India downgrades ties with Pakistan after Kashmir attack
India Downgrades Ties with Pakistan Following Kashmir Attack: India has announced a sweeping downgrade of its diplomatic and economic relations with Pakistan in the wake of a deadly attack in the tourist town of Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly Indian tourists—were killed by armed assailants. This marks the deadliest attack on civilians in India in nearly two decades.
1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement brokered in 1960 that governs the use of six rivers shared by both countries. This is the first time India has formally suspended the treaty, which is vital for the livelihoods of millions in both nations. The suspension will remain until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism,” according to Indian officials.
2. Closure of Border Crossings
The main land border crossing between the two countries, specifically the Wagah-Attari checkpoint, has been closed with immediate effect, halting cross-border movement of people and goods.
3. Visa and Entry Restrictions
India has revoked the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) visa exemption for Pakistani citizens. All Pakistani nationals currently in India under this program have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.
4. Diplomatic Expulsions and Downsizing
All Pakistani military attachés (army, navy, air) at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave. India is also reducing its diplomatic staff in Islamabad from 55 to 30, signaling a significant downgrading of diplomatic engagement.
5. Potential for Further Action
Indian officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have warned of a “resolute response” and indicated that military options remain on the table. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has directed security forces to maintain high vigilance and pledged to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
The attack in Pahalgam targeted tourists and was the worst such incident in years. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, India has cited “cross-border linkages” and holds Pakistan indirectly responsible, a charge Pakistan denies.
The Indian government’s actions have triggered a political and strategic crisis in Pakistan, with its leadership convening emergency security meetings and issuing high alerts along the border.
Internationally, India has received expressions of solidarity from several major countries, while Pakistan faces increased diplomatic isolation.
Diplomatic Relations: The downgrading of diplomatic ties and expulsion of staff are among the most severe steps short of a complete break in relations, reminiscent of previous crises such as after the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
Economic and Human Impact: The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could have severe consequences for Pakistan’s agriculture and water security, especially ahead of the crucial summer cropping season.
People-to-People Ties: The closure of borders and visa cancellations disrupt cultural, religious, and personal exchanges, affecting families and communities on both sides.
India’s response signals a new low in bilateral relations and introduces significant uncertainty into the already volatile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
