India on Wednesday launched a major diplomatic offensive against Pakistan by abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari and barring the entry for Pakistani nationals to India, following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.
At a media briefing after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has also declared the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors working at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as "persona non grata," which means they are no longer welcome. They have been given one week to leave the country.
Misri also said that India will reduce the number of staff at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi from 55 to 30, and these changes must be completed by May 1.
The biggest step taken is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which has been in place for decades. This means that the flow of water from the Indus River and its connected rivers — the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj — will be stopped. These rivers supply water to Pakistan and support the lives of tens of millions of people there.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in September 19, 1960. It was an agreement between India and Pakistan, with the help of the World Bank. Even though the two countries have fought three wars (in 1965, 1971, and 1999), the treaty had remained in place — until now, when it has been suspended with no end date.
Here are the five main decisions made by India:
Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. This treaty, which helps both countries share river water, has been seen as a rare point of agreement between India and Pakistan despite ongoing tensions.
Attari-Wagah Border Closed: India has shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing. This border point was important for trade and people visiting each other between the two countries.
Ban on Pakistani Nationals Entering India: India has stopped allowing Pakistani citizens to enter the country. All visa services and travel permits for Pakistani nationals have been suspended until further notice.
Pakistani Military Advisors Sent Back: India has expelled all Pakistani military advisors working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This step lowers the level of military contact between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Embassy Staff Cut Down: India has told Pakistan to reduce the number of its diplomats in New Delhi from 55 to just 30. This will significantly limit their activities.
Misri further said, "The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed the overall security situation and instructed all forces to stay on high alert. The committee decided that those responsible for the attack will be punished, and those who supported them will also be held accountable. Just like India recently succeeded in getting Tahawwur Rana extradited, the country will continue to go after anyone involved in planning or carrying out terrorist acts, without letting up."
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