New Delhi, April 24, 2025 – In a decisive response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a cornerstone agreement with Pakistan signed in 1960, and shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, halting bilateral land trade and transit.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened late last evening at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, where senior ministers and national security officials reviewed the overall security environment. The committee, deeply disturbed by the heinous attack, directed all Indian security forces to maintain high operational vigilance along international borders and across the country.

Diplomatic Fallout: Expulsions & Visa Cancellations

Addressing the media after the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined India's firm diplomatic measures:

• SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals are suspended, with all previously issued visas cancelled. Pakistani nationals currently in India under SVES visas are given 48 hours to leave the country.
• Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at its High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata. They are directed to leave India within one week.
• India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, alongside five supporting staff members.
• Both High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad will reduce their diplomatic strength from 55 to 30 officials by May 1st.

Attack Linked to Cross-Border Terror Networks

The CCS was briefed on the cross-border connections of the Pahalgam attack, which coincided with significant political and economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir, including the successful holding of democratic elections. The attack, which targeted civilians and tourists, was perceived as an attempt to destabilize the region.

The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. It also appreciated the global solidarity shown, as governments worldwide denounced the attack and reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: A Historic Move

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, marks a historic escalation in India’s diplomatic posture towards Pakistan. This move disrupts the long-standing sharing of river waters, signaling India's intent to leverage hydro-diplomacy as part of its broader strategic toolkit.

With the closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, the primary land trade and transit point between India and Pakistan has been sealed, further isolating Pakistan economically and diplomatically.