In the wake of a deadly attack in Kashmir Pahalgam, India has taken firm diplomatic steps against Pakistan. The measures come after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people. The incident has triggered a fresh wave of tension in the region.
Following the attack, Indian security forces launched a widespread manhunt across the Kashmir Valley. Their aim is to track down the attackers as quickly as possible. The government responded with decisive action on multiple fronts.
India has now suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. In addition, it has ordered the closure of the Attari-Wagah land border crossing with Pakistan. The decision marks a significant escalation in bilateral tensions between the two neighbours. New Delhi also announced the reduction of diplomatic presence on both sides.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the measures during a press conference in New Delhi. He stated, “The Indus Waters Treaty will be held in abeyance with immediate effect.” He further emphasized that the suspension would remain until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism.
Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty divides the usage of six Himalayan rivers between the two countries. It also established the Indus Commission to handle any related disputes. For decades, this treaty has played a central role in managing shared water resources.
Misri also confirmed the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border. However, Pakistani nationals holding valid documents may return before May 1. This crossing is more than just a transit point—it symbolizes the deep-rooted rivalry between India and Pakistan.
The Attari-Wagah border is famous for its daily flag-lowering ceremony. This military performance draws hundreds of spectators each evening. Since 1959, the ritual has continued despite various conflicts and diplomatic breakdowns.
Tensions deepened further as India expelled Pakistan’s defence attachés and military officials based in New Delhi. Simultaneously, Indian military advisers stationed in Islamabad will also return. These actions underscore the near-complete breakdown of defence-level communication between the two countries.
No group has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam shooting. However, it has reignited long-standing concerns about insurgent activity in the area. For decades, rebel groups in Indian-administered Kashmir have demanded either independence or a merger with Pakistan.
Both countries claim the region in full, though they control only parts of it. The conflict in Kashmir has been a flashpoint for violence since 1947. The latest attack has only added to the instability.
The Indus River plays a vital role in the region’s water supply, particularly for Pakistan’s agriculture. Flowing through contested territory, it remains a politically sensitive resource. Pakistan has long feared that India, positioned upstream, might restrict water access during times of conflict.
India’s latest actions signal a deep freeze in diplomatic ties. The decision to suspend the treaty and close the border could have far-reaching consequences. Regional peace, already fragile, now faces further uncertainty.
