The Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national. The decision, taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India’s highest decision-making body on national security, is part of a series of strict measures against Pakistan, according to reports by NDTV.
The suspension will halt the flow of water from the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, which are vital to Pakistan's water resources and sustain tens of millions of people.
Signed in 1960 under the mediation of the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty has long symbolized cooperation between India and Pakistan, even during periods of heightened tension. However, India’s move marks a sharp departure from this legacy, with significant implications for Pakistan’s agriculture, drinking water supply, and energy production.
In addition to suspending the treaty, the CCS has recommended four other significant measures against Pakistan. The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed immediately, though individuals who crossed over with valid endorsements can return via the same route by 1 May 2025.
Travel under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) will also be prohibited for Pakistani nationals, with all previously issued SVES visas now deemed canceled. Pakistani nationals currently in India under this scheme must leave the country within 48 hours.
Further, India has declared Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. These officials must leave India within a week, while India will reciprocally withdraw its own advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Additionally, five support staff from these posts will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. Finally, the overall strength of both High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1, 2025.
