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India-Pakistan Ceasefire in Place, But Sanctions and Treaty Suspension Stay

Despite a ceasefire with Pakistan, India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and tough anti-terror measures.

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India-Pakistan Ceasefire in Place, But Sanctions and Treaty Suspension Stay

India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire accord on Saturday after a mini but fierce exchange of gunfire and artillery attacks on each other’s military bases. The ceasefire came in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Even though this ad-hoc peace provides a respite from direct confrontation, India has stated that punitive actions will continue. These encompass the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, visa restrictions, suspended trade and airspace access, and closure of the Kartarpur Corridor.

By tying peace to Pakistan’s action—or inaction—on terrorism, India is drawing a much stronger diplomatic line than it has previously.

Ceasefire Begins But is Quickly Violated

The ceasefire officially begins at 5 PM after a call was made by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to his counterpart in India at 3:30 PM. However, less than four hours later, the agreement was broken. Security authorities reported drones violating Indian airspace across Jammu and Kashmir, before they exploded. In retaliation, Indian air defense units quickly destroyed them.

Even after this violation, the night was uneventful with no renewed hostilities. Frontier sectors on both the Line of Control and the International Border were relatively calm, with no new firing or direct exchanges being reported.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspension to Stay

India stands its ground in not going ahead with the Indus Waters Treaty. The action came as a direct response to the April 23 terror attack on Pahalgam. Official sources have confirmed that India will no longer supply hydrological information to Pakistan. Also, development projects on the northern rivers will proceed as scheduled.

Signed in 1960 and facilitated by the World Bank, the treaty shares control of six rivers between the two nations. India controls the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, and Pakistan depends significantly on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. These western rivers irrigate almost 80% of Pakistani agriculture.

Pakistan, in refusing any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, is now seeking legal avenues to contest India’s withdrawal from the treaty.

Treating Terrorism as an Act of War

India has introduced a major policy change: any subsequent terror attack emanating from Pakistan will be dealt with as an act of war. This policy involves attacks emanating from Pakistani territory, even if the state has not been involved. The officials point out that it is time for a more assertive response to repeated drone intrusions and missile attacks.

Conventionally, acts of war imply armed threats against the sovereignty of a country or the security of its people. In the future, India will classify cross-border terrorism under the same umbrella.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressures Persist

Aside from military signaling, India has imposed strict diplomatic and economic pressures. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor—a religious and emotional connection between Sikh holy places—has been closed down indefinitely. The shutdown reverses one of the main 2019 confidence-building steps between the two countries.

Additionally, India has shut down the Attari-Wagah border and cancelled all Saarc visas to Pakistani nationals. Existing ones were requested to depart within 48 hours. Diplomatic offices in both capitals also saw instant expulsions and staff cuts.

Meanwhile, all economic activity continues to be suspended. India is adamant that economic cooperation will be reinstated only after Pakistan shows tangible action against terror outfits. In another move, Indian authorities shut their airspace to all Pakistani-registered planes, civilian or military.

Unwavering Strategy, Unshaken Red Line

India’s latest stance sends an unequivocal signal: the ceasefire is appreciated, but it won’t wash away responsibility. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty hangs in there. So does the restriction on airspace, freeze on trade, and diplomatic cuts.

By imposing these steps, New Delhi has issued a red notice. Whatever the next terror strike may be—attributable or not—will face immediate and decisive counter-measures.