Buzzflix On April 25, 2025 | By BuzzFlix Team
The ongoing diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan took a serious turn with the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960. This agreement, which has long served as the foundation for sharing the waters of the Indus River system between the two nations, now finds itself in jeopardy. India’s move to halt the treaty was a direct response to a deadly militant attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, a region infamous for cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The repercussions of this action are already reverberating through the corridors of power in both countries, and the potential for conflict is growing.
Pakistan’s Strong Rejection of India’s Decision
Pakistan has vehemently rejected India’s suspension of the IWT, calling it an “act of war.” The Pakistani government has declared that any attempts by India to stop or divert the flow of water from the Indus River system will be met with a forceful response. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired a National Security Council meeting to discuss Pakistan’s reaction, warned India that any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and the security of its people would lead to reciprocal measures in all domains.
The Indus Water Treaty is regarded as a lifeline by Pakistan, supplying water to the country’s agriculture, industry, and daily needs. The suspension of the treaty would not only have devastating economic and environmental impacts but could also exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region. Pakistan has threatened that such actions will be seen as a direct violation of its rights under international law.
A Series of Retaliatory Measures
In response to India’s suspension of the treaty, Pakistan has adopted a series of retaliatory measures. These include closing its airspace for Indian airlines and suspending all trade routes between the two countries, including those passing through third nations. Additionally, Pakistan has shut down the Wagah border crossing, halting all cross-border transit through this route.
Pakistan also took steps to limit the movement of Indian nationals within its borders. The country has suspended visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), which previously allowed for easier travel between the two countries. While Sikh religious pilgrims are exempted, all other Indian nationals in Pakistan have been instructed to leave within 48 hours. These measures mirror India’s recent decision to revoke the visas of Pakistani nationals and suspend visa services for Pakistanis starting on April 27, 2025.
India’s Retaliation and Diplomatic Measures
India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty came as a direct reaction to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Indian officials have accused Pakistan of providing support to cross-border militants, and the government in New Delhi has made it clear that these actions will not go unpunished.
In addition to suspending the IWT, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelling Pakistani military attachés and halting operations at the Attari land-transit post. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also made it clear that all existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked by April 27, 2025. Furthermore, Indian nationals currently in Pakistan have been advised to return to India at the earliest. Medical visas for Pakistani nationals will remain valid only until April 29, 2025.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the suspension of the IWT would remain in effect until Pakistan ceases its alleged support for terrorism and adheres to international laws and UN resolutions concerning Kashmir. The decision was made by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indus Water Treaty: A Critical Lifeline
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is a crucial agreement between India and Pakistan, ensuring that both countries have access to the water resources from the six rivers of the Indus system. The treaty has played a significant role in maintaining peace between the two nations, as water disputes could potentially escalate into armed conflict.
India controls the upper riparian region of the Indus Basin, while Pakistan controls the lower riparian region. The treaty allows Pakistan to utilize the waters of the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, while India has the rights to the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers. Any disruption in the flow of water from these rivers could have dire consequences for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy.
What’s Next for India-Pakistan Relations?
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty marks the latest chapter in the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries have a history of using water as a political tool, and this latest move is likely to further strain their already fragile relationship.
As tensions continue to mount, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops. The fear is that the standoff could escalate beyond diplomacy and into a larger conflict. In the meantime, the people of both nations, particularly in Pakistan, are left wondering about the long-term impact of such measures on their daily lives and their country’s future.
The Global Ramifications of the Suspension
The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty has not only regional but also global implications. Given the strategic importance of the region and the involvement of two nuclear-armed nations, the international community will likely push for a diplomatic resolution. However, whether India and Pakistan can find common ground in the face of escalating hostilities remains uncertain.
For now, the world watches as the situation between India and Pakistan grows increasingly tense. Whether the diplomatic channels can still offer a way forward remains to be seen.
Stay informed about the latest developments in global affairs and international relations with BuzzFlix. Follow our updates and expert analyses on political crises, diplomatic tensions, and much more. Click here to read more about India-Pakistan relations and the ongoing diplomatic challenges.
