India escalated tensions with Pakistan on Wednesday, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and shutting down the Attari border checkpoint following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The move, labeled a “water warfare” act by Pakistan, has triggered a diplomatic crisis, with Islamabad convening an emergency National Security Committee (NSC) meeting and vowing to defend its rights “legally and politically.”
Key Developments
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India halts the 1960 water-sharing pact, accusing Pakistan of cross-border terrorism.
- Attari Border Closed: Trade and travel suspended; Pakistani nationals under Saarc visas given 48 hours to exit India.
- Diplomatic Expulsions: Defence staff at Pakistan’s High Commission expelled; embassy staff capped at 30.
- Global Reactions: US, China, EU condemn the attack; Trump pledges “full support” to India.
Pahalgam Attack: What Happened?
The attack in Pahalgam, a scenic tourist hub in Indian-administered Kashmir, left 26 dead and 17 injured after gunmen targeted male tourists. The assailants, allegedly linked to the “Resistance Front,” sparked India’s swift retaliation:
- India’s Retaliatory Measures:
- IWT Suspension: Citing Pakistan’s “support for cross-border terrorism,” India freezes the treaty until Islamabad “credibly abjures” backing militants.
- Saarc Visa Cancelled: Pakistani nationals under the scheme must leave India within 48 hours.
- Diplomatic Downgrade: Defence attachés expelled; embassy staff reduced to 30 by May 1.
Pakistan’s Response:
- PM Shehbaz Sharif convened an NSC meeting to address India’s “impulsive” actions.
- FM Ishaq Dar dismissed India’s claims as “knee-jerk” and politically motivated.
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned the “false flag operation,” urging a “considered” response.
Indus Waters Treaty: Why This Matters
The IWT, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs water sharing of the Indus River system. India’s suspension marks the first time the treaty has been halted, even during past wars. Experts warn:
- Implications for Pakistan: Threatens water supply to Punjab and Sindh’s agricultural heartlands.
- Legal Violation: Experts argue unilateral suspension breaches Article XII, requiring mutual termination.
Pakistan’s Countermeasures:
- Power Minister Awais Leghari called it “water warfare,” vowing to defend rights globally.
- Senator Sherry Rehman accused India of “weaponizing water,” citing the treaty’s survival through past conflicts.
Global Reactions & Diplomatic Fallout
- US Support: Trump assured Modi of “full support,” while VP JD Vance condemned the “horrific attack.”
- China & EU: Offered condolences but urged restraint; EU pledged solidarity with India.
- UN: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, calling for accountability.
India’s Domestic Pressure:
- PM Modi cut short a Saudi visit, vowing a “loud and clear” response.
- Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s “hollow claims” on Kashmir’s peace.
