• Source:JND
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India has responded strongly to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam by suspending key diplomatic and civilian ties with Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced key decisionsfollowing a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among the decisions were the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the immediate closure of the Wagah-Attari border, and a suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals. These actions reflect India's firm stance against terrorism and its determination to safeguard its sovereignty.

Suspension Of Indus Water Treaty

One of the most significant decisions was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. Under the treaty, India has been providing Pakistan with 39 billion cubic meters of water from the Indus River system annually. The treaty has long been considered a symbol of cooperation between the two nations, even during periods of political tension. However, following the recent attack, India has decided to put the agreement on hold as a punitive measure against Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. This move is expected to severely impact Pakistan's water supply, especially in regions that heavily depend on the Indus River.

Closure Of Wagah-Attari Border

In another critical step, India has ordered the immediate closure of the Wagah-Attari border, a key point of trade and cross-border interaction between India and Pakistan. The Integrated Check Post at the border has been shut down indefinitely, cutting off a major route for both trade and people-to-people contact. The closure further isolates Pakistan, signalling India’s deep frustration with Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorism emanating from its soil.

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Ban On Pakistani Nationals

Additionally, India has decided to suspend all visa services for Pakistani nationals, effectively banning Pakistani citizens from entering India. This move targets not only the diplomatic and civilian exchanges but also the broader cross-border travel, which had been a point of contact between the two countries. The suspension of visas is seen as a direct response to the increasing threats from Pakistan-based terror groups.

Expulsion Of Army Advisors And Diplomatic Reductions

In a further escalation of diplomatic tension, India has expelled all military advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This expulsion marks a significant downgrade in military-to-military relations between the two nations. India has also instructed Pakistan to reduce its diplomatic staff in New Delhi, slashing the number of diplomats to just 30, down from the current 55. These actions reflect India's intent to reduce Pakistan's diplomatic footprint in India while sending a clear message regarding its stance on national security.

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This wave of strong retaliatory actions by India comes in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The incident occurred in the serene meadows of the popular tourist destination, where visitors from various parts of the country had gathered for vacation. Terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a group of civilians, mostly tourists, killing 26 people and injuring several others. The massacre is being described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as a "cowardly act" and reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives, Singh assured the nation of a strong and decisive response against both the attackers and their handlers. He chaired a high-level security meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and top defence officials to evaluate the situation. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir, met with injured victims in Anantnag, and conducted an aerial and on-ground assessment of the attack site in Pahalgam.