Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Water Treaty, closes Attari-Wagah Border

Wednesday, 23 Apr, 2025
PM Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi on April 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau)

India on Wednesday announced a series of strong diplomatic and strategic countermeasures aimed at Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent terror attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) detailed five major steps as part of what officials called a "decisive response to cross-border terrorism." 

Suspension of Indus Waters Cooperation: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, under which 39 billion cubic meters of water from the Indus River system flows from India into Pakistan annually. The treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries, has long been considered a symbol of cooperation even amid years-long conflict. 

Closure of Attari-Wagah Border: The iconic Attari-Wagah land crossing, a critical point for trade and people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, has been shut down with immediate effect. 

Ban on Pakistani Nationals Entering India: The entry of Pakistani citizens into India has been suspended indefinitely. This includes both visa services and cross-border travel permits. 

Expulsion of Military Advisors: All military advisors posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been expelled, signaling a downgrade in military-to-military diplomatic engagement. 

Reduction of High Commission Staff Strength: India has asked Pakistan to reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi to a skeletal staff of 30, effectively slashing the mission's current operating capacity of 55.