Islamabad, Apr 24, 2025: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and sealed the Attari border, sending a strong and direct message to Pakistan.
This decision comes in the wake of rising diplomatic tensions and alleged cross-border incidents.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and considered a cornerstone of India-Pakistan water diplomacy, has survived wars and military standoffs.
However, India’s recent action marks a dramatic escalation in bilateral relations.
Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the move was necessary to “safeguard national interest and regional stability.”
Simultaneously, the Attari-Wagah border, a symbolic point of connection between India and Pakistan, has been shut down for all civilian and commercial transit.
This unexpected border closure is expected to impact cross-border trade and public movement significantly.
Sources indicate that the Indian government is reviewing all past agreements with Pakistan, hinting at a possible re-evaluation of diplomatic and trade ties.
The suspension of water-sharing rights under the Indus Treaty is likely to impact Pakistan’s agricultural and hydroelectric sectors, which rely heavily on these waters.
Read More: Pakistan Slashes Hajj Assistants by 50% Due to Fewer Pilgrims
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Militants opened fire on tourists, resulting in at least 28 deaths and over 20 injuries.
The victims included Indian nationals and foreign tourists from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The assault targeted civilians and was reportedly aimed at opposing demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers asked victims to recite Islamic verses before opening fire.
In response, Indian authorities have initiated a large-scale manhunt for the perpetrators and are reviewing security arrangements in the region.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Indian leaders and the international community, including statements from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The incident has also prompted increased security measures in neighboring states, with Punjab issuing a red alert and enhancing security at key locations.
The Indian government is considering permanent deployment of Army and paramilitary forces in the region to address security gaps.
This attack is one of the deadliest targeting civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is a pivotal water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, regulating the use of six transboundary rivers.
According to the terms, India holds exclusive control over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan maintains rights to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
Despite frequent tensions between the two nations, this treaty has stood as a rare symbol of mutual cooperation—especially significant given their shared nuclear capabilities.
It is widely seen as one of the most enduring and effective bilateral agreements in the region.
However, the balance appears to be shifting. In response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Kashmir, reportedly by the Pakistan-backed terrorist group The Resistance Front—a splinter group of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba—India has taken a firm stance.
The Indian government has now decided to put the water treaty on hold, marking a sharp turn in policy.
