India Blames Pakistan for Kashmir Attack, Suspends Historic Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, India has accused Pakistan of backing a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, prompting New Delhi to downgrade diplomatic ties and suspend the Indus Water Treaty—a landmark agreement that has survived wars but now finds itself caught in the crossfire of a renewed geopolitical dispute. The attack, which occurred in the tourist-heavy valley of Pahalgam, is one of the most horrific in recent memory, targeting civilians and triggering nationwide outrage.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions following an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While evidence linking the attack to Pakistan has not been publicly released, Indian officials say the pattern of coordination and the choice of soft targets reflect the hallmarks of cross-border terrorism. India has long maintained that the ongoing militancy in Kashmir is being supported from across the border, a claim Pakistan has consistently denied. The latest violence has further strained relations, especially as India moves to assert that such acts cannot go unanswered in today’s global climate of zero-tolerance for terrorism.

The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is a significant diplomatic step. This treaty governs the usage of waters from the Indus River and its tributaries—resources vital to both nations. By freezing its implementation, India is signaling that regional peace and cooperation cannot be divorced from issues of cross-border security. India clarified that the treaty would only resume once Pakistan demonstrates “credible and irreversible” disengagement from terrorism. In parallel, India has reduced the strength of diplomatic missions, recalled its representatives from Islamabad, and expelled Pakistani diplomats from New Delhi.

The situation in Kashmir remains tense. Security forces have launched a massive manhunt for the attackers, deploying helicopters and increasing checkpoints across the region. Shops and businesses closed in protest, and tourism has taken a significant hit, with frightened visitors now leaving in droves. Authorities are investigating claims made by a previously unknown group, Kashmir Resistance, which took responsibility on social media, though the authenticity of these messages is still under scrutiny. Indian security officials continue to treat the attack as terrorism, vowing swift justice for both perpetrators and masterminds.

India’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting civilians was underscored by Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the attack site and his meeting with victims’ families. Shah pledged tough action and paid floral tributes to the deceased, emphasizing that violence will never be allowed to derail Kashmir’s path to stability and development. The Indian government has consistently encouraged tourism and investment in Kashmir, pointing to the millions of visitors in recent years as proof of a return to normalcy. However, Tuesday’s attack dealt a significant blow to that image.

As the world watches closely, India is reaffirming its stance that peace cannot coexist with proxy violence. The attack has reignited old debates, but this time, New Delhi appears more resolute than ever. With diplomatic downgrades, treaty suspensions, and sweeping security measures, India is sending a clear message: the price of terrorism will be isolation and accountability. As both nations prepare for further developments, the hope remains that responsible global powers will stand behind India in its pursuit of peace through strength and justice.