India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Attari-Wagah border shut after Pahalgam massacre

Taking a strong stand against Pakistan following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announced a series of severe measures on Wednesday. The most significant move was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a pact that had survived three wars but is now indefinitely put on hold.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that water supply from the Indus river and its key tributaries — Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — will be stopped. This decision is set to have a major impact on Pakistan, where tens of millions rely on these rivers for their livelihood.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, had been considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, remaining intact through decades of hostility. However, India cited "cross-border linkages" unearthed during the investigation into the Pahalgam attack, where 26 people, including a foreign national, lost their lives.

Other measures include the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border. Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) will no longer be allowed into India, and existing visas stand cancelled. Those already in India must leave within 48 hours.

Diplomatic staff reductions were also announced. Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata, and their Indian counterparts will be withdrawn from Islamabad. Both countries will reduce their High Commission strength to 30 members by May 1.

The CCS reaffirmed India’s resolve to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable. It also directed all security forces to maintain high vigil across the country, sending a strong signal of zero tolerance towards terrorism.