India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, asks Pak nationals to leave country in 48 hours after PM Modi chairs Cabinet meet

Police on Wednesday announced a bounty of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the neutralisation of terrorists involved in the gruesome killing of tourists in a Pahalgam resort of Jammu and Kashmir.

Twenty-six people, including 24 tourists, were killed when terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon. The horrific incident is the deadliest attack in the valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

The dead included two foreigners and as many locals.

"Any information leading to the neutralisation of terrorists involved in this cowardly act shall be rewarded Rs 20 lakh," Anantnag police said in a post on its official X handle.

The identity of the informer shall be kept a secret, the police added.

Earlier in the day, security agencies released the sketches of three men suspected to be involved in the terror attack. The men, all Pakistanis, are Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha, officials said.

They had code names Moosa, Yunus and Asif and were involved in terror-related incidents in Poonch. The sketches were prepared with the help of survivors, they said.

From the pencil sketches, in black and white, they appear to be young and have beards. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday afternoon.

5. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025. The CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account. As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible.

3. Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

Indian Express Explains ✈️

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992, according to the SAARC website. The leaders at the Fourth Summit (Islamabad, 29-31 December 1988), while realising the importance of having people-to-people contacts, among the peoples of SAARC countries, decided that certain categories of dignitaries should be entitled to a Special Travel document, which would exempt them from visas within the region. As directed by the Summit, the Council of Ministers regularly kept under review the list of entitled categories, the text explains.

Who all are included

Currently, the list has 24 categories, such as dignitaries, judges of higher courts, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessperson, journalists, and sportsmen.

1. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Indian Express Explains:

What's the importance of Indus Water Treaty 💦

As the only major cross-border water-sharing treaty in Asia, the Indus Water Treaty plays a crucial role in maintaining peace between two nuclear-armed neighbours. Despite the wars of 1965 and 1971 and various geopolitical tensions, both nations have consistently upheld the treaty.

However, Pakistan’s objections to two of India’s hydroelectric projects — the Kishanganga project on the Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum, and the Ratle project on the Chenab — have created ongoing tensions. Pakistan claims these projects could impact water flow into its territory, particularly concerning irrigation needs.

Compounding these issues are persistent concerns about climate change, which threaten the treaty’s long-term viability. As the planet heats up, the glaciers that nourish the Indus Basin — from the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Western Tibet — are melting. Vater argues that while India might initially enjoy a water windfall and Pakistan remains steady, the long-term outlook is less rosy: the rivers’ peak flow will dwindle. Adding to this uncertainty are the whims of monsoon rains and extreme weather, which could lead to flash floods, displacing communities and prompting migrations.

In July 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Flood Management and International Water Treaties presented its report, and observed that the Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960 was based on the available knowledge and circumstances of that time.

It recommended that the Indian government take necessary diplomatic measures to renegotiate the treaty in light of present-day challenges such as global warming, climate change, water availability, and environmental impact.

In August 2024, India formally notified Pakistan under Article XII (3) of the treaty, seeking review and renegotiation on the basis of present challenges such as population growth, climate change, and the alleged misuse of dispute mechanisms by the neighbouring country.

Unlike the Ganga and Brahmaputra River systems, the Indus River system has the largest glaciated area and is mostly dependent on solid precipitation and glacier meltwater.

However, current climate change is presenting challenges related to water availability and distribution in the basin. Given the risks of global warming, both India and Pakistan remain vulnerable to these changes.

After Leaders of Opposition in both the Houses spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about Pahalgam attack, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that it is not a time for “partisan politics” and “is a moment for collective resolve to ensure justice for those who lost their lives and for their grieving families”.

The Congress leader said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the matter.

Speaking in Bengaluru, Kharge said the Congress Party “unequivocally condemns this cowardly act of terror and those responsible for it in the strongest possible terms”.

What all did he say. Read here

Jammu and Kashmir has been the leading tourist destination for travellers from Maharashtra this year, with numerous tour operators offering specially curated packages.

However, the situation has taken a drastic turn following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 people on Tuesday.

While some tourists choose to complete their Kashmir trips, many others are attempting to leave early or postpone or entirely cancel their upcoming trips.

Ashis Velapure, who runs Ashvel Holidays, confirmed that a group of six scheduled to go to Kashmir on April 27 had cancelled their trip . “We had more tours planned for the rest of April, but now everything seems uncertain,” he said.

What's happening now

US Vice President J D Vance spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.

In the phone conversation, Vance conveyed to Modi that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour.

