A befitting reply to Pahalgam attack: India stops Indus Water Treaty, Attari border closed, strong blow to Pakistan

New Delhi: India has taken strong steps against Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025. The attack by The Resistance Front (TRF), an ally of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Baisaran Valley killed 28 people and injured 17. In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect and close the Attari-Wagah Border. These steps have shocked Pakistan economically and diplomatically. #PahalgamRevenge and #IndusTreaty are trending on social media. Let us analyse this historic move by India with facts.

Pahalgam Attack and India's Anger

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, killing 25 Indians and one Nepali national. According to reports by News18 and Dainik Bhaskar, the attack was claimed by TRF, which is believed to be backed by Pakistan. The Intelligence Bureau had already warned of attacks on tourist spots, but the tragedy happened due to security lapse.

The attack sparked outrage across the country. On X, @Surajrawat097 wrote, "Not a single security personnel among 2000 tourists? Sarkar Jawab De!" Protests took place in Kashmir, where people burnt Pakistani flags and raised slogans in support of India.

Suspension of Indus Water Treaty: Why and How?

Five major decisions were taken in the two-and-a-half hour meeting of the CCS on April 23. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced, “The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 is suspended until Pakistan completely stops cross-border terrorism.”

The Indus Water Treaty, signed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Ayub Khan on 19 September 1960, divides the waters of the Indus river and its tributaries (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, Chenab). Under this, India gets 20% and Pakistan gets 80%. India is allotted the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) and Pakistan the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).

The suspension will have a profound impact on Pakistan's agriculture and power generation, as it is dependent on water from the Indus basin. Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil said,“This is the right decision of the government.”

Attari border closed and other steps

CCS closed the Integrated Check Post of Attari-Wagah border with immediate effect. Also:

1. SAARC Visas Cancelled: SAARC Visas (SVES) for Pakistani nationals were cancelled. Pakistani nationals present in India were ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.
2. Diplomatic steps: Defence, naval, and air advisers of the Pakistani High Commission were declared Persona Non Grata. India recalled its military advisers from Islamabad.
3. Reduction in High Commissions: The number of staff in the High Commissions of both the countries will be reduced from 55 to 30.

These steps will stop trade and movement of people between India and Pakistan. Bilateral trade is already closed since the removal of Article 370 in 2019, and now the closure of Attari check post will harm small traders of Pakistan.

Public and opposition reaction

People on X are praising India's steps. @Anamika4S wrote, “Pahalgam avenged. Indus Water Treaty cancelled, Attari closed!” Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the government’s claims, but the All India Muslim Personal Law Board condemned the attack and called for a three-day halt to Waqf protests.

Future Fears

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is a strategic victory for India, but could increase regional instability. The World Bank, which brokered the treaty, has remained silent so far. Pakistan called India’s actions “unfair”, but its concern is evident from the sharp fall in the Karachi Stock Exchange.