Angry India Suspends Indus Water Treaty, Closes Border With Pak

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI — In a decisive move following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, the Government of India has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at conveying a strong message to Pakistan for its continued support of cross-border terrorism. These decisions were taken during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a special press conference following the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined five key decisions taken in response to the attack:

1. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
   The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect. Thewater supply from the Indus river and its distributaries – the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj will be stopped which will impact millions of people in Pakistan.
2. Closure of Integrated Check Post at Attari
   The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari has been closed with immediate effect. Individuals who have crossed over with valid endorsements will be permitted to return via the Attari route until May 1.
3. Visa Restrictions for Pakistani Nationals
   Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
   • All SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled.
   • Any Pakistani national currently in India under the SVES visa scheme has 48 hours to leave the country.
4. Reduction in Diplomatic Presence and Expulsion of Military Advisors
   India has declared the Defense, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata. They have been given one week to leave India.
   • India will also withdraw its own Defense, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These positions are now deemed annulled.
   • Additionally, five support staff members from both High Commissions will be withdrawn.
   • The overall strength of each country’s High Commission will be reduced to 30 personnel from the current 55, to be implemented by May 1, 2025.
5. National Security Vigilance and Justice for the Attack
   The CCS reviewed the broader security situation and has directed all security forces to maintain high vigilance. The Government has resolved to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice and to hold their sponsors accountable.

Security operations have been launched in the region to track down those responsible for the Pahalgam attack, which stands as one of the deadliest incidents since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (with ANI input)