"Vice President J D Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The US Vice President conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the US stands with the people of India in this difficult hour, he said.

A gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Tangmarg area of Kulgam district following information about the presence of ultras there.

An encounter broke out after the terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, they said.

No casualties have been reported in the exchange of fire so far, the officials said adding further details were awaited. Earlier on Wednesday, two terrorists were killed as an infiltration bid was foiled along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district.

The security forces are on high alert after Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

-PTI

Prominent Muslim organisations on Wednesday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind asserting that it is wrong to give a religious colour to the incident as terrorism is a "cancer" that contradicts Islam's policy of promoting peace.

The terror attack at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday left at least 26 people, mostly tourists, dead and several injured.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the head of the All India Imam Organisation, said the imams of more than 5.5 lakh mosques in the country will give a strong message against terrorism, along with praying for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, during the Friday prayers this week.

"Prayers will be offered at mosques for the innocent people who have been killed in Pahalgam and their families. During the Friday prayers, the imam will give a strong message against terrorism during his khutba (religious sermon)," he said.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani strongly condemned the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam. He expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims' families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, a statement issued by the Jamiat said. Madani said those who kill innocent people are not humans but "beasts".

-PTI

The Jammu region witnessed massive anti-Pakistan protests staged by mainstream political parties, socio-political and religious organisations on Wednesday, in the wake of a deadly terror attack in south Kashmir's Pahalgam tourist resort that has killed at least 26 people, mostly tourists.

The protesters burnt effigies of Pakistan and raised slogans demanding that a fitting reply be given to the neighbouring country, terrorists and their supporters in Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress workers clashed with police while seeking permission to take out a protest march in the city.

Led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Yudhvir Sethi, a joint protest march was taken out in the city's Satwari area by the saffron party, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and other social organisations.

Raising slogans against Pakistan, its army chief, terrorists and their local support structure, the protesters demanded a befitting reply to the neighbouring country and its terrorist networks in Jammu and Kashmir. They also burnt Pakistan's flag.

"We want a crackdown by security forces on terrorists and their local support structure. A befitting reply should be given to Pakistan," former Jammu and Kashmir minister Priya Sethi told reporters here.

-PTI

A scuffle breaks out between police and Congress protesters during their protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, in Jammu on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

A total of seven terrorists, including four-five from Pakistan, are suspected to have opened fire on tourists at the Baisaran valley meadow in Pahalgam Tuesday, The Indian Express has learnt.

According to sources, eyewitness accounts and intelligence reports suggest that at least two of the attackers are suspected to be local militants. Their identities are yet to be firmly established, they said.

Read full report here

Shirish Deshmukh, a civil engineer from Koregaon-Bhima, arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on April 15 along with 67 others from Maharashtra’s Pune and Shirur districts, and Pahalgam was their last stop.

While narrating his group’s close call with the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead and many more injured, Deshmukh said they left Gulmarg Tuesday to reach Pahalgam at around 3 pm in two buses and an Innova, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

“We stopped to have lunch, but the Innova didn’t, and being a smaller vehicle, it quickly zoomed ahead. They witnessed the chaos there with the horses running around,” said Deshmukh, and claimed that the MPV was just 300-400 metres away from Baisaran, the tourist attraction at Pahalgam where militants opened fire at visitors.

Read what happened next

Following the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, airlines IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have cumulatively added seven additional flights from Srinagar on Wednesday for those wanting to return from the valley.

According to information provided by the aviation ministry, additional flights have also been kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.

The government has also passed on strict instructions to carriers to avoid fare surges on Sringar flights, and is actively monitoring airfares, which "are being kept at reasonable levels", according to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.

All airlines have also waived off rescheduling and cancellation charges on flights to and from Srinagar for a week. Initially, Air India and IndiGo had each announced two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai for Wednesday, over and above their regular flight schedule from the city. Later on Wednesday afternoon, Naidu said that three additional flights were being added — two of IndiGo and one of SpiceJet.

According to Naidu, between 6 AM and 12 PM on Wednesday, Srinagar Airport handled 20 flight departures with a total of 3,337 people flying out of the city.

Full details here

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd) on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack on tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people including one from the state dead.

Terming the killing of innocent people as a "barbaric act of cowardice", the governor said such attacks are a direct assault on the composite and inclusive fabric of India, which binds the nation in unity and diversity.

On Corporal Tage Hailyang of the Indian Air Force, an Arunachal Pradesh resident who lost his life in the attack, Parnaik said the entire state stands united in mourning this irreparable loss, a Raj Bhavan statement said here.

