India’s 5 Bold Moves Against Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
India has initiated a series of high-impact diplomatic and strategic steps against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack left 26 people dead, including one foreign tourist. The assault, linked to Pakistan-based militant groups, prompted a swift and powerful response from New Delhi.
At an emergency session chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) rolled out a 5-point action plan aimed at signaling zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism. This is one of India’s toughest responses to Pakistan in recent years.
1. Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold: Water as a Strategic Weapon
The Indian government has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a pact that has withstood decades of conflict since its signing in 1960.
This treaty allows Pakistan access to waters from three key rivers. By halting cooperation, India is exerting diplomatic and environmental pressure—forcing Pakistan to feel the consequences of its alleged inaction on terrorism. Officials say the suspension is temporary but conditional on verifiable action by Pakistan to dismantle terror networks.
2. Attari-Wagah Border Sealed: Trade and Transit Frozen
In another severe measure, India has closed the Attari-Wagah land border, blocking movement of people and goods.
All ongoing activities at the check post have been suspended. Travelers who previously crossed over legally will be permitted to return by May 1, 2025, after which the post will remain shut indefinitely. This closure not only impacts trade but also halts familial and religious pilgrimages, reflecting a complete breakdown in people-to-people ties.
3. Visa Exemptions Revoked: Pakistan Nationals Ordered Out
India has revoked the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, effectively cancelling their right to enter or remain in the country under this special provision.
Those already in India under the scheme have been asked to leave within 48 hours. This move terminates one of the last remaining diplomatic courtesies extended under the SAARC regional framework and sends a strong message against soft-border policies in times of aggression.
4. Military Advisors Expelled: Defense Ties Severed
All Pakistani military officials attached to the High Commission in New Delhi—spanning the Army, Navy, and Air Force—have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week.
In a tit-for-tat action, India will also pull out its own military attachés from Islamabad. This represents a deliberate decoupling of security-level engagements, reinforcing India’s shift to an isolationist approach in bilateral defense diplomacy with Pakistan.
5. Diplomatic Staff Cut in Islamabad: Thinning the Ranks
India will reduce its diplomatic personnel in Islamabad from 55 to 30, effective May 1, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs has described this as part of a larger scale-back in bilateral representation.
With this move, India is putting all diplomatic exchanges on hold and ensuring that only essential consular operations continue. Analysts say this will sharply curtail both diplomatic communication and cultural cooperation between the countries.
India Signals a New Red Line
This five-pronged offensive shows that India is redefining the rules of engagement when it comes to cross-border terror. Rather than launching a military strike, the government has chosen diplomatic and strategic escalation actions that are hard-hitting yet non-violent.
These measures are intended not only as punishment but also as a deterrent to future acts of terrorism. India has made it clear that unless Pakistan shows concrete progress in curbing terrorist activities on its soil, normal relations will not resume.
International Reactions and Strategic Outlook
India’s decisions have sparked reactions worldwide. While countries like the U.S. and France have expressed solidarity with India, others including China and Russia have urged restraint and dialogue.
This episode is likely to dominate upcoming international forums like the UN General Assembly and G20 summits, where India may seek further isolation of Pakistan diplomatically.
Saathee Global
