns and Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist elements. A senior government official stated:
“Pakistan cannot expect water cooperation while it harbors enemies of peace and sponsors terror against Indian citizens. The Indus Waters Treaty will remain suspended until Islamabad credibly and irreversibly ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.”
This marks the first time since 1960 that India has taken such a drastic step, effectively putting downstream water supply to Pakistan under uncertainty.
🛑 Closure of Attari-Wagah Border: Symbolic and Strategic
Effective immediately, the Attari-Wagah Integrated Check Post (ICP) — the only land border crossing for passengers between India and Pakistan — has been shut down. While individuals who had crossed into either country with valid documentation are permitted to return before May 1, 2025, no new cross-border civilian movement will be allowed thereafter.
This move not only halts people-to-people exchanges but also restricts informal diplomacy and trade routes, tightening India’s geopolitical stance.
Visa Cancellation and Expulsion of Pakistani Nationals from India
As part of its comprehensive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has taken the significant step of cancelling all existing visas issued to Pakistani citizens, including those for business, medical, and academic purposes. This measure is a part of India’s broader diplomatic strategy to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the terrorist incident.
Additionally, under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, Pakistani nationals who are currently in India have been given 48 hours to leave the country. This move is intended to further restrict cross-border movement and reinforce India’s stance on the importance of addressing cross-border terrorism. With no new visas to be issued for Pakistani nationals in the foreseeable future, the Indian government is sending a clear message regarding its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its commitment to securing national interests.
Diplomatic & Strategic Measures Taken
India’s response is comprehensive, involving diplomatic, military, and administrative domains:
1. Reduction in Diplomatic Presence
The government has instructed a mutual downsizing of diplomatic staff in both New Delhi and Islamabad. The strength of the High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 officials each by May 1.
2. Expulsion of Military Attachés
India has recalled its Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors from Pakistan. The Pakistani counterparts in India have been declared persona non grata and have been ordered to leave within 72 hours.
3. Visa Cancellation and Travel Ban
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All existing visas for Pakistani citizens, including business, medical, and academic, have been cancelled.
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No new visas will be issued for the foreseeable future.
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Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to leave within 48 hours.
🌐 Global Reactions and Tensions Ahead
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Attari border have reverberated through diplomatic circles worldwide. While India has asserted its sovereign right to safeguard national interests, Islamabad has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and condemned the retaliatory measures as “unilateral and escalatory.”
Several international agencies and foreign governments have urged both nations to exercise restraint and maintain diplomatic channels. However, Indian officials reiterated that these actions are “non-negotiable” until Pakistan takes verifiable steps to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.
🔚 Conclusion
India’s bold response reflects a larger policy shift from strategic restraint to proactive defense. By suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari border, the Indian government is sending a clear message — terrorism will not be tolerated, and cross-border peace cannot be achieved unless there is genuine accountability.
For official confirmation and government statements on the matter, readers may refer to the Ministry of External Affairs’ official press briefing here.
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