IWT Still In Abeyance, Visa Restriction On, Trades Remain Frozen As India’s Strategic Pressure Campaign Continues
In the aftermath of India’s decisive counter-terror campaign, Operation Sindoor, the strategic landscape between India and Pakistan has undergone a fundamental shift. The operation, aimed at dismantling the core of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, culminated in a unilateral ceasefire call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), not from a position of parity but of desperation. India, steadfast in its strategic resolve, made no concessions and accepted no preconditions, maintaining its unyielding stance on key diplomatic and economic fronts.
One of the most significant aspects of India’s strategic pressure campaign is the continued abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Signed in 1960, the IWT has governed the distribution of river waters between the two nations. However, following the Pahalgam terror attack that triggered Operation Sindoor, India has maintained a firm position by not resuming any negotiations or discussions related to the treaty. This continued suspension serves as a stark reminder of India’s capacity to leverage water security as a strategic tool against Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.
Alongside the IWT impasse, India has upheld stringent visa restrictions that limit the movement of Pakistani nationals. These measures reflect a broader strategy to curb cross-border infiltration and the potential misuse of travel channels for malicious activities. By tightening visa regulations, India is not only reinforcing its security framework but also signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward any entities linked to terror networks.
The ceasefire was announced after India demolished eight Pakistani air bases, eliminated over 100 high-value terrorists, and inflicted significant damage on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure and military support assets.The ceasefire came not through a negotiated settlement or involvement of any third party, but after Pakistan found itself incapable of sustaining further escalation. India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. It was Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) who reached out to his Indian counterpart for ceasefire
India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 10, 2025
Trade relations between the two nations also remain frozen, underscoring the multi-dimensional nature of India’s pressure campaign. Despite speculative narratives suggesting a thaw in economic interactions, India’s stance remains clear — there will be no normalization of trade ties until Pakistan unequivocally dismantles its terror networks. This economic isolation compounds Pakistan’s internal challenges, as trade restrictions with a major economic partner exacerbate its financial distress.
|Also Read : India and Pakistan announce ceasefire |
Diplomatically, India’s position remains uncompromised. There have been no bilateral engagements or dialogues outside the ceasefire mechanism initiated by Pakistan. Notably, contrary to some international speculation, the ceasefire was achieved without any third-party mediation, highlighting India’s determination to address bilateral issues without external intervention. The ceasefire agreement itself is strictly military in nature, focusing solely on the cessation of kinetic actions across land, air, and sea. There is no mention of political or territorial discussions, including the Kashmir issue, within the framework of this agreement.
Special briefing on Operation Sindoor (May 10, 2025)
https://t.co/ksEjhzev82— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 10, 2025
Operation Sindoor marked a historic moment in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, as the Indian military executed precision strikes that neutralized key terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes, conducted with cutting-edge Rafale jets armed with Scalp and Hammer missiles, were meticulously planned to avoid collateral damage while delivering a powerful message to Pakistan: terror infrastructure will not be tolerated.
In a significant departure from past responses, Indian fighter jets struck deep into Pakistan’s Punjab province, including areas long considered sanctuaries for anti-India activities. These strikes exposed critical vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defense systems, demonstrating India’s ability to penetrate deep into hostile territory without triggering an effective military response from Pakistan.
The psychological impact of the operation on Pakistan’s military and political leadership is evident. Funeral ceremonies of high-profile terrorists were attended by state actors, drawing international scrutiny and condemnation. Within hours of the strikes, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, a clear indication of the shock and disruption caused by India’s decisive action.
|Also Read : Indian Strikes Hit Key Pakistani Military Sites Amid Rising Tensions |
The current state of de-escalation, however, should not be mistaken for normalization. India’s position remains firm: there will be no dialogue on Kashmir or any other contentious issues unless Pakistan takes demonstrable and verifiable steps to dismantle terror networks. The DGMOs are scheduled to communicate again on May 12, but no discussions beyond ceasefire enforcement are anticipated.
The international community, including the United States, has acknowledged the ceasefire but refrained from attributing it to diplomatic mediation, recognizing that it was achieved through India’s strategic dominance. Moving forward, India’s approach is clear — any future acts of terror will be met with decisive military retaliation. This doctrine of deterrence, grounded in the principle of strategic and tactical superiority, reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its national security and sovereignty.
