India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled military attaches, and suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians
The meeting concluded with the decision to implement five specific measures aimed at sending a strong message to Pakistan regarding its support for cross-border terrorism.
In response to the cross-border links involved in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic ties, expelling military attaches, suspending the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, and shutting down the Attari land-transit post.
A day after the gruesome terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held an urgent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting concluded with the decision to implement five specific measures aimed at sending a strong message to Pakistan regarding its support for cross-border terrorism.
According to PTI, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who briefed the media post-CCS meeting, confirmed that the diplomatic strength of both the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be reduced. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will withdraw defence, naval, and air advisors, along with five support staff members, while Pakistan’s military representatives in New Delhi will be declared persona non grata. Misri also confirmed that Pakistani nationals holding visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) will not be permitted to enter India, and any existing visas issued under the scheme will be revoked. Pakistani nationals currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
Furthermore, the CCS decided to immediately suspend the Indus Water Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank, until Pakistan renounces its support for terrorism. The treaty governs the distribution of water from six major rivers flowing between the two nations. This decision marks a significant step in disrupting existing diplomatic mechanisms between the two countries.
The retaliatory actions come in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which saw the tragic deaths of 25 Indians and a Nepali citizen, and left several others wounded. The attack, carried out at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, is considered one of the most deadly in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the media, assured that those responsible for the attack would face a "befitting reply." He emphasised that India would not only track down the perpetrators but also those behind the scenes who conspired to carry out the attack.
The CCS also authorised the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which is the only operational land border crossing between India and Pakistan. Misri clarified that those who crossed over to India with valid endorsements may return through Attari before May 1.
(With inputs from PTI)
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