In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives including that of a foreign national, India has launched a decisive five-point action plan targeting Pakistan’s support structures for terrorism. The measures follow clear indications of cross-border involvement in the assault, carried out by a group of seven terrorists, including Pakistani nationals.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by senior Indian officials including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval, ratified the measures after an urgent security review.
1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
India has temporarily suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old water-sharing agreement, signaling a serious diplomatic escalation. The treaty will remain inactive until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.
2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Checkpost
Cross-border movement of goods and people through the Attari-Wagah checkpoint has been halted. Those already in transit with valid documents must return by May 1, 2025.
3. Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistanis
India has canceled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, demanding that those currently in the country under the scheme leave within 48 hours.
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors
All Pakistani military personnel posted in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week. India will similarly withdraw its advisors from Islamabad.
5. Diplomatic Downsizing
India will scale back its diplomatic staff in Islamabad from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, significantly reducing bilateral engagement.
Alongside these measures, the Indian Army and police have launched a large-scale operation to apprehend the attackers. Home Minister Amit Shah visited both the attack site and the hospital treating the wounded, underscoring the government’s commitment to justice and national security.
India has vowed not only to track down the perpetrators but also to hold their state sponsors accountable. These actions represent one of the strongest retaliatory policy shifts in Indo-Pak relations in recent years.