South Asia Crisis Escalates; India Closes Border Crossing with Pakistan, Suspends Indus Water Treaty

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The Indian government has launched a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan in response to the deadly attack in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir that killed 27 people, including 25 Indian tourists and a Nepali citizen. The attack, carried out by an unknown group called the "Kashmir Resistance", is considered the worst attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

 

Following the incident, India completely closed the Attari border crossing with Pakistan and announced that all Pakistani citizens with SAARC visas must leave Indian territory within 48 hours. Pakistan's military, naval and air advisers in New Delhi have also been declared "persona non grata" and given a week to leave India. India, in turn, has recalled its diplomats from Islamabad and reduced the number of staff in the two countries' embassies from 55 to 30.

 

India, on the other hand, has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been in place since 1960 between the two countries. The treaty, which was drafted under the supervision of the World Bank, had so far prevented water conflicts between the two countries. The suspension of the treaty could have serious consequences for Pakistan's agriculture and water resources. ​

 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, returning immediately from his foreign trip, held an emergency meeting of the security cabinet and emphasized that the perpetrators and sponsors of the attack would face "the strongest punishment." Indian Home Minister Amit Shah also promised a decisive response to the attack.​

 

Experts believe that the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan could have direct implications for regional security, especially in Afghanistan. Given Pakistan’s role in the developments in Afghanistan and its relations with various groups, increased international pressure on Islamabad may also affect its policies towards Afghanistan.