India Cancels Indus Waters Treaty, Orders Pakistani Nationals to Leave Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Kathmandu: Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir that killed 26 people, including a Nepali citizen, India has announced a series of strong retaliatory decisions aimed at Pakistan. The Indian Cabinet met on Wednesday evening and made five major policy decisions while also calling for an all-party meeting on Thursday.

India’s Five Key Decisions Post-Terror Attack

1. Termination of the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.
2. Closure of the Attari border crossing, with a 48-hour evacuation directive for Pakistani nationals inside India.
3. Immediate cancellation of Pakistani visas issued by the Indian government.
4. One-week deadline for Pakistani defense advisors posted in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to leave India.
5. Reduction of staff at the Pakistani High Commission from 55 to 30 members.

India attributes the attack to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, specifically mentioning the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s proxy wing, The Resistance Front (TRF). In contrast, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied any involvement in the attack.

About the Indus Waters Treaty

Signed on September 19, 1960, with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty is one of the most enduring water-sharing agreements in the world. It governs the distribution of water from six rivers of the Indus basin—three western (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) and three eastern (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).

• Pakistan uses nearly 80% of the water under this treaty.

• India’s move to cancel the treaty could allow it to divert or block water flows, potentially crippling Pakistan’s agriculture, water supply, and industries.

The revocation of the treaty is being described as highly unusual and could have major implications on regional geopolitics, water security, and bilateral relations.

Pahalgam Attack: The Incident and Investigation

A terrorist attack targeting tourists in the scenic Pahalgam area resulted in the death of 26 individuals, including Sudip Neupane from Butwal, Nepal. Over 20 others were injured, including Neupane’s mother.

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has dispatched a team to lead the probe, and dozens have been detained for questioning. Intelligence agencies believe the attack was orchestrated by TRF, and three suspects—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—have been identified.

Shutdown in Jammu & Kashmir; Political and Diplomatic Ripples

• The Jammu & Kashmir region observed a shutdown on Thursday in the aftermath of the attack.

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, vowing that the perpetrators “will not be spared”.

• The Nepal government expressed condolences and reaffirmed support for India’s anti-terror efforts.