CCS Meeting: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Cuts Ties with Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack

In a strong and unprecedented response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a slew of bold measures targeting Pakistan diplomatically, economically, and strategically. The meeting lasted 2.5 hours and culminated in a detailed statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

Union HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar and others officials were present in the meeting pic.twitter.com/ve4XdXI3YH

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

Key Outcomes of the CCS Meeting:

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended:

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 has been put in abeyance with immediate effect. This move marks a historic first in Indo-Pak relations, signaling India’s intent to use water as leverage unless Pakistan irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism.

Closure of Attari Check Post:

The Integrated Check Post at Attari, a key land route between the two nations, will be closed immediately. Pakistani nationals who entered India legally through this route must return before 01 May 2025.

Visa Cancellations for Pakistani Nationals:

The government has revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani citizens. Those currently in India on SVES must leave within 48 hours, the MEA said.

Defence Attachés Declared Persona Non Grata:

In a move signaling deep diplomatic freeze, India has declared Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors persona non grata. These officials, along with five support staff, must leave within a week. India will reciprocally withdraw its own military attachés from Islamabad.

Downsizing of High Commissions:

The strength of both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by 01 May 2025, marking a significant pullback in diplomatic engagement.

The CCS reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, emphasizing that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack—and their cross-border sponsors—will be brought to justice.

A senior government source said,

“As with the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, we will pursue every terrorist, every conspirator. This time, the consequences are not just words—they are action.”

Security forces across the country have been placed on high alert, with intensified surveillance on borders, sensitive religious sites, and transportation hubs.