Pahalgam terror attack: India pauses Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
What's the story
In response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the announcement during a press conference, while outlining five strict measures taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) against the neighboring country. The Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 people.
Twitter Post
Foreign secretary announces measures downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan
#WATCH | Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/PxEPrrK1G8
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
Modi convenes meeting
Prime minister chairs 2.5-hour-long CCS meeting
The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the CCS on Wednesday. In the wake of the terror attack, he had cut short his two-day trip to Saudi Arabia and arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday, the prime minister dialled Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, directing him to take all the necessary measures and visit the site.
Treaty paused
Treaty to remain suspended until Pakistan addresses cross-border terrorism
During the press conference, Misri stated the Indus Waters Treaty will be suspended indefinitely until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures" support for cross-border terrorism. Signed in 1960, the pact between India and Pakistan was brokered by the World Bank. While India and Pakistan have been involved in three major conflicts (1965, 1971, and 1999), this is the first time the treaty has been paused.
Other stringent steps
Pakistanis won't be allowed to travel to India
As for the other measures taken against Pakistan, Misri said the CCS also decided to immediately close the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border. Moreover, Pakistani citizens will not be allowed entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), deeming those visas canceled. However, Pakistani nationals currently in India on SVES visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
More details
India asks Pakistani defense advisors in New Delhi to leave
Furthermore, Misri said the CCS has declared defense, military, naval, and air advisors in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as "persona non grata," giving them a week's time to leave. Their counterparts at the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, will also be withdrawn, he added. Moreover, overall strengths in the respective high commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.