On 22 April, a terror attack near the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and left many more injured. Once known as a popular tourist destination, Pahalgam was the scene of this violent incident that prompted a swift response from the Indian government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded promptly, vowing justice for the victims. An emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security was convened, leading to a series of unprecedented and significant decisions aimed at addressing security concerns and cross-border tensions.

Among the foremost measures taken was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This treaty, originally established in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, governs the sharing of water resources between India and Pakistan. According to the treaty, India has rights over the eastern rivers—the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan has control over the western rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. By suspending its cooperation under this long-standing agreement, India has introduced a marked shift in its bilateral relations with Pakistan.

In addition to halting cooperation on the Indus Waters Treaty, the Indian government revoked the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, effectively banning their travel to India. The Attari-Wagah border checkpost, a major point of intercambio between the two countries, was closed indefinitely. Furthermore, diplomatic staff levels have been reduced as part of the diplomatic measures taken in the wake of the attack.

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty presents considerable challenges for Pakistan, a country heavily reliant on the Indus river system to support its agriculture and meet daily water needs. The interruption of water-sharing under the treaty may exacerbate water scarcity issues and place additional strain on Pakistan's already fragile economy.

As India mourns the victims of the Pahalgam attack, these decisive governmental actions represent a significant stance in confronting cross-border terrorism. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, highlights the serious nature of the government's response and signals the lengths to which India is prepared to go in order to safeguard its citizens. The situation marks a pivotal moment in India-Pakistan relations, underscoring both the security challenges faced and the evolving diplomatic landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services