In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)’s Pahalgam region, Delhi on Wednesday announced a series of stringent measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the longstanding Indus Water Treaty.
The Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 is a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank that has withstood multiple conflicts between the two nations. This treaty governs the sharing of six rivers on the Indus River between the neighboring countries and India’s unilateral suspension is likely to prompt Pakistan to seek mediation to resolve the issue. In its statement, India said held in abeyance “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”
Additionally, Delhi has taken decisive steps to reduce diplomatic engagement with Islamabad. This includes the expulsion of Pakistani military, naval, and air advisers from the High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata and requiring their departure within a week. Simultaneously, India has withdrawn its own military advisers from the High Commission in Islamabad, reducing its diplomatic staff to 30 from the present 55.
Border and visas
The Indian government has ordered the immediate closure of the Wagah-Attari border, the only land crossing between India and Pakistan open to passengers. Individuals who have already crossed over with valid endorsements are permitted to return through this route before May 1, 2025. It has also directed all Pakistani nationals holding visas under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme to leave India within 48 hours. Further, any previously issued SAARC visas to Pakistani nationals are now considered null, effectively halting all such travel permissions.
Indian authorities have linked the Pahalgam attack, claimed by the militant Resistance Front group, to Pakistan-based militants, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba. Islamabad has denied any involvement. “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives,” Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
The attack has not only strained diplomatic ties but also disrupted the region’s tourism industry, leading to a mass exodus of tourists and heightened security concerns in IIOJK.
The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to 17 others, has prompted a massive manhunt Authorities have already questioned over 100 people and released sketches of three of the four suspected attackers.