India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Shuts Attari Border In Strong Response To Pakistan
April 24, 2025
0
India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and shut down the Attari border is a major step-up in its reaction to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack,
India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and shut down the Attari border is a major step-up in its reaction to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which took 26 lives. This action reflects India’s toughening stand against cross-border terrorism and a change in its strategy towards bilateral treaties with Pakistan.
Major Implications of India’s Actions:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
The 1960 treaty, facilitated by the World Bank, has weathered three wars but is now suspended indefinitely.
India possesses the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), whereas Pakistan depends on the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum).
Suspension may result in limiting water flow to Pakistan, affecting its agriculture and water supply.
Attari Border Closure:
The Wagah-Attari Border is one of India and Pakistan’s principal trade and transit points.
Closing it down hurts bilateral trade, pilgrim traffic (Kartarpur Corridor), and people-to-people interaction.
Strong Message on Terrorism:
India is attributing Pakistan to the attack on Pahalgam, presumably based on intelligence about ISI-sponsored terror organizations (Lashkar, Jaish).
This comes after previous actions such as surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrike (2019) after significant terror attacks.
Probable Fallout:
Pakistan could go to international institutions (World Bank, UN) regarding the suspension of the Indus Treaty.
Economic & Humanitarian Consequences: Pakistan’s agrarian belts (Punjab, Sindh) may experience water shortages.
Diplomatic Isolation: India can induce more international pressure on Pakistan on terrorism.
In case Pakistan does not take action against terror organizations, India might initiate more confrontational actions, such as additional diplomatic isolation or military saber-rattling.
The role of the World Bank could be put to test in case Pakistan requests arbitration.
This is India’s strongest non-military action so far, indicating that terrorism will have real costs for Pakistan. The action also reflects PM Modi’s hardline approach of punishing cross-border strikes without open military confrontation.
Would you like to have an analysis of Pakistan’s likely reaction?
