The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : In a decisive response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Government of India has taken a series of stringent diplomatic and security-related actions targeting Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened an emergency meeting at his residence to assess the overall security scenario and review actionable responses.
Following the meeting, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan—a landmark agreement that has survived decades of turbulent relations between the two neighbours. Additionally, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a critical link for cross-border movement, has been closed with immediate effect.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a press briefing held in New Delhi, announced a slew of additional measures. All Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Existing SVES visas issued to Pakistani citizens stand cancelled, and those currently in India under this provision have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.
In a sharp diplomatic move, the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and are required to leave India within a week. India will reciprocate by withdrawing its own Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Five supporting staff members associated with these advisors from both missions will also be withdrawn.
The overall strength of the High Commissions in both countries will be reduced significantly—from the current 55 to 30 personnel—by May 1st. This move reflects India’s growing intolerance for cross-border terrorism and its firm message that bilateral ties cannot progress without credible action from Pakistan.
During the CCS meeting, the cross-border elements linked to the Pahalgam attack were presented in detail. The committee noted with concern that the attack occurred shortly after peaceful elections were conducted in Jammu and Kashmir—signifying progress toward normalcy and development in the region.
India has received strong international backing, with several governments condemning the attack and expressing solidarity.
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