- India closes Attari-Wagah border check post; Quits Indus water treaty, Pakistani nationals given deadlines to leave India.
- Reduction of diplomatic staff at both nations’ high commissions announced.
- 26 tourists killed, 17 injured in the attack at Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir.
- Heavy security deployed as India launches search operations and claims neutralizing two individuals in an “infiltration attempt.”
- Pakistan denies involvement, calling the attack a possible “false flag operation.”
- PM Shehbaz convenes National Security Committee meeting to deliberate on the unfolding crisis.
- International reactions include condemnation and calls for restraint, while Trump offers Modi “full support.”
New Delhi/Islamabad (Agencies): In a significant escalation of tensions with Pakistan, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with immediate effect, citing the deadly attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, as the tipping point. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, left 26 tourists dead and 17 others injured when gunmen opened fire on visitors at the popular destination. This incident marks the deadliest civilian attack in the region since 2000.
During a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India decided to put the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a pivotal water-sharing agreement between the two nations — on hold. According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” halts its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
As part of its response, India also announced the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border check post. Pakistani nationals currently in India under the Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme have been given 48 hours to leave, while others have until May 1 to return via designated routes. The reduction of diplomatic staff at both nations’ high commissions was also ordered, with defence advisers declared persona non grata and instructed to leave within a week.
Heavy security has been deployed near the attack site in Pahalgam, with authorities launching a search operation. Indian forces have claimed to neutralize two individuals during what they referred to as an “infiltration attempt.”
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a “loud and clear” response to the attack, which India alleges has cross-border links. Pakistan, however, has categorically denied involvement. Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Khan expressed concern over the loss of life and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the incident as a possible “false flag operation” designed to malign Pakistan.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is especially significant, as the agreement, brokered by the World Bank, has been a rare example of cooperation between the two countries. The treaty governs water-sharing of the Indus River system and has survived previous periods of heightened tensions.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a National Security Committee meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the unfolding crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar criticized India’s measures as provocative and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace, while rejecting allegations of terrorism support.
The attack has drawn international condemnation, with leaders worldwide, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing support for India. Meanwhile, China and other nations have called for restraint, urging dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The border closure carries both symbolic and practical implications, as the Attari-Wagah crossing has historically been a site of nationalistic fervor. The daily flag-lowering ceremony, a long-standing tradition that began in 1959, is expected to be suspended.
In the aftermath of the attack, a call for a shutdown in occupied Kashmir has also been announced to protest the incident. The situation remains tense, with both nations on high alert and diplomatic ties continuing to deteriorate.
Whats Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that was brokered by the World Bank in 1960. It governs the use and distribution of water from the Indus River system, which includes six rivers: the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Key Points of the Treaty:
- Allocation of Rivers: The three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are allocated to India, while the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) are allocated to Pakistan.
- Usage Rights: India is allowed limited usage of the western rivers for purposes like irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, provided it does not disturb the water flow significantly.
- India-Pakistan Indus Commission: This commission was established to resolve disputes and ensure compliance with the treaty.
The treaty is considered one of the few instances of cooperation between the two nations, even during times of political and military tension. It has endured for decades, but disputes occasionally arise over water usage, particularly related to dams and hydroelectric projects on rivers shared by both countries.