India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty Amid Rising Tensions With Pakistan

In response to the terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 people, India has taken a historic and strategic step by suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This marks a significant shift in India’s approach toward cross-border terrorism, with a series of diplomatic and strategic countermeasures.

 Summary

• India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan with immediate effect.

• Decision follows the terror attack in Pahalgam killing 26 civilians.
• Integrated Check Post at Attari closed immediately; Pakistani nationals ordered to return by May 1.
• Pakistanis barred from SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
• Military advisers in High Commissions declared persona non grata.
• Diplomatic staff in Indian and Pakistani missions to be reduced.
• India vows to bring perpetrators and sponsors of the terror attack to justice.
• All-party meeting called to ensure national consensus on the issue.

 Context & Background

• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan brokered by the World Bank. It has survived multiple wars and diplomatic stand-offs, making its suspension a major geopolitical move.
  
  

Why It Matters Now

• The recent Pahalgam terror attack, killing 26 people, is believed to have cross-border linkages, prompting India to take stringent retaliatory actions. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, formulated a five-point response including the suspension of the treaty.

Five-Pronged Strategic Response by India

1. Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: Until Pakistan ends support for cross-border terrorism.
2. Closure of Attari Check Post: Immediate suspension of physical entry.
3. Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistanis: Visas canceled; 48-hour exit mandate.
4. Expulsion of Military Advisers: Mutual withdrawal of military advisers from both high commissions.
5. Reduction in Diplomatic Strength: From 55 to 30 staffers in each mission by May 1.

Diplomatic Fallout

This move aims to:

• Put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.
• Signal zero tolerance to terror support.
• Unite political forces domestically for a coherent foreign policy stance.

Internal Political Response

• An all-party meeting has been convened.
• Political leaders including Rahul Gandhi have expressed solidarity.
• Nationalist Congress Party demanded unified action.

Strategic Implications

• Water diplomacy as leverage: Use of Indus Treaty suspension marks a strategic shift from soft power to coercive diplomacy.
• Message to international community: India emphasizes its right to self-defense and counter-terrorism measures.

 Conclusion

The decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty is a landmark geopolitical shift in India’s foreign policy, signalling its tougher stance on terrorism and diplomatic leverage. For RAS aspirants, this case demonstrates how international treaties, internal security, and foreign policy intersect. Understanding this incident provides deep insight into India’s national security strategy, water diplomacy, and the role of CCS in crisis management.

MCQ's 

1. Which of the following treaties has India held in abeyance as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack?
A. Tashkent Agreement
B. Indus Waters Treaty
C. Shimla Agreement
D. SAARC Trade Agreement
Answer: B. Indus Waters Treaty

2. What is the full form of CCS, which played a key role in India's response to the Pahalgam attack?
A. Central Crisis Secretariat
B. Cabinet Committee on Security
C. Central Counter-Terrorism Scheme
D. Coalition of Core Security
Answer: B. Cabinet Committee on Security