A year after India launched Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain in abeyance and made clear that Pakistan’s conduct on cross-border terrorism was the reason.
At a press briefing in New Delhi on May 7, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recalled the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that triggered the operation and said India had responded decisively against terror infrastructure operating from across the border. “The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism,” Jaiswal said.
He did not leave room for ambiguity on the treaty. “The Indus Waters Treaty stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism,” the spokesperson stated. He further asserted that Pakistan has long used terrorism as an instrument of state policy and that India reserves the right to defend itself against such threats.
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All gates of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River remain closed, one full year after the treaty was placed in suspension.
What Was Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as India’s large-scale military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The 88-hour operation involved precision strikes on terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan. Beyond the military campaign, the operation also triggered a suspension of diplomatic engagement and the Indus Waters Treaty, marking what New Delhi described as a new zero-tolerance posture toward cross-border terrorism.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Armed Forces
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the anniversary with a tribute to the armed forces on X. “A year ago, our armed forces displayed unparalleled courage, precision and resolve during Operation Sindoor. They gave a fitting response to those who dared to attack innocent Indians at Pahalgam. The entire nation salutes our forces for their valour,” he wrote.
Modi said the operation reflected India’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector and the professionalism and coordinated strength of its armed forces. “Today, a year later, we remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to defeat terrorism and destroy its enabling ecosystem,” the Prime Minister added.