In a decisive response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Government of India on Wednesday announced a series of sweeping diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan.
Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India declared the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 suspended and shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari for all cross-border movement. Additionally, the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals has been revoked, and all Pakistani citizens currently in India under this arrangement have been given 48 hours to leave.
Key Measures Announced by the CCS:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
The treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly ends its support for cross-border terrorism.
- Closure of the Attari Border Crossing:
The ICP at Attari has been closed with immediate effect. Those who entered India with valid travel documents via this route may return before 01 May 2025.
- Termination of SVES Privileges:
Pakistani nationals will no longer be eligible for Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. All previously issued SVES visas stand cancelled, and holders currently in India must depart within 48 hours.
- Expulsion of Military Advisors:
Defence, Naval, and Air Force advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave India within a week. India will also withdraw its military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, along with five support staff. These positions are now considered annulled.
- Diplomatic Downsizing:
Both countries will reduce their diplomatic presence, bringing down the strength of their respective High Commissions to 30 personnel from the present 55 by 01 May 2025.
The CCS condemned the Pahalgam attack in the strongest terms and extended condolences to the victims’ families, also expressing hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. It further resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable. Drawing parallels with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the CCS reiterated India’s resolve to pursue justice relentlessly.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a detailed post-meeting briefing, stated that these measures are meant to signal India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
The CCS meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and senior government officials. The Home Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the attack and outlined response options, leading to the unprecedented diplomatic crackdown.
Team BharatShakti
