After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, India has responded with powerful diplomatic and economic measures aimed squarely at Pakistan. Among the most impactful steps taken are a total ban on trade with Pakistan and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a bold move that carries serious long-term implications.
🔒 Total Ban on Trade with Pakistan
India has enforced a blanket ban on all imports from Pakistan, halting cross-border trade entirely. This step disrupts the already fragile economic ties between the two nations and sends a stern warning that India will no longer tolerate acts of terror without consequences.
Key elements of the trade ban include:
Suspension of mail exchange services
Prohibition on Pakistani ships docking at Indian ports
Complete closure of Indian airspace to Pakistan-registered aircraft
This comprehensive lockdown of economic and logistical ties has significantly raised the cost of hostility for Pakistan and created international pressure on its leadership.
💧 The Indus Waters Treaty: A Game-Changer
One of the most strategic retaliatory steps is India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty—a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. Under this treaty, India was obligated to allow the unrestricted flow of water from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan.
But with growing public anger and security concerns, India is now exercising its rights under the treaty to utilize water from the western rivers for domestic projects like irrigation and hydroelectric power.
🌊 How the Treaty Suspension Affects Pakistan
The Indus waters are lifelines for Pakistan’s agriculture and drinking water needs. Around 80% of Pakistan’s irrigated agriculture depends on these rivers. If India proceeds to build reservoirs and divert water, the downstream flow into Pakistan will reduce significantly—especially in the dry season—putting pressure on:
Food security
Power generation
Drinking water supplies
🔧 Can India Actually Stop the Water?
India cannot unilaterally abrogate the treaty without facing global legal consequences. However, it can delay or limit the flow through projects like:
Reservoir construction to store water
Hydropower plants that control the release
Diversion canals for internal use before the rivers enter Pakistan
These moves are within India’s rights under the treaty if done without obstructing natural flow beyond treaty terms.
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