India Blames Pakistan for Deadly Kashmir Attack, Suspends Water Treaty

On April 23, 2025, a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 people and wounded 17 others. Following this incident, India immediately blamed Pakistan for the attack, identifying 'cross-border linkages' between the attackers and Pakistan. In response, the Indian government announced a series of punitive measures, including the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water-sharing between the two nuclear-armed nations and has stood for over six decades. The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960 with World Bank mediation, is pivotal for both countries, especially for Pakistan, which relies on the Indus River system for its water needs. The Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan effectively renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. As a result of this action, significant diplomatic ties have also been downgraded, and the visa privileges for Pakistani nationals in India have been revoked. The Indian government portrays the attack as a direct consequence of Pakistan's support for terrorism, a claim vehemently denied by Pakistani officials, who argue that such accusations are mere pretexts for India’s aggressive actions in the region. The militant group 'Kashmir Resistance,' linked to a banned terrorist organization, has claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the targeted individuals were not regular tourists but rather affiliated with Indian security agencies. Analysts suggest that this incident could further strain the already fragile relations between India and Pakistan, especially considering the history of violence and claims of state-sponsored terrorism associated with both countries in the Kashmir conflict. The ramifications of suspending the treaty could potentially lead to severe water shortages in Pakistan, exacerbating the ongoing crises fueled by resource management and climate change. This attack exacerbates tensions that have simmered since New Delhi's revocation of Kashmir's autonomy in 2019, which sparked regional unrest and increased violence. As Indian political leaders vow to respond decisively, calls for retaliatory action against Pakistan have been prominent in Indian right-wing media, indicating a potential escalation in military rhetoric. Observers predict that this could lead to a volatile security situation not just in Kashmir but throughout South Asia, as both nations grapple with long-standing animosities and the pressing issues of national security and territorial integrity.