In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, India has taken a series of stern diplomatic steps against Pakistan. Among the most immediate is the cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, with those already in India ordered to leave within 48 hours. India has also expelled Pakistani military advisors, scaled back diplomatic staff, shut down the Attari border post, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, signaling a significant escalation in bilateral tensions.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes just a day after the attack that targeted civilians, including tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Officials said that the response aims to pressure Pakistan into ending support for cross-border terrorism.
Visa Scheme Cancelled, Advisors Expelled
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that all SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals are now void. No Pakistani citizen will be allowed to enter India under this scheme going forward. Those currently in the country must leave within two days. At the same time, India has declared all defence, navy, air, and military advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata, giving them a week to exit.
India will also withdraw its own military attachés from the High Commission in Islamabad. Alongside, five support staff from both missions will be pulled back, with the total diplomatic strength at both embassies being slashed from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.
Borders Shut, Treaty Suspended
In a further blow to bilateral engagement, India has closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari, the key land transit point between the two countries. However, Pakistani nationals who entered India with valid endorsements will be allowed to return through this route until May 1.
The CCS also resolved to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Vikram Misri said the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes verifiable steps to dismantle its support for terrorism. The move reflects India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s alleged links to repeated attacks on Indian soil.
