India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan After Deadly Kashmir Attack – April 2025

India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Following Deadly Kashmir Attack

April 24, 2025 – New Delhi

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 24 Indian tourists, one Nepali national, and a local guide.

The attack, attributed to a previously unknown group named "Kashmir Resistance," has been linked by Indian authorities to cross-border elements. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that there was "credible evidence" suggesting involvement from across the border, although specific details have not been publicly disclosed.

In response, the Indian government has taken several measures:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been put in abeyance. This move halts the sharing of water flow data and may impact Pakistan's access to water resources from the Indus River system.

• Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border: India has shut down the primary land crossing between the two countries, ceasing all movement of people and goods.

• Diplomatic Downgrades: India has declared Pakistani defence advisers in New Delhi persona non grata, giving them a week to leave. Similarly, Indian defence representatives will be withdrawn from Pakistan. Both nations will reduce their high commission staff from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an all-party meeting to discuss the government's response, emphasizing the need for decisive action against terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a National Security Committee meeting to formulate Islamabad's response.

The Indus Waters Treaty has been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, surviving multiple conflicts over the past six decades. Its suspension marks a significant shift in bilateral ties and raises concerns about regional stability, especially given the treaty's role in managing water resources critical to both nations.

This development underscores the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations and the potential for escalated tensions in the wake of terrorist activities. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, given the broader implications for regional peace and security.