Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India Takes Tough Diplomatic Stand Against Pakistan

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India Takes Tough Diplomatic Stand Against Pakistan

New Delhi, April 23, 2025: In a landmark decision following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan—marking a historic shift in its diplomatic approach. The move was announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special #MEABriefing after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting.

The treaty, which facilitated the sharing of Indus River waters between the two nations, has been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. India has made it clear that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.

Additional Key Decisions from the CCS Meeting:

2. Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP):
India has closed the Attari ICP, one of the main land border crossings with Pakistan. Only travelers with valid endorsements who crossed before May 1, 2025, will be exempt.

3. SAARC Visa Ban for Pakistani Nationals:
All travel under the SAARC Visa Exemption (SVE) scheme for Pakistani citizens has been revoked. Existing visas have been cancelled and Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave within 48 hours.

4. Diplomatic Expulsions:
All defence, naval, military, and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and have been given one week to leave. India will also withdraw its military attaches from Islamabad.

5. Downsizing of High Commissions:
Both India and Pakistan will reduce their High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.

These measures indicate a significant hardening of India’s stance and a signal to the international community that support for terrorism will no longer be tolerated diplomatically or strategically.

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