India has announced a series of bold and unprecedented diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 dead — including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national — and scores injured.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening and resolved to send a “clear and unequivocal message” to Islamabad for what New Delhi believes is continued complicity in cross-border terrorism.
Indus Waters Treaty held in abeyance: In a dramatic shift in decades-old water-sharing cooperation, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a foundational agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs the sharing of the Indus River system between the two countries.
“The Indus Waters Treaty will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,”
said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a late-evening press conference in New Delhi.
The treaty, which had survived multiple wars and diplomatic breakdowns, is now effectively frozen — a reflection of India’s growing frustration over repeated terrorist attacks with alleged links to Pakistani territory.
Diplomatic downgrade: Defence attaches expelled: India has also moved to significantly downgrade diplomatic engagement, particularly in defence and intelligence channels. The Defence, Naval, Military, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given one week to leave the country.
“These individuals are no longer welcome in India,” said Misri.
“We are also withdrawing our corresponding advisors from our High Commission in Islamabad, and these posts are now deemed annulled.”
Five additional support staff from both missions will also be withdrawn. Furthermore, India will reduce the total strength of both High Commissions to 30 officials each, down from 55, by May 1, 2025.
Attari border closed, visas cancelled
The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a critical land route for trade and people-to-people contact, has been closed immediately.
“Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, but no further entry will be permitted,” Misri confirmed.
The government has also revoked Pakistan’s access to the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All existing SVES visas for Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and individuals currently in India under the scheme have 48 hours to exit the country.
“There is no space for business as usual when terror has been exported across our borders,” Misri added.
CCS vows justice and accountability
The CCS, comprising the Prime Minister and top defence and security officials, expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to pursue the perpetrators and their enablers relentlessly.
“The government of India will leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice those responsible for this barbaric act,” said Misri.
“We are equally committed to holding accountable those who sponsor, enable or protect terrorists.”
India cited the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, as an example of its global pursuit of justice.
“As with the case of Rana, India will continue to press for extradition, prosecution, and conviction of all those who commit or facilitate terror,” the Foreign Secretary noted.
Cross-border linkages and strategic timing
Security agencies, during their briefing to the CCS, presented evidence of cross-border operational linkages in the Pahalgam attack. Officials pointed to the timing of the attack, shortly after peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir, as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the region’s progress.
“This attack came in the wake of successful democratic elections and economic recovery in the Union Territory,” Misri said.
“It was clearly designed to sabotage peace and provoke instability.”
International reaction and solidarity
Governments from across the globe, including Australia, the United States, France, and Japan, have condemned the attack and extended support to India. The CCS acknowledged this international solidarity and said it “reflects the growing global consensus against terrorism in all its forms.”
“The world is watching, and many nations have stood by us. We appreciate their words and expect their continued support in isolating those who perpetuate such acts,” Misri said.
India’s latest decisions represent a significant recalibration of its Pakistan policy, with New Delhi signalling that diplomatic tolerance for cross-border terrorism has reached its limits.
The Australia Today will continue to provide updates as the situation develops, including regional and international responses to India’s firm stand on terrorism and national security.
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