India Hits Back: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended, Border Closed Following Kashmir Massacre

India Hits Back: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended, Border Closed

Following the Kashmir Massacre

A Nation Mourns, A Government Reacts

In a momentous and historic response, India announced the suspension of the long-standing treaty over waters of the Indus-River-between-India-and-Pakistan and closed down the Attari-Wagah border crossing.

This dramatic step comes after a horrendous terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, which has taken the lives of 26 innocents, including a foreign tourist; the nation has been left shaken and disturbed by the attack.

Investigations have now pointed an accusing finger toward terror networks operating from across the border in Pakistan.

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, which is the topmost decision-making body on security matters. After reviewing the findings, it was decided that the time to lay down contingencies was decisive action, and they determined by all means to make action, not just words.

A Treaty That Survived Wars- Now Suspended

Thereinafter began the International Court of Justice with regard to the treaty, though in 1960 it was mediated by the World Bank. It has been one of the few agreements between India and Pakistan, which has somehow survived the storms of war.

It allows both countries to share river waters flowing between them: India oversees the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has claims on the western ones, namely .Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab

It has stood firm through wars in the past; this time around, however, the government has decided that peace agreements cannot continue when one side is endorsing terrorism.

The treaty’s suspension represents a seismic change in India’s policy toward Pakistan, reflecting growing exasperation with what it views as repeated acts of hostility camouflaged through proxy terror groups.

Border Shut, Visas Invalidated

In addition to the agreement to discontinue the agreement, India has also blocked a prominent land crossing for cross-border traffic, which is the most significant concession made by India to Pakistan. All persons already permitted to enter India across this route must return by May 1. No further incoming traffic from Pakistan will be entertained through this route until further notice.
India has formalized a decision to cancel all SAARC visa permits for Pakistan,effectively revoking all currently existing permissions. Pakistani nationals already in India on this visa have been given 48 hours to leave India. The decisions thus taken leave no doubt that India is taken an iron-fisted position, making it very clear that it doesn’t entertain soft corners for anything terror connected.

In a Diplomatic Shake-Up

In another aggressive act, India has given Pakistan one week to withdraw its military personnel from New Delhi. India is currently working on bringing back its military staff from its embassy in Islamabad. The number of diplomats at both embassies will be reduced by close to 50% in the next few days.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri articulated that these measures were anticipated to send a blunt message: planning or supporting terrorist attacks would have grave consequences. India’s Water Resources Minister, CR Paatil, believed the suspension of the treaty was a necessary move that had been delayed for too long. He reminded the public that PM Modi had earlier stated that blood and water do not flow together when referring to Pakistan.

This time around, India has put action behind that statement. While India mourns its lost soldiers from the Pahalgam attack, the leaders are adamant that their response now cannot be drowned out. Firm, loud, and utterly impossible to ignore.

The Message Is Clear

According to CR Paatil, India’s Water Resources Minister, suspending the treaty was something that should have happened much earlier. He added that this is in line with An earlier warning by Prime Minister Modi to Pakistan that “blood and water cannot flow together.”

India has now turned that threat into action. While the country mourns the loss of life Due to the Pahalgam attack, leaders have ensured that their action will be firm, loud, and impossible to ignore.