'Indus is Ours, and Will Remain Ours...’ Bilawal Bhutto Exceeds His Brief, Has Pakistan Forgotten 1971 and Kargil?

In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, former Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto has threatened India, saying:

“I want to tell India — Sindhu (Indus) is ours, and will remain ours.

In Sindhu, either our water will flow or blood of Indians.”

This inflammatory statement comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Bilawal’s aggressive language has further strained the fragile diplomatic environment.

India Responds: Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold

In response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack, India has moved swiftly with tough decisions. Notably, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. A formal communication has been sent to Pakistan's government, invoking Article XII(3) of the treaty, demanding a revision based on “fundamental changes in circumstances” since its execution.

The notice argues that the evolving geopolitical realities necessitate a reassessment of the obligations under various articles of the treaty and its annexures. In simpler terms, India has effectively frozen the Indus Waters Treaty, marking a significant shift in its water diplomacy towards Pakistan.

Major Developments: India Tightens Pressure

Following the terror attack, a series of strong measures have been taken by India:

Cancellation of Visas:

The Indian government has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani citizens.

Suspension of Visa Services:

All categories of visa services for Pakistanis have been suspended until further notice.

Exit Orders for Pakistani Citizens:

Pakistanis currently residing in India have been instructed to leave before the expiration of their visas.

These steps were taken after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting that reviewed the security situation post the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistan’s Counter Moves: Airspace Ban and Visa Suspension

Reacting to India's stern actions, Pakistan has announced a series of countermeasures

Suspension of SAARC Visas for Indians

Pakistani authorities have suspended the issuance of SAARC visas to Indian citizens.

Closure of Wagah Border:

Pakistan has temporarily closed the Wagah border crossing.

Airspace Ban:

Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines, invoking the Simla Agreement as justification.

Islamabad has further threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements unless India reverses its recent decisions. However, Pakistan’s airspace closure is expected to financially hurt its own aviation sector, causing further strain on an already fragile economy.