India Responds Decisively to Pahalgam Terror Attack with Diplomatic and Strategic Actions Against Pakistan

In a major escalation following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, India has announced a series of strong retaliatory measures against Pakistan. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the scenic Baisaran Valley, left 26 people dead, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Most of the victims were tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the massacre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to India on Wednesday and immediately convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The CCS, after reviewing intelligence inputs highlighting cross-border links to the attack, recommended a comprehensive set of punitive actions aimed at sending a strong message to Pakistan and the international community.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced five key actions, describing them as part of a “decisive response to cross-border terrorism.” The most significant move is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a landmark agreement that has governed water-sharing between the two nations for over six decades. India’s decision to suspend the treaty signals a fundamental shift in bilateral relations and cooperation.

The second measure involves the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, a key land crossing between India and Pakistan. While those who have already crossed into India will be allowed to return by May 1, 2025, no new civilian or commercial transit will be permitted through the route.

Thirdly, India has canceled all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals. Individuals currently in India under this visa category have been ordered to leave within 48 hours. This move effectively halts privileged travel access that had been in place under regional cooperation agreements.

In another bold step, India has declared all military, naval, and air advisors posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They have been given a week to depart. India will also withdraw its corresponding military personnel from its High Commission in Islamabad, signaling a major downgrade in military-to-military diplomatic engagement.

Lastly, the Indian government has ordered both countries to scale down their diplomatic strength. The number of staff in each high commission will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, significantly curtailing diplomatic interaction.

These actions mark the most aggressive diplomatic response from India since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to rooting out terrorism, citing the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana as part of its broader counter-terrorism efforts. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have announced a ₹20 lakh reward for information leading to the capture or neutralization of the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

An all-party meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the situation further, underscoring the national consensus on confronting terrorism and its sponsors.