India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty and Closes Attari Border in Strong Response to Pakistan

Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, was an agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.

Remarkably, the treaty remained intact through three wars between the two countries—in 1965, 1971, and 1999. However, it has now been suspended indefinitely.

New Delhi:
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the country’s highest decision-making body on matters of national security, has taken strong and punitive action against pakistan.

following the revelation of “cross-border linkages” in the investigation of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The attack claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national.

In its boldest move yet, the government has decided to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan indefinitely.

This suspension will halt the flow of water from the Indus River and its tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj—rivers that serve as crucial sources of water for Pakistan, affecting tens of millions of people there.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, was signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan.

It remained intact through three wars between the two nations—in 1965, 1971, and 1999. However, it has now been indefinitely suspended.

Announcing the decision, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “During the CCS briefing, the cross-border involvement in the terror attack was highlighted.

It was observed that this attack followed the successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress toward economic development.”

He further stated, “Recognizing the gravity of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has decided to implement the following measures:”

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be suspended with immediate effect. It will remain in abeyance until Pakistan verifiably and irreversibly ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

The Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border will be closed immediately. Individuals who crossed into India with valid documents may return via the same route by May 1, 2025.

Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to enter India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).

All previously issued SVES visas for Pakistani nationals are now considered cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa must leave the country within 48 hours.

Military and defense officials—including naval and air advisers—from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are being declared Persona Non Grata.

They have one week to leave India. Simultaneously, India will withdraw its naval and air advisers from its High Commission in Islamabad.

These diplomatic posts are now officially annulled. Additionally, five support staff members from both High Commissions will also be withdrawn immediately.

The total staff strength at each country’s High Commission will be reduced from the current 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.


Mr. Misri added that the CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and directed all security forces to maintain heightened vigilance.

He emphasized that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack would be brought to justice, and those who supported them would be held accountable. “As demonstrated in the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana,

India remains unwavering in its commitment to track down and prosecute those involved in terrorism,” he said.

Reacting to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Water Resources Minister C.R. Paatil stated, “Even in the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah issued strong warnings to Pakistan.

Action was taken then, and this time too, the culprits will not go unpunished. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a commendable and decisive move by the Cabinet.”



The Indus Waters Treaty – What Its Suspension Means:

Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty governs the use of six rivers shared between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty:

India has exclusive rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.

Pakistan has rights over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.


This treaty has been a rare and enduring example of cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, surviving even during periods of war and high tension.

Its suspension marks a significant shift in bilateral relations and could have serious implications for water access in Pakistan.

In 2019, following the Pulwama terror attack on Indian paramilitary personnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reportedly told the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) that “blood and water cannot flow together.”

However, at that time, the government chose not to act on the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Now, in the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed—an attack claimed by The Resistance Front,

a Pakistan-based terrorist group and an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba—the Indian government has taken decisive action.

The CCS, India’s highest national security decision-making body, has moved to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.

This decision is a clear signal of India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s continued use of terrorism as an “instrument of state policy.”

The suspension of the treaty poses a serious challenge for Pakistan, where water scarcity has already become a looming crisis.

Experts have warned in recent years that Pakistan is approaching a phase of severe water shortage, driven by rapid population growth, climate change, and mismanagement of water resources.

In previous instances when India had considered suspending the Indus Treaty, Pakistan had warned that such a move would be seen as an “act of war.” However, given the magnitude of the recent attack, India has now decided to act.



SVES Visa Cancelled for Pakistanis

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) has also been scrapped for Pakistani nationals. This special programme previously allowed visa-free travel for individuals in specific categories across SAARC nations.

The SVES list includes 24 categories of people such as:

Dignitaries

Judges of higher courts

Parliamentarians

Senior government officials

Businesspersons

Journalists

Athletes


All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals are now deemed cancelled, and any Pakistani national currently in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks a watershed moment in India-Pakistan relations.

For decades, the treaty had symbolized a rare area of cooperation between the two countries despite multiple conflicts.

Its abrupt halt now underlines a shift in India’s strategic posture, one that signals zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism.

Officials in New Delhi have described this move as both “measured” and “necessary” in the face of repeated provocations.

The attack in Pahalgam has been labeled one of the deadliest in recent years, targeting innocent tourists and shaking the sense of growing stability in the region.

Intelligence reports have confirmed the involvement of Pakistan-based elements, prompting widespread outrage across the country.

The CCS’s decision reflects a clear intent to hold not just the perpetrators, but also their enablers, accountable.

Water, a lifeline for millions, has now become a diplomatic weapon.

Experts say the impact of India withholding river waters could be devastating for Pakistan, especially at a time when the country is already grappling with economic and environmental instability.

The situation could further strain Pakistan’s internal resources and heighten tensions in an already volatile region.

Diplomatic channels between the two nations have also taken a hit. With reduced High Commission staffing and key defense liaison roles annulled,

the scope for bilateral dialogue has narrowed dramatically. Observers believe this move will complicate future peace efforts.

The CCS’s actions are being closely watched by the international community. While some nations have urged restraint, others have quietly acknowledged India’s right to defend its citizens and interests.

The decisions taken now are expected to have long-term geopolitical consequences.

Domestically, there has been overwhelming support for the government’s response.

Many view it as a firm stand against state-sponsored terror and a necessary message of deterrence.

The suspension of SVES visas has further underlined India’s intention to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.

Meanwhile, humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the long-term impact of water disruption on civilian populations.

Analysts say the challenge now lies in balancing national security with regional stability.

India’s next steps will be crucial in defining the future of South Asian geopolitics.