India Takes Decisive Action After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Closes Attari Border
Babushahi Network
New Delhi, April 23, 2025 – In a robust response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 28 lives, India has announced a series of stringent measures targeting Pakistan, signaling a significant escalation in diplomatic and strategic relations. The decisions, outlined by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to curb cross-border terrorism and recalibrate bilateral ties.
Five Key Measures to Counter Terrorism
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Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect, a move Misri stated will remain until Pakistan ceases cross-border terrorism. This decision, advocated by former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, underscores India’s stance that “blood and water cannot flow together.”
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Closure of Attari Border Check Post: The Integrated Check Post at Wagah-Attari has been shut down immediately, halting cross-border movement and trade. This closure reflects India’s intent to isolate Pakistan economically and symbolically.
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Withdrawal of Military Attaches: India will withdraw its military attaches from Pakistan, severing a key channel of defense diplomacy. This move signals a downgrade in bilateral military engagement.
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Pakistani Military Attaches Declared Persona Non Grata: All Pakistani military attaches stationed in India have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week, further straining diplomatic relations.
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Visa Restrictions for Pakistani Nationals: India has canceled all visas for Pakistani citizens, ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours. This blanket restriction aims to curb potential security risks.
Context of the Pahalgam Attack
The measures follow a horrific attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, where terrorists, reportedly linked to The Resistance Front (a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba), killed 28 civilians, mostly tourists, and injured several others. The assault, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack, prompted nationwide outrage and global condemnation. Prime Minister Modi, cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, while Home Minister Amit Shah assured a “harsh” response.
Strategic Implications
The CCS decisions reflect India’s shift toward a hardline stance, prioritizing national security and economic pressure on Pakistan. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement brokered by the World Bank, could have significant regional implications, potentially affecting water access in Pakistan. The closure of the Attari border and visa restrictions further isolate Pakistan, impacting trade and people-to-people contact.
Security analysts, including former J&K DGP S.P. Vaid, have suggested that the attack, possibly orchestrated by Pakistan’s SSG commandos, warrants a response akin to Israel’s actions against Hamas. Social media reports indicate heightened Pakistani military activity near the border, raising fears of retaliation.
Domestic and International Reactions
Domestically, the measures have garnered support from industry leaders and political figures, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav emphasizing unity in the fight against terrorism. Internationally, leaders from the U.S., Italy, Nepal, and others have condemned the attack, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance reaffirming support during a call with PM Modi.
As India intensifies its manhunt for the attackers, with the National Investigation Agency assisting local forces, the nation remains on high alert. The Pahalgam attack has not only shaken the tourism industry but also hardened India’s resolve to combat terrorism decisively.