Pahalgam Terror Attack: Indus Waters Treaty Talks Suspended

(Important for UPSC/PSC – India-Pakistan Foreign Policy, Water Diplomacy, Impact of Terrorism)

Pahalgam Terror Attack (22 April 2025)

On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack took place at the famous tourist site of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir.

• Location: Baisaran Meadows
• Target: A group of approximately 40 tourists
• Casualties: At least 26 people dead (25 Indian nationals, 1 Nepali)
• Injured: More than 17 people

Modus Operandi:

• Heavily armed terrorists emerged from the forest and indiscriminately fired upon tourists.
• Chaos erupted at the site; locals also fled to save their lives.
• The attackers deliberately targeted civilians.

Claim of Responsibility:

• A previously unknown terrorist group called “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility.
• Indian security agencies suspect that this group may be a front for Pakistan-based outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Response from the Indian Government:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the attack a "cowardly act" and promised justice.
• The government took strict actions:
  • Downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
  • Suspended talks on the Indus Waters Treaty.
  • Expelled Pakistani military advisors.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at a strong response, fueling speculation about possible military action.

International Reaction:

• U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with India.

Impact on Tourism:

• The attack is likely to severely impact Kashmir’s tourism economy, which had been recovering.
• Renewed concerns over regional security and a possible escalation in India-Pakistan tensions.

Indus Waters Treaty Talks Suspended

Background – Indus Waters Treaty (1960):

• Signatories: India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.
• Objective: Division of the Indus river system waters.

Provisions:

• India: Rights over Eastern Rivers – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
• Pakistan: Rights over Western Rivers – Jhelum, Chenab, Indus
• India is permitted “non-consumptive use” (e.g., irrigation, hydropower) of western rivers.
• A Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) was set up to hold annual meetings.
• The treaty has remained one of the most stable aspects of India-Pakistan relations.

Why were talks suspended in 2025?

• The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, killed 26 tourists.
• Evidence linked Pakistan-backed terror outfits (TRF / Lashkar).
• India treated the attack as direct aggression and accused Pakistan of “state-sponsored terrorism.”

Government’s Reaction:

• The annual PIC meeting (scheduled for May 2025) was suspended.
• MEA issued a statement: "Talks and terror can't go hand in hand."
• This is part of India’s diplomatic strategy to build pressure on Pakistan.

🌍 Possible Implications:

• Further deterioration in India-Pakistan relations.
• Potential impact on Pakistan’s water security if India alters management of western rivers (e.g., dam projects).
• Possibility of mediation by the World Bank or the United Nations.
• Increased use of water as a diplomatic tool by India.

MCQs for UPSC/PSC

1. With reference to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, consider the following statements:

1. The attack was carried out in the Baisaran area using automatic weapons.
2. The attackers primarily targeted security forces.
   Correct answer: (a) Only 1

2. Consider the following statements about the Indus Waters Treaty:

1. India has full rights over all six rivers of the Indus basin.
2. The treaty was signed under the mediation of the World Bank.
   Correct answer: (b) Only 2

3. Regarding the Permanent Indus Commission:

1. It is a bilateral body that meets annually.
2. Its annual meeting in 2025 was canceled due to political tensions.
   Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

4. Which unknown group claimed responsibility for the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack?
(a) Jaish-e-Mohammed
(b) Kashmir Resistance
(c) Hizbul Mujahideen
(d) Tehrik-e-Labbaik
Correct answer: (b) Kashmir Resistance

5. In which year was the Indus Waters Treaty signed?
(a) 1950
(b) 1955
(c) 1960
(d) 1971
Correct answer: (c) 1960

6. The Baisaran valley, where the 2025 attack occurred, is located in which state/UT?
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Ladakh
Correct answer: (c) Jammu and Kashmir

7. Match the rivers with the country having rights under the Treaty:

Answer: (a) A-1; B-2; C-1; D-2

8. Assertion-Reason (Water Talks Suspension):
Assertion (A): India suspended the Indus Commission talks in 2025.
Reason (R): India suspected Pakistan-backed terror groups were involved in the Pahalgam attack.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

9. Assertion-Reason (Treaty’s Resilience):
Assertion (A): The Indus Waters Treaty remained effective even during most India-Pakistan conflicts.
Reason (R): It is part of the UN’s Transboundary Water Convention.
Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false.

10. Assertion-Reason (Water as a Strategic Tool):
Assertion (A): Suspending Indus talks is an example of water diplomacy.
Reason (R): India seeks to use water sharing as a strategic response to terrorism.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Hint:

Question:
“Is India’s suspension of annual Indus Waters Treaty talks in 2025 a diplomatic response or a long-term strategy? Analyze.”

Suggested Points:

• History and importance of the Treaty
• Background of the recent terror attack
• Immediate objective behind suspending the talks
• Impact on regional water security
• India’s evolving water diplomacy strategy

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