India Imposes Diplomatic, Treaty Sanctions on Pakistan

Why in the News ?

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India has taken stringent diplomatic and strategic actions against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling military advisors from respective High Commissions.

India’s Strategic and Diplomatic Response:

  • India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) with Pakistan “in abeyance with immediate effect”.
  • The Integrated Check Post at Attari was shut down, with Pakistanis directed to return by May 1.
  • Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in Pakistan’s High Commission in Delhi declared persona non grata; they must leave within a week.
  • India will withdraw its own military advisors and five staff from the High Commission in Islamabad.
  • Both countries will reduce their High Commission strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.

Visa and Movement Restrictions

  • India cancelled all SVES (SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme) visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
  • No new SVES visas will be granted; those in India under such visas have 48 hours to leave.
  • Movement through Attari check post restricted; only those returning before May 1 permitted.

Government Action and Global Reactions

  • Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met under PM Modi to assess the situation and ordered high vigil by all forces.
  • All-party meeting called by Home Minister Amit Shah to build political consensus.
  • Global support poured in, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with India.

Understanding Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):

●Genesis: Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.
●Water Allocation:
○Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Full usage rights to India.
○Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan; India allowed non-consumptive use (e.g., navigation, hydro-power, domestic, agriculture).
○ India gets 30%; Pakistan gets 70% of Indus system waters.
● Implementation: Through Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) – ensures regular communication.
● Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
○ PIC – for initial discussions.
○ Neutral Expert – for technical matters.
○Court of Arbitration – for legal adjudication.
● International Frameworks:
○Helsinki Rules (1966): Cooperative use of transboundary waters.
○ Helsinki Convention (1992): Prevents water pollution across borders.
○UN Watercourses Convention (1997): Advocates equitable use and no significant harm principle.
●Relevance: Cited in cases like the Kishenganga Project dispute before the Permanent Court of Arbitration.