In a firm and strong response to the ghastly terror strike at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, India has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures to bring Pakistan to account for its role in cross-border terrorism.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday night to consider the implications of the attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with a number of others injured.
CCS condemned the attack strongly and sent deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to the wounded. The sources reported that the attack, which was against tourists at a popular location, was attributed to terror groups backed by Pakistan.
India has also received strong endorsement from the governments around the world, all of whom condemned the attack and reiterated their strong stand against terrorism.
The meeting emphasized that the attack took place amidst successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's continuing efforts towards economic development and stability. India is of the view that these encouraging developments are viewed as a threat by terrorist groups that seek to destabilize the region.
Accepting the seriousness of the attack and its cross-border nature, the CCS issued the following unprecedented and important steps:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty – In a landmark move, India has promptly suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, ending decades of water-sharing cooperation between the two countries. This suspension will continue to be in place until Pakistan makes decisive and irreversible actions of halting its facilitation of cross-border terrorism.
Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post – Acting on the immediate response to the terrorist attack, India has directed the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), a very important border point between India and Pakistan, to be closed forthwith. Valid travel documents holding Pakistani nationals have been allowed till May 1, 2025, to travel back to Pakistan through this point. All overland movement between the two nations will come to an end after this date.
Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistani Citizens – In another bold move, India has withdrawn the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens. All SVES visas already granted to Pakistani citizens have been revoked, and those already in India under the scheme have been given 48 hours to exit the country.
Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats – India has declared Pakistan's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These individuals have been asked to depart India within one week.
India has also withdrawn its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, considering all the related positions as null and void. Five staff members who were posted on these positions will also be recalled from both the High Commissions.
Cutting Down Diplomatic Staff – As another intensification of diplomatic steps, India has made the decision to cut drastically the size of diplomatic staff in both the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Each mission's personnel strength will be reduced to 30 from 55, and this cutting down is to be done by May 1, 2025.
The CCS also assessed the overall security scenario, instructing all Indian troops to be at the highest state of preparedness. India is determined to bring the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack to justice, making sure their sponsors are held accountable. As part of its unflinching determination to fight terrorism, India underscored its continued efforts to track down those guilty of such acts, citing recent high-profile extraditions such as the case of Tahawwur Rana.
These diplomatic moves are a strategic turn in an effort to isolate Pakistan until it stops its support for terrorism. India's actions are an unmistakable message to the global community that terrorism will not be accepted, and they reinforce the government's commitment to standing firm against Pakistan's continued involvement in fanning violence on Indian territory.
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