India on Wednesday suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, ordered the closure of the Wagah border, and asked Pakistani diplomats to leave within 48 hours.
These decisions mark a serious escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
According to Indian media, these developments come after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 Indian tourists dead. India has blamed Pakistan for the incident, stating that cross-border militants were responsible—a claim Pakistan has denied.
Diplomatic cutbacks and staff reductions
India has announced that it will reduce Pakistan’s High Commission staff in New Delhi from 55 to 30, and do the same with its own mission in Islamabad. In addition, India is withdrawing its defense, navy, and air attachés, and permanently eliminating those positions.
Three Pakistani military attachés in New Delhi have been declared “persona non grata” and ordered to leave the country immediately.
Visas canceled, borders closed
India’s foreign ministry has stated that no new visas will be issued to Pakistani citizens, and all existing visas stand revoked. All SAARC visas for Pakistanis have also been canceled.
The Attari check post has been shut down, and the Wagah border is set to be sealed completely, effectively cutting off land-based travel between the two countries.
What is Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty is an important water-sharing treaty between Pakistan and India finalized in September 1960 following decades of negotiation, brokered by the World Bank. It was signed in Karachi by Pakistan’s then-head of state General Ayub Khan and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Even with decades of political conflicts, wars, and differences, the treaty has stood firm for more than 62 years. It is usually referred to as one of the most successful treaties between the two countries. Former Indian Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz once referred to it as the most effective agreement in their history.
As per the treaty, the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—were given to Pakistan, giving it rights to 80% of their water. India has the right to use the water from these rivers for generating power but is not allowed to store water or modify their flow significantly. On the other hand, the control of the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—was given to India, giving it a right to develop projects on these rivers with no dissenting voice from Pakistan.
