India has taken a series of strong diplomatic and strategic steps in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which was carried out by terrorists trained in Pakistan. In a significant move, the Indian government has suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and ordered the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, effective immediately. These measures were announced after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a detailed briefing, stated that the CCS reviewed the current security scenario and issued strict instructions for heightened vigilance across all forces. He emphasized that the perpetrators of the terror attack will be held accountable, and those supporting such acts will not go unpunished.
One of the key decisions taken was the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which has governed water-sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan for over six decades. Misri clarified that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible action to end its support for cross-border terrorism.
The Integrated Check Post at Attari, a major transit point between India and Pakistan, has been shut down. However, individuals who previously crossed over using valid documentation are permitted to return through the same route by May 1. In addition, the SAARC visa exemption scheme for Pakistani nationals has been revoked, and all visas under this category have been cancelled. Pakistani citizens currently in India on SAARC exemption must leave within 48 hours.
India has also decided to significantly downgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan. All defence, military, naval, and air advisers at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave India within a week. In a reciprocal move, India will withdraw its advisers and associated support staff from its High Commission in Islamabad. The number of officials at both high commissions will be cut from 55 to 30, effective May 1.
These sweeping changes mark a decisive escalation in India’s stance toward Pakistan, as the country sends a clear message that acts of terrorism and their enablers will be met with firm and immediate consequences.
