Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 28 tourists, India has announced a series of decisive measures targeting Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media on Wednesday evening after a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr. Misri outlined five significant steps taken by India in response to the cross-border terrorism suspected to be behind the Pahalgam attack:
-
Indus Waters Treaty Abeyance: India has decided to put the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This crucial water-sharing agreement will remain suspended until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases its support for terrorism originating across the border.
-
Closure of Attari Border: The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed with immediate effect. Individuals who have already crossed over with valid endorsements will be permitted to return via this route before May 1, 2025.
-
SAARC Visa Restrictions: Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani citizens have been cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has been given 48 hours to depart the country.
-
Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors: The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and have been given one week to leave India. In a reciprocal move, India will also withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively annulling these posts. Additionally, five support staff members from the Service Advisors in both High Commissions will also be withdrawn.
-
Reduced High Commission Staff: The overall strength of both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will be significantly reduced from the current 55 to 30 personnel each, with these reductions to be implemented by May 1, 2025.
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized that the CCS conducted a thorough review of the security situation and has directed all forces to maintain a state of high vigilance. He reiterated India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and hold their sponsors accountable. Drawing a parallel with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, Mr. Misri affirmed that India will relentlessly pursue those involved in acts of terror or their planning.
Prime Minister Modi, who had cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia, chaired the CCS meeting, which was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other senior officials. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was unable to attend due to her return from an official visit to the United States.
Prior to the CCS meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site in Baisaran, Pahalgam, and met with some of the injured in the hospital.
The strong measures announced by India signal a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions with Pakistan following the brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir.
