India Halts Indus Water Treaty With Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

India, reacting to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians, have taken a stern position against Pakistan and announced a number of actions in retaliation. While briefing about the stern measures taken by India against the attack, India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has made several decisions and the perpetrators will be brought to justice and sponsors will be held to account.

The foreign secretary said that decisions include the immediate halting of Indus Water Treaty signed in 1961 until Pakistan irrevocably adjourn cross border terrorist attacks. Also, the Integrated checkpost at Attari Wagah Border will remain closed with immediate effect. Those who have taken the route have been directed to return before May 1, 2025.

Read also: ‘Shaken The Nation’s Conscience’: Supreme Court Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack

India also decided to cancel SAARC visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals will not be able to visit India with the SAARC exemption visa scheme. Any Pakistani nationals living in India on such visas are directed to leave India within 48 hours.

Defence, air and naval advisers in Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non-granta and have been asked to leave India in a week.

India has also announced to withdraw its own defense, air and naval advisors, from Indian High Commissions in Islamabad. Support staff and number of High Commissioner officials have been reduced to 30 from 55.

The recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir is the worst since the abrogation of Article 370, where a group of terrorists opened fire on toursits in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, killing atleast 26 people dead. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has taken the responsibilty of the attack.

Read also: After Pahalgam: A Look Back At The Deadliest Civilian Terror Strikes In Kashmir