News Desk – India has taken strong steps against Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed, including a foreign national. The attack was linked to cross-border terrorism. In response, India’s top security group, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), has made some major decisions.
What Actions Has India Taken?
Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, has been suspended.
India had full rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
Pakistan had rights over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
The treaty survived past wars but is now stopped until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism.
Attari-Wagah Border Closed
The Attari-Wagah border is now closed.
People who crossed over with valid permissions must return before 1 May 2025.
SVES Visa for Pakistanis Cancelled
Pakistani citizens can no longer travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
All previously given SVES visas to Pakistanis are now cancelled.
Pakistanis in India under this visa have 48 hours to leave.
Military Officials Expelled
Pakistani naval and air advisors in New Delhi are asked to leave within a week.
India will also remove its own military advisors from Islamabad.
Five staff members from both sides will also be withdrawn.
Reduction in High Commission Staff
Both countries will reduce their High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by 1 May 2025.
Why These Steps?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri explained that these decisions were made because the terrorist attack came at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was doing well with peaceful elections and economic progress. India believes the attack was meant to disturb this progress.
The government has decided to take a firm stand, and the message is clear – those involved in terrorism and those supporting them will be punished.
Importance of Indus Treaty Suspension
The Indus Waters Treaty was one of the few peaceful agreements between India and Pakistan. By suspending it, India is showing its strong disapproval of Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
This move will be very serious for Pakistan. The country already faces water problems due to population growth, climate change, and bad water management. Losing access to these river waters could make the situation worse.
In the past, when India had considered stopping the treaty, Pakistan had said it would see it as an “act of war.” But after this brutal attack by a group called The Resistance Front (linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba), India has decided to act.
What is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)?
SVES allows certain important people like politicians, judges, journalists, and athletes to travel between SAARC countries without a visa. India has now removed Pakistan from this list.
