Govt suspends Indus treaty, expels Pak advisors, cancels visas, closes Attari

By Admin

24 Apr, 2025

India's Firm Stand: Diplomatic Retaliation in Wake of Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the aftermath of the heinous terror attack near Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national, the Indian government has initiated a series of strong and unprecedented diplomatic measures against Pakistan. These actions mark one of the most significant escalations in Indo-Pak relations since 2019 and underline India's resolve to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable.

Cabinet Committee on Security Responds Swiftly

On April 24, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising senior ministers and top security officials, convened to address the gravity of the attack. The committee unequivocally condemned the incident, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and acknowledged global support for India’s stance against terrorism.

During the session, the CCS was briefed on the cross-border connections of the attack and recognized the timing — occurring amid peaceful elections and economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir — as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region.

Major Decisions Announced by India

1. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended:
India has decided to put the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 on hold, pending credible assurances from Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. This treaty, a symbol of bilateral cooperation even during wartime, is now suspended in a dramatic departure from past diplomacy.

2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border:
Effective immediately, the Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed. Pakistani nationals with valid permits are allowed to return by May 1, 2025. This impacts business travelers and medical patients crossing the Wagah border on foot.

3. Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemptions:
All SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas granted to Pakistani nationals are now cancelled. Individuals already in India under this scheme must exit the country within 48 hours. Introduced in 1992 to promote regional connectivity, SVES has now been rescinded for Pakistan in response to its alleged involvement in terrorism.

4. Expulsion of Defence Advisors:
India has declared all Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata, giving them a week to leave. Simultaneously, Indian counterparts in Islamabad will also return. These roles, once crucial communication channels between militaries, are now annulled.

5. Downsizing of Diplomatic Missions:
Diplomatic staffing in both nations’ high commissions is being reduced further — from 55 to 30 — with effect by May 1, 2025. This scaling down mirrors measures taken post the 2019 Pulwama attack and the abrogation of Article 370.

India’s Message: Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s unwavering stand: the country will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism under the guise of diplomacy or regional cooperation. “All options are on the table,” sources say, hinting at the possibility of future military or strategic actions, should provocations persist.

A Turning Point in Bilateral Relations

These developments mark a pivotal moment in Indo-Pak relations. By halting the Indus Treaty, downgrading diplomatic presence, and tightening cross-border movement, India is signaling a firm departure from previous restraint. This bold and comprehensive diplomatic retaliation sends a clear message — peace cannot exist without accountability.

As the international community watches closely, India has drawn its red lines. The path to restored relations now hinges on verifiable actions against terrorism and meaningful cooperation from Pakistan.