Morning Brief: China Tweets Sympathy On Pahalgam, Internet Calls BS; Indus Waters Treaty Suspended; Pakistan Vows Retaliation; And More

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China Tweets Sympathy On Pahalgam, Internet Calls BS

In a tweet on Wednesday (23 April), the Chinese Embassy in India said it was “shocked” by the Pahalgam terror attack and condemned the violence — only to be immediately fact-checked by a community note that reminded everyone of China’s long record of shielding Pakistan-based terror outfits at the UN. The tweet, which claimed that China “opposes all forms of terrorism,” was swiftly exposed as hollow posturing, coming just weeks after Beijing once again vetoed India’s move to designate a Lashkar terrorist.

This isn’t just diplomatic hypocrisy — it’s a calculated strategy of selective outrage, where China feigns concern over terrorism while systematically protecting those who perpetuate it. Its outrage rings especially false when paired with a decade of blocking global consensus on known terrorists, undermining every word of its statement. If Beijing truly opposes terrorism, it could start by getting out of the way.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian citizens, the Modi government has taken a major diplomatic step by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The treaty, a longstanding agreement since 1960, allowed Pakistan access to the western rivers, but India has now put it "in abeyance," linking future cooperation to Pakistan ending cross-border terrorism.

This move allows India to halt data sharing, freeze project clearances, suspend commission meetings, and increase usage of water from rivers previously allowed to flow into Pakistan. While not a formal withdrawal, the suspension signals a serious escalation with significant implications for Pakistan’s water security and agriculture. India’s action also sends a strong message internationally that it will no longer uphold agreements unilaterally while facing continued terror threats.

Pakistan Vows Retaliation 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, but the move is seen largely as optics since real decisions rest with the Pakistan Army. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed India’s actions as premature, politically motivated, and lacking evidence, with Dar calling them a “knee-jerk reaction.”

Pakistan also questioned the validity of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, insisting the treaty cannot be altered unilaterally and hinting at plans to raise the issue internationally, including at the UN. Asif labeled the Pahalgam incident a possible “false flag operation,” while both leaders rejected any links to the militant outfit blamed for the attack. Asif further warned that Pakistan should not rush into any response and recalled the downing of an Indian jet in 2019 as a reminder of past confrontations.

Other Developments

Seven Terrorists, Including Pakistanis, Behind Pahalgam Attack

At least seven terrorists, including four to five from Pakistan, are suspected to have carried out the attack on tourists at Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, with two believed to be local militants. Authorities have released sketches of three suspects and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information, linking some attackers to the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

One of the foreign terrorists is believed to be a close aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, while others reportedly trained in Pakistan and had prior involvement in attacks. The attackers, possibly wearing body cameras for propaganda purposes, are believed to have escaped into the Pir Panjal mountains.

India Sees Record Growth In Export Orders In April

Both manufacturing and services sectors experienced significant output and employment growth, with manufacturing seeing a stronger rate of expansion. The Composite Output Index rose to 60.0 in April, indicating the fastest growth since August 2024. Additionally, cost pressures remained steady while prices charged by companies increased at a faster pace, improving margins.

Sensex Crosses 80,000 Mark First Time since December 2024

The Sensex surged past the 80,000-mark for the first time since December 2024, extending its rally for the seventh consecutive session, with the IT sector leading the charge. Foreign portfolio investors continued their buying spree, with net purchases of Rs 3,323.93 crore, fueling market optimism.

IT stocks outperformed, with HCL Technologies rising 7.74 per cent, while banking stocks experienced profit-taking. The broader market also saw gains, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices climbing. Despite a weakening rupee and falling gold prices, analysts remain bullish on the market’s short-term prospects, with support for the Nifty seen at 24,072.

Trump Accuses Zelensky Of Hindering Peace Talks Over Crimea

US President Donald Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of hindering peace talks by rejecting Russia's control over Crimea. Trump claimed a deal to end the war was close, but Zelensky's refusal to accept US terms would only prolong the conflict.

Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance outlined a proposal for a deal that would freeze territorial lines, requiring both Ukraine and Russia to give up some of their current territory. Zelensky has consistently rejected the idea of giving up Crimea, calling it unconstitutional and against Ukraine's sovereignty.

From The States

TN: SC Gives Senthil Balaji Ultimatum Over Ministerial Post

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (23 April) gave Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji an ultimatum: resign from his post or face imprisonment, after he was reinstated just two days after being granted bail in a cash-for-job scam. The court criticized his actions as a "mockery of the process" and warned it would recall his bail if he continued in office, as he might influence witnesses.

Balaji's lawyers argued for more time, but the bench remained firm, emphasizing that bail is not a license to interfere with investigations. The ruling could set a precedent for future cases, where high-profile accused individuals may be required to step down from influential positions as a condition for bail.

Andhra: YSRCP Fights Back As TDP Tightens Grip

As the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) strengthens its control in Andhra Pradesh, including taking over the Mayor’s post in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is trying to push back. Despite being reduced to just 11 MLAs in the last Assembly elections, YSRCP is focusing on issues such as cow deaths at Tirumala and the Waqf (Amendment) Act to challenge the TDP.

The party has also stepped up efforts to strengthen its organization and grassroots support, holding key meetings with former MLAs, MLCs, and leaders. Additionally, YSRCP has criticised the TDP for its handling of land allocation to Tata Consultancy Services and the arrest of Dalit youths, while also accusing the TDP of being anti-Muslim and anti-SC.

You’re all caught up—until next time.