India Hits Back: Indus Water Treaty Paused, Pakistanis Barred After Pahalgam Terror Attack

India Halts Indus Water Treaty, Shuts Border and Bars Pakistanis in Wake of Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a bold diplomatic retaliation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian government has taken sweeping actions against Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday a set of powerful countermeasures targeting bilateral cooperation and diplomatic presence.

Here’s a breakdown of the key measures:

1. Indus Water Treaty Suspended

India has suspended cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty — a pact that has, for decades, managed water sharing between India and Pakistan. Around 39 billion cubic meters of water from the Indus river system flows from India into Pakistan annually. With this suspension, India signals a significant policy shift, putting strategic pressure on Pakistan.

2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border

The Attari-Wagah border crossing, which served as a crucial link for trade and people-to-people engagement, has been closed with immediate effect. The daily flag-lowering ceremony and all border transit movements have been halted indefinitely.

3. Ban on Pakistani Nationals Entering India

Visa services and cross-border permits for Pakistani citizens have been indefinitely suspended. This move blocks all non-essential people-to-people contact between the two nations in a strong signal against terror sponsorship.

4. Expulsion of Military Advisors from Pakistani High Commission

All military advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been expelled. This marks a serious downgrade in military-level diplomatic ties between the two countries.

5. Reduction of Diplomatic Staff

India has instructed Pakistan to reduce its diplomatic strength at the High Commission in Delhi from 55 to 30 officials. This cutback reflects India’s firm stance on minimizing non-essential diplomatic ties with a nation accused of harbouring terrorism.