India Suspends Indus Treaty: India has delivered a powerful diplomatic blow to Pakistan following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. On April 23, 2025, in a high-stakes Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India decided to act decisively. Within hours, five major decisions were announced — each sending a clear message that cross-border terrorism will not be tolerated.
The biggest move? India has suspended the 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty, an agreement that had stood firm even during wars. But this time, the attack on Indian soil has triggered unprecedented retaliation. Here’s a breakdown of the 5 big decisions, their impact, and what this means for India-Pakistan relations moving forward.
Table of Contents
1. Indus Water Treaty Suspended: Water War Begins?
Signed on September 19, 1960, the Indus Water Treaty was a rare example of sustained cooperation between two hostile neighbours. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty gave India rights over the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while Pakistan was allowed to use the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Despite wars and provocations, India had always upheld the treaty. But now, with repeated terror attacks and Pakistan’s failure to act against terror groups, India has decided to hit where it hurts most — water.
What does this mean for Pakistan?
- 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on the three western rivers.
- Stoppage or redirection of flow will lead to crop failures, water shortages, and an economic disaster.
- Several Pakistani hydroelectric projects will be crippled, leading to power outages and industrial disruption.
India’s move is symbolic, yet strategic. It signals that terrorism will now come at a tangible cost — not just political isolation, but resource denial.
2. Attari Border Closed: Human and Trade Movement Cut Off
Effective immediately, India has shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the only land route that allowed limited cross-border civilian movement.
Impact:
- Pakistani nationals already in India via Attari have been told to leave by May 1, 2025.
- People-to-people contact ends, even for religious or familial purposes.
- Informal trade routes for small goods like Multani mitti, salt, leather and wool from Pakistan come to a halt.
Though official trade was suspended in 2019 post the abrogation of Article 370, small-scale movement still existed. That window is now officially shut.
3. Visa Ban on Pakistanis: Entry Blocked, SAARC Scheme Cancelled
In one of the strictest moves yet, India has cancelled all existing Pakistani visas, including those granted under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
Why this matters:
- No new visas will be issued to Pakistani nationals — tourist, medical, or religious.
- Even legitimate relatives or cultural delegations from Pakistan can no longer visit India.
- Terror infiltration routes are cut, especially those misusing pilgrimage or family reunion pretexts.
This step is aimed not just at reducing people movement, but also at tightening the net around sleeper cells and radical influencers operating under the guise of civilians.
4. Pakistani Defence Advisors Expelled: Diplomatic Ties Downgraded
In a sharp diplomatic snub, India has declared Pakistan’s military, naval and air advisers posted in New Delhi as persona non grata. They have been given one week to leave the country.
What changes:
- Pakistan’s High Commission in Delhi will now operate with a downsized staff, reduced from 55 to 30.
- Intelligence and defence coordination — even in peacekeeping or disaster zones — will cease.
- Trust deficit in India-Pakistan ties reaches a new low.
Notably, this is the first time since 1947 that such a sharp diplomatic step has been taken at the military-advisory level.
5. India Recalls Own Military Advisors from Islamabad
To maintain parity, India has also decided to withdraw its defence, naval and air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts will be considered abolished.
Along with them, five additional support staff will return home.
Impact:
- Military-to-military dialogue ends, cutting off backdoor communication in times of conflict.
- High Commissions on both sides become more symbolic than functional.
- India is clearly signalling that unless Pakistan changes its stance on terrorism, normal diplomatic engagement is off the table.
What Prompted These Drastic Actions?
The tipping point was the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which several Indian civilians and security personnel lost their lives. The CCS meeting reviewed intelligence inputs that once again traced the origins of the attack to Pakistani soil.
Speaking at a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated:
“Just as we ensured the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will now actively pursue every terrorist mastermind and their foreign handlers. We will bring them to justice, wherever they are.”
Strategic Signals Beyond Borders
While the actions are directed at Pakistan, the global community is also watching. By suspending a treaty mediated by the World Bank, India has shown that even international agreements will not shield nations that shelter terrorists.
These steps are likely to escalate tensions in the short term. But diplomatically, India has taken the high ground — ensuring that every terror attack has a visible price.
What’s Next?
- Pakistan’s response remains to be seen. A similar tit-for-tat is expected.
- International pressure may mount on both sides to de-escalate.
- India may further step up economic and cyber deterrence measures.
ByNews-Views: India’s Line in the Sand
India’s 5 bold actions mark a watershed moment in Indo-Pak relations. From treaties to borders to visas, every touchpoint has been recalibrated. The message is clear — terrorism and diplomacy cannot co-exist.
If Pakistan wants peace, it must act. Until then, India will respond — decisively and unapologetically.
