India took strong diplomatic steps against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Measures include cancelling visas for Pakistanis, stopping consular services, and closing the Attari border check post.
These steps signal that India wants to reduce engagement with Pakistan to the minimum.
India also put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold until Pakistan takes real action against terror groups.
This includes stopping meetings, visits, and going ahead with hydropower projects that Pakistan had objected to.
Pakistan responded by copying some actions — cancelling visas, reducing embassy staff, and cutting trade.
Pakistan also threatened to suspend other agreements like the 1972 Simla Agreement.
It warned that if water flow is affected under IWT, it would treat it as an “act of war”.
It also threatened counter-attacks if Indian military operations harm its citizens.
India’s Prime Minister warned of “punishment beyond imagination” in a public message.
Indian diplomats and ministers are briefing foreign envoys and political leaders about the terror links.
The global mood, including countries like the U.S., seems to support India’s stance.
The Indian government is advised to keep internal stakeholders, especially the J&K administration, informed.
Pakistan still has a chance to avoid escalation by acting sincerely against terrorist groups.
Simla Agreement
The Simla Agreement was a bilateral treaty signed on 2nd July 1972 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
It came in the aftermath of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) and a decisive Indian military victory.
The accord aimed to normalize relations, end hostilities, and create a blueprint for peaceful coexistence and bilateralism.
Key Provisions:
Reference to UN Charter: The principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter were outlined to govern bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.
It countered previous UN resolutions (like UNSC Resolution 47) that called for a plebiscite in Kashmir.
Peaceful settlement of disputes: Both nations pledged to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir, bilaterally without third-party intervention.
Respect for sovereignty: The countries agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Redrawing of the ceasefire line: The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was re-designated as the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides committing not to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of differences.
Normalization of diplomatic ties: The agreement called for resuming communications, travel, and trade links, aiming to restore diplomatic and economic relations.
Release of prisoners of war: India agreed to release over 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war, one of the largest post-war releases in history.
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