Pahalgam attack - Diplomatic action taken by India.
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, allocated the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India, while granting Pakistan access to 80% of the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Over 80% of Pakistan's agriculture and about one-third of its hydropower generation depend on the waters of the Indus basin.
After suspending the treaty, India decided to halt the flow of water from the Chenab River at the Baglihar Dam as a temporary punitive measure. Additionally, India undertook reservoir flushing to enhance the storage capacity of the Salal and Baglihar projects, performing these operations off-season without notifying Pakistan, as mandated by the treaty.
Pakistan has reportedly cautioned that any Indian attempts to obstruct the water flow from shared rivers might be perceived as an act of war, threatening to retaliate with nuclear weapons.
Reducing Diplomats and reducing the number of staffs in Indian High commissions in Pakistan.
India decreased its diplomatic presence in Pakistan. This involved expelling all Pakistani defense officials, labeling them as unwelcome and also recalled its own defense advisors from Islamabad. Pakistan mirrored these actions from their end against india. both nations reduced the number of staff at their respective high commissions
Cancellation of Visas.
India cancelled the VISAS of Pakistan, and re-directed the Pakistani's residing in the nation to immedietly leave the country within 48 hours, The home ministry also contacted the state government to look over and implement the VISAS cancellation.
Closure of Borders
India closed the Attari-Wagah border, a significant crossing for trade and travel between India and Pakistan and the sole legal land route for their commercial exchange. This border facilitates the movement of goods and people, with India exporting items like soybean and vegetables and importing dry fruits.
Additionally, India announced the closure of its side of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a visa-free passage for Indian pilgrims to a revered Sikh shrine in Pakistan, which had been used by approximately 200,000 Indians between 2021 and 2023. The Indian Foreign Secretary indicated that this suspension would continue indefinitely.
Closing Air space:
India closed its airspace, prohibiting airlines operating from Pakistan from flying over Indian territory. Pakistan responded in kind by also closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Pakistan Airlines faced the huge loss, as there commercial aircraft travelling towards eastern nation need to take a long route (Fuel expense of aircraft increased). On the other hand Indian Airlines taken the route of the Arabian sea to travel towards the western nations.
Suspension of trade:
India terminated both direct and indirect trade with Pakistan, halting exports and imports between the two countries. India had been exporting organic chemicals, automobile parts, and pharmaceuticals to Pakistan. The cancellation of pharmaceutical supplies has caused concern within Pakistan’s healthcare sector, as it could potentially lead to a shortage of essential medicines.
Some Indian products are suspected of reaching Pakistan through indirect trade via third countries, bypassing official channels and inflating trade values. The Indian government has identified these routes and is taking measures to block this indirect trade.
Pakistan had benefited from the large Indian market by exporting goods such as fruits, nuts, cotton, cement, copper, glassware, and salt. In contrast, India’s exports, particularly organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals, were vital for Pakistan, forcing the country to seek alternative markets for these essential products.
The impact on India is expected to be minimal, as it does not rely heavily on imports from Pakistan. However, Pakistan is likely to face significant challenges, as losing the vast Indian market could further strain its already fragile economy, which is grappling with high inflation. Additionally, the halt in the supply of critical goods from India, like raw materials and medicines, may exacerbate the economic pressure.
Despite both nations agreeing to a ceasefire, the diplomatic restrictions imposed on Pakistan by india remains in effect till now.