In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir — where 28 innocent tourists lost their lives — the Indian government has taken a series of unprecedented and strong measures against Pakistan. The attack, reportedly carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, has led to a national outcry and urgent government action.
Indus Water Treaty Suspended
One of the most significant decisions made by the Indian government is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which has been in effect since 1960. This treaty governs the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan. By halting this agreement, India is leveraging a powerful diplomatic and economic tool, as this could lead to a severe water crisis in Pakistan. The government has stated that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes credible steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil.
Attari Border Closed Indefinitely
Effective immediately, India has sealed the Attari-Wagah border, halting all movement of people and goods between the two countries. Indian nationals currently in Pakistan with valid documents have been given time until May 1, 2025, to return. This decision is a clear message of disengagement from bilateral civilian interaction until further notice.
Visas Cancelled for All Pakistani Nationals
India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani citizens, including those under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. Any Pakistani national currently in India has been ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. This blanket visa cancellation is one of the strongest steps India has taken in recent history in response to cross-border terrorism.
Reduction in Embassy Staff
In a diplomatic downgrade, India has directed the Pakistani Embassy in New Delhi to cut down its staff strength. Key military personnel including advisors from the army, navy, and air force are to return to Pakistan within one week. At the same time, India will reduce its diplomatic presence in Islamabad, bringing the number of Indian officials down to 30. This marks a significant chilling of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
India to Withdraw Its Own Diplomats
India will recall its own staff from its High Commission in Islamabad as a reciprocal measure. The number of Indian diplomatic officials stationed in Pakistan will now match the reduced Pakistani staff in India, aligning with standard diplomatic parity protocols. The intention is to minimize formal engagement until there is a verifiable change in Pakistan’s approach to cross-border terrorism.
Government’s Coordinated Response
Following the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India immediately. He chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) where all these critical decisions were taken. Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the attack site personally, underlining the seriousness with which the government is treating the situation.
All-Party Meeting Called
The government has scheduled an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss the national security implications of the attack and build political consensus around future strategies. It is expected that further measures may be announced following consultations with opposition leaders.
Conclusion
India’s swift and bold actions reflect a major shift in its policy towards Pakistan, focusing on tangible consequences for cross-border terrorism. By halting the Indus Water Treaty, cutting off diplomatic channels, sealing borders, and deporting Pakistani nationals, the Indian government has made it clear that such acts of terror will not be tolerated. These decisions mark a defining moment in Indo-Pak relations and set the tone for a more assertive stance in dealing with national security threats.
