India suspends Indus Waters Treaty in retaliation to Pakistan
In a strong response to Pakistan, India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty and closes the Attari border over cross-border terrorism.
Indian media outlets reported on Thursday, April 24 that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in India has implemented strict measures against Pakistan in response to the cross-border linkages identified in the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a foreign national. The CCS’s decision reflects India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism, which continues to undermine peace and security in the region.
In a significant move, the Indian government announced that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water-sharing between the two countries, will be suspended indefinitely. This treaty, one of the few long-standing agreements between India and Pakistan, allowed for the sharing of water from six rivers. India holds rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. This suspension comes as India accuses Pakistan of continuing to support terrorist activities.
The Indian government has also decided to close the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border with immediate effect. Pakistani nationals who crossed into India with valid endorsements have until May 1, 2025, to return. Furthermore, Pakistanis will no longer be eligible for the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), and all previously issued visas under this scheme have been cancelled. This move escalates tensions and signifies India’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism.
In another significant diplomatic response, India has declared Pakistan’s military officials, including naval and air advisers, as Persona Non Grata. These officials must vacate the Indian High Commission in New Delhi within a week. In retaliation, India will withdraw its own defence officials from the Pakistani High Commission in Islamabad. These moves further sour diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Cabinet Committee on Security has ordered all security forces to remain on high alert. The government is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice, and there is a firm resolve to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in supporting terrorism. India’s commitment to addressing terrorism is reflected in the swift actions taken, which align with the country’s broader security objectives.
Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, which is already grappling with a severe water crisis. Experts have warned that Pakistan is on the brink of an acute water shortage, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and poor water management. This suspension will further strain Pakistan’s water resources, impacting agriculture and daily life, and could lead to increased tension between the two countries.
India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and impose stringent diplomatic and security measures underscores its growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged role in fostering terrorism. While the move is expected to further escalate tensions, it sends a strong message to Pakistan regarding India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. The international community will likely be closely monitoring the situation as both countries navigate the complexities of security, diplomacy, and regional stability.
As India continues its efforts to hold Pakistan accountable, it remains to be seen how Pakistan will respond to these punitive measures. The ongoing diplomatic and security challenges indicate a prolonged period of tension between the two nations. However, India’s resolve to combat terrorism through both diplomatic and strategic means reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The international community may play a key role in mediating dialogue and easing the impact of these tensions on regional stability.
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