New Delhi/Islamabad | April 24, 2025 — Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan intensified this week following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on Tuesday, which left 26 civilians dead. In a series of reciprocal moves, both nations have taken significant steps to reduce bilateral engagement and suspend longstanding treaties.
In the wake of the attack, which Indian authorities have linked to cross-border elements, New Delhi announced a downgrade in diplomatic ties with Islamabad. Key measures include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani military attachés, and the closure of the Attari border crossing. India has also revoked visa services for Pakistani nationals effective immediately.
Responding to these actions, Pakistan on Thursday announced a series of countermeasures following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attended by senior cabinet ministers and the heads of the armed forces. In a statement issued after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, Islamabad accused India of "reckless and irresponsible behavior" and declared that all bilateral agreements—including the 1972 Simla Agreement—would be held in abeyance.
"Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India in suspension until such time as India refrains from its manifest behavior of fomenting terrorism, carrying out transnational assassinations, and violating international laws and UN resolutions concerning Kashmir," the statement read.
In addition, Pakistan has suspended all cross-border transit from India. Indian nationals who previously entered Pakistan through official routes have been asked to exit the country no later than April 30.
What Is the Simla Agreement?
The Simla Agreement, signed on July 2, 1972, by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was a cornerstone peace accord following the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The pact committed both countries to peaceful resolution of disputes through bilateral dialogue, and discouraged unilateral actions to alter the status quo, particularly regarding the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Though intended to serve as the framework for long-term stability in South Asia, the agreement has faced challenges over the years. Notably, in 1999, Pakistan’s incursion across the LoC in Kargil was widely seen as a breach of the accord, prompting India to launch Operation Vijay to reclaim occupied territory.
International Response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a special briefing on Thursday for envoys from over 20 countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, and Russia, providing details of the Pahalgam attack and underscoring New Delhi’s concerns about cross-border terrorism. The move signals India's intent to rally international support amid escalating tensions.
While both nations have stopped short of severing diplomatic relations entirely, the suspension of key treaties and diplomatic engagements marks a serious deterioration in an already fragile relationship. Analysts warn that the breakdown in dialogue could complicate any future peace efforts and increase the risk of further escalation in the region.
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