Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. He said, “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice… they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

After the attack, people wondered how India would respond. The answer came on April 23, after Modi’s Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. India announced that it would suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The suspension will last until Pakistan “credibly and irreversibly” ends its support for cross-border terrorism.

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, is an agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It divides the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries — Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, Chenab, and Kabul. India has unrestricted access to three Eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Pakistan controls the Western rivers — Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India can use water from these rivers for agriculture and hydroelectric power, but it cannot store water or build storage works on the Western rivers.

What the Suspension Means

By suspending the treaty, India sends a strong message. The government signals that it will not tolerate such attacks. India believes Pakistan supported the Pahalgam terrorists, so this move puts serious pressure on Pakistan.

How it affects Pakistan

India’s suspension of the IWT follows the Pahalgam attack, which was carried out by seven gunmen, four or five of whom were from Pakistan. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal had earlier called for suspending the IWT, saying, “It is time to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty indefinitely as a truly meaningful response to the latest terrorist outrage in Pahalgam instigated by Pakistan. We have earlier said that blood and water can’t go together. Let’s act on our own declared position. This will be a strategic response.”