India announces robust diplomatic measures against Pakistan after Kashmir attack

In a decisive response to the deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday evening discussed the implications of the attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others sustaining injuries.

The CCS expressed deep condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for the swift recovery of those injured. The attack, which targeted tourists in a popular destination, was attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups, sources said.

India has also received strong expressions of support from governments worldwide, condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

The meeting also noted that the attack occurred against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's ongoing progress toward economic development and stability. These achievements, India believes, are viewed as a threat by terrorist factions seeking to destabilise the region.

Recognising the seriousness of this attack and its cross-border linkages, the CCS took the following unprecedented measures:

INDUS WATERS TREATY SUSPENDED

In one of the most significant decisions, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This historic move effectively halts decades of cooperation on water-sharing between India and Pakistan. The decision will remain in force until Pakistan takes credible and irrevocable steps to abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.

CLOSURE OF ATTARI INTEGRATED CHECK POST 

In a direct response to the terrorist attack, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which serves as a key border crossing between the two nations. Indian authorities have granted Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route. After this deadline, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be completely suspended.

CANCELLATION OF SAARC VISA EXEMPTION SCHEME FOR PAKISTANI NATIONALS 

In another strong step, India has decided that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

PERSONA NON GRATA DECLARATION FOR PAKISTANI DIPLOMATS

 - In a sharp diplomatic move, India has declared Pakistan's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These officials have been given one week to leave India.

REDUCTION OF OWN DIPLOMATIC STAFF

India also announced the withdrawal of its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with all such posts deemed annulled. Moreover, five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

In a further diplomatic escalation, India has decided to reduce the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The two embassies will be cut to a staff strength of 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and directed all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice, and that their sponsors will be held accountable. In line with its unyielding approach to combating terrorism, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions like Tahawwur Rana.

India's diplomatic actions signal a shift toward total isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. The measures reflect the government's resolve to push back against Pakistan's continued involvement in fomenting violence on Indian soil, and to send a clear message to the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.

ALL PARTY MEETING CALLED 

The Central government has called for an urgent all-party meeting on Thursday to address the situation and formulate a unified response to the rising threat of terrorism.

The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, will be chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who are currently engaging with leaders of various political parties to discuss the gravity of the attack.

The Congress had called for immediate government action in response to the attack. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday stressed the need for a collective national strategy to combat terrorism, urging that all parties come together to address the situation.

During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to brief political leaders on the brutal terrorist strike and its implications. He will share the government's response to the attack and will also discuss measures to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly tourists, in the region.

Home Minister Amit Shah will also speak to leaders of various parties to secure bipartisan support for the government's counterterrorism efforts.

In parallel, Rajnath Singh has been actively coordinating with the country's top security officials. On Wednesday, he met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs to review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and assess the security measures in place.

On April 22, a deadly assault was carried out in the Baisaran Valley, just five km from the Pahalgam market. The terrorists targeted tourists, resulting in the death of 26. Several others got injured. The attack, widely attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, has shaken the nation, particularly in a region already struggling with security challenges.

The attack on April 22 occurred in the picturesque Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination. The timing of the attack, during high-profile diplomatic visits and political engagements, has further heightened tensions and scrutiny around the security situation in the region.

Indo-Asian News Service