India redraws diplomatic lines with Pakistan

New Delhi, April 23: In a strong response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures against Pakistan, signalling a shift in posture after what officials described as a grave cross-border provocation.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Tuesday evening to assess the situation following the April 22 attack in which 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national lost their lives.

Several others sustained injuries in the assault, which targeted civilians in the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam.

ìThe CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured,î read an official statement given by the Foreign Secretary Misri after the meeting. The CCS was briefed in detail on the incident, with officials pointing to clear cross-border linkages behind the attack.

ìIt was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development,î the statement said – an implicit reference to efforts to destabilise normalcy in the region.

International reaction has been swift and sympathetic.

ìStrong expressions of support and solidarity have been received from many governments around the world, which have unequivocally condemned this terror attack,î the government said, adding that the CCS ìrecorded its appreciation for such sentiments, which reflect zero tolerance for terrorism.î

In response, the CCS outlined a package of measures aimed squarely at Islamabad.

ìRecognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CCS decided upon the following measures,î the statement said. ìThe Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,î it said. ìThe Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025.î

The statement said that Pakistani nationals would not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas.

ìAny SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India,î it said.

ìThe Defence and Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy, Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions,î the statement said. ìThe overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025.î

Indiaís security agencies have been placed on high alert.

ìThe CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil,î the statement said.

Finally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to holding the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable.

ìIt resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account. As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible,î it said.

The measures mark one of the strongest diplomatic offensives launched by India in recent years, reflecting both the gravity of the Pahalgam incident and a broader strategic recalibration.