TREATY | Pakistan will pay a huge price for attack on India
India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty: Five Strong Actions Against Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack
In our previous article I shared how India took a historic and bold step by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. This is not just a legal or diplomatic move – this is a firm punch in response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, particularly the brutal attack on unarmed Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Seven terrorists carried out this attack – four to five of them were confirmed Pakistanis. The brutality of the assault has shaken the nation. Victims were selected based on religion – their identity checked before they were executed. India, finally, has responded in full force.
1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, was always considered a gesture of goodwill by India. Under this agreement, India was allotted only 20% of the Indus system waters, and Pakistan a whopping 80%. Yet, even after wars and decades of cross-border terrorism, India never revoked the treaty – until now.
But let’s be clear: India has not terminated the treaty – it has suspended it. That’s a diplomatic grey zone, giving India the leverage to reduce water flow to Pakistan significantly. Complete stoppage isn’t possible yet because of infrastructure limitations, but India will now decide how much water to release – not based on the old rules, but based on new realities and national interests.
This will hit Pakistan hard, especially as summer begins. The water from three western rivers – Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum – will now be significantly reduced, making the upcoming months extremely difficult for Pakistan’s farmers and civilians.
2. Diplomatic Downgrade
India has ordered all Pakistanis in India on any kind of visa – educational, business, or tourism – to leave the country within 48 hours. The Attari-Wagah border post has been closed for civilian transit.
At the same time, Indian defence and military advisors posted in Islamabad are being called back. India is also reducing the strength of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff in New Delhi to 30 people or less. These measures clearly signal that business-as-usual diplomacy is over.
3. Preparing for International Pushback
India knows Pakistan will cry foul at international platforms – the UN, International Court of Justice, and Western media. They will showcase images of their suffering farmers, claiming humanitarian crisis. But India’s position remains strong:
- India has not broken the treaty, only suspended it.
- The suspension is a measured response to terrorism.
- Pakistan had multiple chances to stop its terror machinery but chose not to.
- Moral support for India is growing internationally after the Pahalgam massacre.
India is also preparing for the possibility of re-engagement in the distant future – but only on new terms. If talks resume, India will likely demand that the old deal – where 80% water was given to Pakistan – be revised. That generosity was never deserved, and it won’t be repeated.
4. Exposing Pakistan’s Infrastructure Failures
Even with reduced water, Pakistan could have managed – if it had built adequate dams and storage infrastructure. But decades of corruption, especially by the Pakistani military establishment, have drained national resources. Billions of dollars meant for development were looted, and now Pakistan lacks the capability to store or manage even the water it currently gets.
5. Strategic Messaging to Pakistani Citizens
India has a unique opportunity to communicate directly with the people of Pakistan. This isn’t about punishing the common citizen – this is about targeting the military-run state that has made terrorism a national policy.
By stating clearly that:
- India’s actions are against Pakistan’s military and terror networks,
- And that Pakistan’s own development is being derailed by its army’s obsession with India,
India can counter Pakistan’s propaganda, which will now shift to victimhood narratives.
Conclusion: A Turning Point
This moment marks a turning point in Indo-Pak relations. India has shown unprecedented resolve – both diplomatically and strategically. While the word “suspend” might sound soft, its impact will be hard-hitting and long-lasting.
The coming summer will test Pakistan’s resilience. More importantly, it will test whether they choose to reform, or continue being the region’s toxic element. As India moves forward, strong, clear-headed steps like these send a message not just to Pakistan, but to the entire international community.