In a swift and decisive response to the recent deadly terrorist attack on tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam, India has announced a series of stringent measures against Pakistan, holding it accountable for extending support to cross-border terrorism. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), outlined a five-pronged strategy signaling a significant hardening of India’s stance against Pakistan which has been promoting cross-border terrorism
Statement by Foreign Secretary on the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2025
The most impactful decision announced by the Foreign Secretary was the immediate holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. This landmark treaty, which has governed the sharing of waters of six rivers between the two countries for over six decades, will now be suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” This move marks a dramatic shift in India’s approach, leveraging a crucial water-sharing agreement to exert pressure on Pakistan to cease its alleged involvement in fomenting terror activities on Indian soil. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, potentially impacting agricultural and economic activities on both sides of the border and signaling a new low in bilateral relations.
Further tightening the screws, India announced the immediate closure of the integrated checkpost at Attari, a key land border crossing for trade and travel between the two nations. While those who have already crossed over with valid endorsements will be permitted to return through this route before May 1, 2025, the closure effectively halts any further movement across this vital artery. This decision is expected to significantly impact cross-border trade and people-to-people contact, further isolating Pakistan.
In a move aimed at restricting the movement of Pakistani nationals within India, the government has decided to disallow travel under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Moreover, all Special Purpose Endorsement Scheme (SPES) visas issued to Pakistani citizens in the past have been deemed cancelled with immediate effect. Any Pakistani national currently in India on an SPES visa has been given a strict 48-hour deadline to leave the country. This measure reflects India’s heightened security concerns and aims to prevent any potential misuse of visa provisions by individuals with nefarious intentions.
Diplomatic relations have also been severely impacted. India has declared the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. These senior military officials have been given one week to depart India, signaling a significant downgrading of military-level communication and representation.
In a reciprocal move, India will also be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively annulling these crucial liaison posts in both capitals. This mutual withdrawal of military advisors underscores the deep mistrust and breakdown in security-related dialogue between the two countries.
The tough stand taken by Bharat has come psot the Pahalagam terror attack in which the Islamic terrorists killed 26 tourists. They asked them their religion and knowing that they were Hindus, they killed them.
