Pahalgam Attack and Treaty Suspension

The question asks which treaty India suspended with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025.

Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. It was signed in Karachi on April 19, 1960. The treaty deals with the sharing of waters from the Indus river system, which comprises the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.

• Under the treaty, India has unrestricted use of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
• Pakistan has unrestricted use of the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
• India is permitted to use the waters of the western rivers for purposes like irrigation and generation of electricity, subject to specific rules and limitations.

This treaty has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, although it has faced tensions and disputes over the years.

Analysis of Options

Let's examine the given options in the context of India-Pakistan relations:

• Indus Waters Treaty: This treaty manages shared water resources and is a critical aspect of the bilateral relationship. Given its significance, any major escalation or attack could potentially lead to its review or suspension.
• Tashkent Agreement (1966): Signed after the 1965 Indo-Pak war, it aimed to restore diplomatic ties and ceasefires. It did not primarily focus on treaty suspension related to an attack.
• Simla Agreement (1972): Signed after the 1971 war, it aimed to establish peaceful relations and resolve disputes bilaterally. It deals with broader diplomatic relations rather than a specific resource treaty like IWT.
• Lahore Treaty: This term is often loosely used, but the specific agreement signed in Lahore was the Lahore Declaration (1999), which aimed to build trust and confidence between the two nations. It was not a treaty that could be suspended in this manner.

Conclusion on Treaty Suspension

Following significant events or attacks, diplomatic actions are often taken. The Indus Waters Treaty is a vital agreement concerning shared natural resources, making it a potential point of leverage or contention during diplomatic crises between India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that following security concerns and incidents like the hypothetical Pahalgam attack in April 2025, India considered or initiated measures impacting this specific treaty, leading to its suspension.

Therefore, the treaty suspended by India with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack in April 2025 was the Indus Waters Treaty.