New Delhi:
In a significant diplomatic move, India has formally notified Pakistan that it is indefinitely suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, citing “sustained cross-border terrorism” and other reasons. The suspension, which came into effect immediately, was outlined in a letter sent late Thursday by India’s Ministry of Water Resources to Pakistan’s Secretary of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtuza.
The letter emphasized that the fundamental principle of honoring a treaty in good faith had been compromised due to persistent cross-border terrorism, with Pakistan’s ongoing support for militant activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of undermining the treaty through continued terror operations, making it difficult for India to fully utilize its rights under the treaty.
In addition to the cross-border terrorism, the letter highlighted Pakistan’s repeated refusal to address India’s concerns regarding changes in the circumstances surrounding the treaty’s execution. These include significant demographic changes in the region, the growing need for clean energy development, and other factors affecting the equitable sharing of the Indus River’s waters. India also noted that Pakistan had ignored its requests for negotiations as prescribed under the treaty.
The notification came as Pakistan made retaliatory moves following India’s diplomatic offensive. Pakistan’s response included reducing Indian diplomatic staff, closing airspace to Indian flights, and shutting down the Wagah border post. Islamabad also announced the suspension of all agreements between the two countries, including the 1972 Simla Agreement, which affirms the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
A New Milestone in India’s Security Stance
The decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty marked an unprecedented move, as the treaty had survived multiple conflicts, including wars between the two nations. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the announcement after a high-level meeting that underscored India’s firm stance against Pakistan’s alleged role in fostering terrorism.
The Indus River is crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture, power generation, and daily water needs. As such, the suspension of the treaty poses a significant challenge to Pakistan, already grappling with water scarcity and environmental stress.
Pakistan’s Threat of War
In response to India’s actions, Pakistan warned that any attempt to block or divert the water flow would be considered an “act of war.” This statement underscores the high stakes involved in the Indus dispute, which has long been a sensitive issue in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Catalyst for Diplomatic Retaliation
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty follows the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this week, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. The attack, which occurred in the picturesque Baisaran valley, was carried out by militants affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group. The terrorists ambushed a group of tourists, causing widespread shock and outrage across India.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government took swift action, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals in India. Additionally, India canceled all medical visas for Pakistanis, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s Strong Message
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong statement in Madhubani, Bihar, vowing that India would “identify, track, and punish” every terrorist responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. Modi reaffirmed India’s “zero tolerance” towards terrorism, stressing that the government would pursue the perpetrators to the “ends of the earth.”
PM Modi declared that terrorism would not go unpunished and vowed that justice would be served, promising that India’s spirit would remain unbroken in the face of such atrocities. His remarks highlighted the government’s resolve to take further action to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
Next Steps and Ongoing Tensions
The situation remains tense, with diplomatic and security measures likely to intensify. On Friday, a high-level meeting regarding the water treaty is scheduled to take place at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence, involving key ministers and officials.
As the diplomatic crisis unfolds, India’s response continues to signal its determination to hold Pakistan accountable for cross-border terrorism. With the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other retaliatory measures, India has made it clear that it will not tolerate Pakistan’s role in harboring and supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
