India Closes Attari-Wagah Border, All Armed Forces To Maintain High Vigil
Mumbai: In a decisive escalation following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the Indian government on Wednesday announced a series of sweeping diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan, including the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, confirmed that the Integrated Checkpost (ICP) at Attari, Punjab, will be closed with immediate effect. Travelers who have already crossed over with valid endorsements have been given time until May 1, 2025, to return via the same route, he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures- The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/PxEPrrK1G8
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025
The Attari-Wagah border, a significant symbolic and operational point of connection between India and Pakistan, has served as the only land crossing for civilian movement and limited trade. Its closure marks a complete halt in direct civilian engagement between the two nations.
Alongside the border closure, India has also announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a move that will halt the flow of water from the Indus and its tributaries Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej into Pakistan. These rivers form the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural and domestic water supply, and the decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region.
The measures come after strong evidence emerged linking the Pahalgam attack to cross-border elements. The government said these steps are intended to send a strong message of zero tolerance toward state-sponsored terrorism.
These developments mark a dramatic downturn in already strained India-Pakistan relations and are likely to spark diplomatic reactions in global capitals. However, Indian officials maintain that the safety and sovereignty of the nation take precedence in the face of escalating threats.
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