In a decisive and unprecedented move, the Government of India has suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 28 Indian citizens.
The bold action marks a significant escalation in India's response to Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism.
The announcement came after a high-level emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence. The meeting was attended by key members of the national security leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
As part of a broader retaliatory strategy, India has also announced the immediate suspension of operations at the Attari Integrated Check Post, effectively halting overland transit between the two nations. Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to exit the country within 48 hours, and those holding valid documents may return via Attari only until May 1, 2025.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the press, outlining a series of diplomatic downgrades. Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), all previously issued visas to Pakistani nationals are now deemed invalid. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Force advisors posted at its High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave India within seven days. India will mirror this measure by withdrawing its military attaches from its High Commission in Islamabad.
Additionally, both countries have agreed to reduce the strength of their diplomatic staff in respective missions from 55 to 30 personnel, a change to take effect from May 1, 2025.
The Central Security Committee has placed all security forces across the country on high alert, directing them to ensure preparedness for any retaliatory action or escalated threat. Indian intelligence agencies have been tasked with swiftly identifying and neutralizing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre.
Global leaders have rallied behind India, expressing solidarity and unequivocal condemnation of the terror attack.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke directly to Prime Minister Modi, assuring unwavering support. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Trump said, “Very sad news coming out of Kashmir. America stands with India in the fight against terrorism.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the incident as a “brutal act of terror,” affirming Israel's steadfast alliance with India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded India's resilience, while the German Foreign Office echoed support, describing the attack as “deplorable and unjustifiable.”