Indus Waters Treaty Conflict: In a bold escalation, Pakistan has suspended all trade ties with India, shut its airspace for Indian flights, and announced the closure of the Wagah border. These actions were taken in response to India’s recent diplomatic steps following the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan’s government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has also decided to put all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, under review, signaling a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations.
Important Points Summary
| Action Taken | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Suspended | Pakistan | All trade with India, including third-party routes, is halted. |
| Indus Waters Treaty Held in Abeyance | India | Treaty suspended in response to Pahalgam terror attack. |
| Airspace Closure | Pakistan | Airspace closed for Indian flights. |
| Diplomatic Expulsions | Both | Mutual expulsion of diplomats and defence officials. |
| High Commission Staff Reduced | Pakistan | Limited to 30 members. |
| Wagah Border Post Closed | Pakistan | Halted ground-level movement between countries. |
Indus Waters Treaty Now at the Center of Conflict
The biggest flashpoint emerged when India put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, a move that Pakistan has denounced as highly provocative. Islamabad described any interference with water flow as a “declaration of war”, emphasizing that the rights of the lower riparian (Pakistan) under this treaty are non-negotiable. Pakistan warned that any attempt to divert water would be met with strong resistance, calling it a direct threat to regional peace.
Pakistan Closes Airspace and Border Crossings
Taking immediate retaliatory action, Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-operated flights, severely disrupting regional air traffic. It also suspended trade with India, including goods moving to and from third countries through its territory. The iconic Wagah border post is now closed, symbolizing a complete halt to direct physical connections between the two nations.
Diplomatic Downscaling Begins on Both Sides
In a significant diplomatic snub, Pakistan has announced a reduction of staff at the Indian High Commission to just 30 members. Defence officials from the Indian High Commission will also be expelled. These measures come after India expelled Pakistani diplomats and revoked visas of Pakistani nationals, asking them to exit within 48 hours.
A Strategic Crisis Unfolds in South Asia
This back-and-forth of extreme diplomatic and strategic moves signals a major setback in Indo-Pak relations. Analysts warn that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been in place since 1960, could destabilize the already volatile region. The treaty is widely regarded as a cornerstone of water-sharing cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Global Community Watches With Concern
The international community has called for restraint and dialogue. However, with both countries digging in, the prospects for immediate de-escalation seem bleak. Observers believe that this confrontation could have long-term implications, not just for regional stability but also for international diplomatic efforts in South Asia.
Indus Waters Treaty – FAQs
Pakistan suspended trade in retaliation to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and diplomatic downgrades.
It’s a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960, governing the use of six rivers flowing through both countries.
Indian flights will have to reroute, increasing travel time and operational costs.