In a decisive response to one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in nearly two decades, India on Wednesday unveiled a series of measures aimed at scaling down diplomatic ties with Pakistan. The move came just a day after terrorists killed 26 people at a popular tourist destination in Kashmir.
Addressing the media, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that evidence pointing to cross-border links in the attack was presented during a high-level security cabinet meeting. In the wake of these findings, New Delhi resolved to take firm action against Islamabad.
Among the most significant steps was the immediate suspension of the Indus Water Treaty — a landmark agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs the distribution of waters from the Indus River system between the two nations.
Further tightening its stance, India expelled defence advisers stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata. Simultaneously, the Indian diplomatic mission in Islamabad will see its strength slashed nearly in half, from 55 to 30 personnel.
The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, has long been a rare example of enduring cooperation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Its suspension marks a stark shift in the tenor of bilateral relations.
