India Suspends Indus Water Treaty and Closes Attari Border After Terror Attack
India Responds to Terror Attack with Strong Measures Against Pakistan
In response to the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 tourists, India has announced a series of bold actions, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Attari border, and shutting down the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. These decisions were taken after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Measures Announced by India After Terror Attack
The Cabinet Committee on Security met in New Delhi, lasting over two hours, to deliberate on the situation and strategize a response. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who spoke to the press after the meeting, detailed the decisions that India is taking in retaliation to the terrorist assault.
Indus Water Treaty Suspended
One of the most significant moves is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan. Misri emphasized that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan fully abandons its support for cross-border terrorism. This historic decision is expected to have long-term impacts on bilateral relations.
Closure of Attari Border
India also made the decision to shut down the Attari border with immediate effect. The integrated checkpost at Attari, which has been a vital point for cross-border trade and movement, will cease operations. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements have been given until May 1, 2025, to return through this route.
Pakistani Nationals Affected by New Visa Restrictions
In addition to these measures, India announced that Pakistani nationals would no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SPES). This move is aimed at curbing the flow of individuals who may pose a security risk to India.
Any Pakistani nationals currently in India on a SPES visa will be required to leave the country within 48 hours. Additionally, the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must depart within a week.
India Takes Strong Action to Ensure National Security
Diplomatic Measures Against Pakistan
India has also recalled its diplomats from the Indian Embassy in Pakistan as part of its broader diplomatic strategy. The Pakistani Embassy in New Delhi has been given one week to vacate its premises. These actions are seen as part of India’s efforts to assert its position on national security and counter-terrorism.
Accountability for Terrorist Attack
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made it clear that India would continue its relentless pursuit of terrorists and their sponsors, ensuring that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice. He reiterated India’s commitment to holding those responsible for terrorism accountable, similar to the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana.
National Security Leaders Attend CCS Meeting
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, although a part of the CCS, could not attend due to her sudden return from the United States.
Prime Minister Modi’s Swift Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to New Delhi early on Wednesday. Upon arrival, he held an emergency meeting at the airport to discuss the Jammu and Kashmir terror attack with Jaishankar and Doval, outlining the country’s next steps in the aftermath.