Joining the people of the state in mourning the loss of innocent lives, the governor offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

Parnaik, who served in Jammu and Kashmir including as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, also wished a speedy and full recovery to those injured in the attack.

He emphasised that targeting tourists not only disrupts peace and harmony but also strikes at the core of socio-economic development for the local communities who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

Reaffirming faith in the leadership of the nation, the governor expressed confidence that the perpetrators of this cowardly act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice. “Such acts of terror will not go unpunished. The resolve of our nation to stand united against terrorism remains stronger than ever,” he said.

-PTI

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday condoled the terror attack in Kashmir, saying the US stands strong with India against terrorism, underlining that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India “have our full support”.

“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance's maiden visit to India.

-PTI

In a shocking terror attack that has claimed at least 26 lives in Pahalgam, tourists were said to be the target. But why?

Watch this video to find out.

People Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has called for "complete Kashmir bandh" against the terror attack in Pahalgam, which has claimed at least 26 lives. The militants injured another 10 people.

PDP also said this was the "time to unite against massacre of innocents".

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences over the "tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam whose victims were civilians — citizens of various countries".

Affirming that this "brutal crime has no justification whatsoever," Putin said he expects its "organizers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment".

I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said.

During his four-day India visit, where he met PM Narendra Modi on Monday and gave a speech in Jaipur on Tuesday, US V-P JD Vance said he has been "overcome with the beauty of this country and its people".

But as news broke of a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that has claimed at least 26 lives so far, Vance took to social media platform X to extend condolences to the victims of the "devastating terrorist attack" on behalf of his wife Usha and himself.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack," he said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the militant attack in Pahalgam , in which at least 20 people lost their lives, was a 'heart breaking news' and she had 'no words to express grief'.

Taking to social media platform X, the former defence minister offered condolences to all affected families and friends of the deceased and "sincere prayers" for the injured to recover fast.

She also reiterated the word of PM Modi, quoting his X post

“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

Timeline of major terror attacks on civilians in Kashmir since 2000.

-PTI

Describing the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as a "cowardly act", Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday said its perpetrators will face the "harshest consequences".

"Deeply pained by the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of this cowardly act, perpetrators of which will face the harshest consequences," the Union minister posted on X.

Baisaran, about six kilometres from the resort town of Pahalgam, is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with tourists and trekkers.

Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed 'mini Switzerland', and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking and taking in the sights, officials said.

-PTI

Reuven Azar, the Ambassador of Israel to India, said their thoughts are with the victims and their families in a post on X. "Sad and appalled following the terrorist attack in J&K which took the lives of innocent civilians...our support is for the security forces in their struggle against terror," he added.

Several tourists have been injured after a militant attack in J&K's Pahalgam. Some of the initial reactions from the politicians from across the country are now in. Watch here

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday "strongly" condemned the militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. Pointing out that "Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident," the Congress leader said he convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials".

I have also spoken to the Resident Commissioner in Delhi, he added.

Two teams — one of senior officers and another of police personnel — have been dispatched to J&K and an adventure team from the Sports Department, led by Commissioner Chethan, is also en route, he wrote in a post on X.

Condemning the "cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said his "thoughts are with the families of the victims". In a post on X, he added: "Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured".

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday condemned the terror attack in the tourist resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," the LG said in a post on X.

He said he has spoken to the director general of police and other security officials, and that teams of the Army and police have been rushed to the area to launch search operations.

"Directed the district administration and the health officials to provide immediate medical attention to those admitted at Pahalgam. An injured tourist has been evacuated to GMC Anantnag. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he added.

Security personnel rush to the spot following a terrorist attack on tourists, in Pahalgam on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Expressing shock "beyond belief," in one of his first reactions to the militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the attack on "visitors is an abomination".

In a post on X, Abdullah said the perpetrators of this attack are "animals, inhuman & worthy of contempt. No words of condemnation are enough. I send my sympathies to the families of the deceased".

The J&K CM added that he has spoken to Sakina Itoo, the minister of School/Hr Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare. Itoo, he said, has moved to the hospital to oversee arrangements for the injured.

Abdullah said he will be flying back to Srinagar immediately.

Home Minister Amit Shah said he has briefed PM Narendra Modi about the incident. Shah also held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. He will "shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies".

Militants have injured at least 20 people, including tourists, in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday. Follow this blog for live updates, reactions and more.