Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
India Summons Pakistan Envoy Over Pahalgam Attack
In a sharp diplomatic escalation, India summoned Pakistan’s top envoy in New Delhi after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of whom were tourists. The government issued a formal note declaring Pakistani military diplomats persona non grata and asked them to leave within a week. The move is part of a broader strategy to downgrade diplomatic engagement with Pakistan over the incident.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on April 23 and announced a series of significant measures. Among them was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari-Wagah land border, and a reduction in the Indian High Commission staff in Islamabad from 55 to 30. These actions reflect India’s strong belief that the attack had cross-border support.
The assault took place in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on tourists without warning. The Resistance Front (TRF), considered a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility. Although Pakistan has denied involvement, Indian officials maintain that there is credible evidence linking the attack to operatives across the border.
India Pakistan Relations
Ties between India and Pakistan, already fraught with tension, have taken a deeper plunge following the Pahalgam attack. India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty — a landmark agreement that has survived wars and diplomatic standoffs since 1960 — signals a dramatic policy shift. The treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two nations, had been seen as a stabilizing force even during turbulent periods.
In addition to diplomatic steps, the Indian government has ramped up internal security. A widespread manhunt is underway for the attackers, while intelligence and paramilitary forces have heightened surveillance in Jammu and Kashmir. Air India has added flights to expedite the evacuation of stranded tourists, ensuring swift relief and safety for civilians.
The response from the global community has ranged from condemnation of the attack to calls for restraint. While several world leaders expressed solidarity with India, there are growing concerns about the long-term fallout of this latest flashpoint.
Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is perhaps the most significant fallout of the Pahalgam incident. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocates control over the Indus river system between India and Pakistan and had long been considered untouchable, even during war.
India’s decision to suspend the treaty is widely seen as a message that it will no longer honor agreements if cross-border terrorism continues unchecked. The move could significantly impact Pakistan’s access to vital water resources and might also prompt a reevaluation of other existing treaties and arrangements.
As both nations dig in their heels, the region stands on edge. The world watches closely, hoping for diplomatic de-escalation — but with both sides hardening positions, that path appears increasingly distant.
