The Indian government has announced extraordinary countermeasures to isolate Pakistan on both diplomatic and strategic levels, sending a clear message that the country has had enough of cross-border terrorism. The decisions have come in the wake of the terror strike in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, triggering one of India’s most aggressive diplomatic offensives against Pakistan in recent memory.
According to reports, the Ministry of External Affairs has outlined multiple steps, including the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty that had endured three wars, and an immediate shutdown of the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border – a crucial link for trade and people-to-people engagement between the two nations.
In a further blow to bilateral ties, Pakistani nationals have been barred from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with all previously issued visas declared void. According to reports, those already present in India have been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.
Reports claim that the diplomatic offensive against Pakistan was announced after a 2.5-hour-long Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other highly-ranking officials.
The key measures:
Indus Waters Treaty suspended: India has halted cooperation on the landmark treaty, disrupting the flow of 39 billion cubic meters of water annually to Pakistan.
Attari-Wagah Border closed: The vital Integrated Check Post for trade and civilian passage has been shut down. Valid passport holders must return to Pakistan by May 1, 2025.
SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme revoked: All Pakistani nationals’ visas stand cancelled. According to reports, those already in India have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.
Military Advisors expelled: Defence, Naval, and Air advisers from Pakistan’s High Commission have been declared persona non grata. India will also pull its own military staff from Islamabad.
Diplomatic staff cut: Pakistan must reduce its diplomatic staff in New Delhi from 55 to 30 personnel.
Calling the move a clear stand against “cross-border terrorism,” the government has vowed that those responsible — and those enabling — will face consequences.
