India-Pakistan ceasefire holds, but key retaliatory measures remain in place

Diplomatic expulsions, trade suspension, and travel bans remain unresolved as India and Pakistan enter an uneasy calm following cross-border military escalation

NEW DELHI (MNTV) — Days after India and Pakistan agreed to an unexpected ceasefire following a series of airstrikes by India against Pakistan and retaliatory air strikes by Pakistan, several punitive measures enacted by both countries remain in effect, leaving bilateral ties strained despite the halt in hostilities.

The ceasefire follows four days of intense shelling and aerial operations that began after India blamed Pakistan-based elements for a militant assault on tourists in India-administered Kashmir on April 22.

Islamabad has denied involvement. While life is slowly resuming along the Line of Control, five major retaliatory steps taken by both sides are still in place:

Indus Waters Treaty suspended

India announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a long-standing water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Water and blood cannot flow together,” underlining the new policy.

Pakistan, which heavily depends on the western rivers governed by the treaty, called the suspension illegal and said any attempt to withhold water will be an “act of war.”

Although India lacks the infrastructure to fully block river flows, experts say water control during dry seasons could still affect Pakistan significantly.

Diplomatic ties downgraded, visas suspended

Both countries have downgraded diplomatic missions.

India expelled Pakistani defense attachés and pulled its own military staff from Islamabad, while Pakistan responded with similar actions.

Nearly all visa services have been suspended on both sides, halting travel for work, family visits, and religious pilgrimages.

Borders and Kartarpur Corridor closed

India and Pakistan shut the Attari-Wagah border crossing and barred citizens from crossing.

Emotional scenes were reported at the border, where families were forced to separate.

India also closed access to the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor—used by thousands of Sikh pilgrims annually—until further notice.

Airspace restrictions

Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights, and India reciprocated with a ban on Pakistani flights.

The mutual restrictions have forced international airlines to take longer, more expensive detours, increasing travel times and operational costs.

Bilateral trade halted

All trade—both direct and indirect—has been suspended.

Despite the cessation of active conflict, neither country has indicated a timeline for reversing these measures.

Analysts warn that without a diplomatic breakthrough, the current standoff could harden into a long-term freeze.