On Wednesday, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This incident marks the worst attack on civilians in nearly two decades. According to Indian officials, these measures aim to serve as a decisive response to what they describe as “cross-border terrorism.”
The Indus Water Treaty, facilitated by the World Bank in 1960, has long governed water-sharing rights between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement, India controls the eastern rivers of Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while Pakistan governs the western rivers of Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
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Indian diplomat Vikram Misri stated that the treaty would remain in suspension unless Pakistan irrevocably ceases supporting cross-border terrorism. Furthermore, the Integrated Check Post Attari has been closed, though those with valid endorsements may return through this route by May 1, 2025.
India has also cancelled all SAARC visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals, requiring anyone under the scheme to exit the country within 48 hours. The announcement included military, naval, and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi being declared persona non grata, with orders to leave India within a week. Similarly, India will pull its defence advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad, annulling these posts.
The attack in IIOJK occurred on Tuesday in Baisaran valley within the scenic Pahalgam area. Among the 26 casualties, 25 were Indian tourists and one was Nepalese. An additional 17 travelers sustained injuries. The attack was the deadliest since the 2008 Mumbai bombings, bringing an end to a period of relative calm in the region. Its timing poses challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government, as tourism in the valley had been on the rise.
