New Delhi:
India has initiated a series of measures against Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. On April 23, the Ministry of External Affairs declared the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border.
What Happens At The Attari-Wagah Border?
The Attari-Wagah Border is the international border between India and Pakistan, located near the towns of Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan. It is most famous for the Wagah Border Ceremony (Beating Retreat Ceremony), a daily military practice that takes place before sunset.
Each evening, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers perform a synchronised drill marked by high-kicking marches, powerful salutes and the lowering of their respective national flags. The event attracts large crowds on both sides, who cheer on their forces with patriotic fervour. While ceremonious in nature, the drill is steeped in symbolism, representing both rivalry and mutual recognition.
The border also becomes a space for shared gestures during festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Independence Day, where soldiers from both sides exchange sweets and greetings, offering glimpses of goodwill amid geopolitical tensions.
History Of The Attari-Wagah Border
The border crossing lies along the historic Grand Trunk Road, one of South Asia’s oldest and most significant trade routes. Prior to the Partition of 1947, the cities of Amritsar and Lahore flourished as twin economic centres within the undivided Punjab. After independence, the dividing line between India and Pakistan cut through this historic corridor, with the Attari-Wagah checkpoint emerging as the most prominent land connection between the two nations.
The border’s Indian side is situated in the village of Attari, once home to General Sham Singh Attariwala, an important figure in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s military command. The daily Beating Retreat Ceremony has been organised since 1959.
Why The Attari-Wagah Border Is Important
The Attari-Wagah border holds substantial economic and logistical importance. It is India’s first and only operational land port with Pakistan and serves as a vital conduit for trade and connectivity between the two countries.
According to reports, through this checkpoint, India exports commodities such as vegetables, soy products and plastic materials, while importing dry fruits, rock salt, cement and other goods primarily routed from Afghanistan via Pakistan. The Attari check post is also a part of the Asian Highway Network, making it a strategic component of transcontinental connectivity.
How Movement Through the Attari-Wagah Border Is Suspended
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attacks, the Attari-Wagah border crossing is among the first to be affected as ties between India and Pakistan worsen. Suspension of movement is usually enforced through orders from the Ministry of External Affairs in India or equivalent agencies in Pakistan. Trade, passenger services and public ceremonies can be halted with immediate effect.
On April 23, India shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari. All visas issued to Pakistani citizens under the current scheme have been revoked, and those presently in India have been instructed to leave within 48 hours. In addition, Pakistani nationals who recently entered India on valid travel documents must return by May 1, 2025.
India may also suspend the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari border, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, as per reports.