New Delhi: In a strong response to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has announced a series of major decisions aimed at Pakistan. The decisions were made during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The government stated that cross-border terrorist involvement in the Pahalgam massacre—carried out by Lashkar-linked operatives—has led to a reassessment of diplomatic and security ties with Pakistan.
Key Decisions Announced by India:
1. Suspension of Indus Water Treaty
For the first time since it was signed in 1960, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, citing Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. The agreement, brokered by the World Bank, has survived multiple wars and diplomatic stand-offs. Its suspension could significantly impact Pakistani agriculture, which relies heavily on water from the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Checkpost
The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari will be shut down for all cross-border movement involving Pakistani nationals. Those who have entered India with valid documents via this route will be allowed to return until May 1, 2025.
3. Withdrawal of Indian Staff from Islamabad High Commission
India will withdraw its military, navy, and air advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. Five supporting staff members will also return. Both countries will reduce their respective mission strengths to 30 from the current 55 by May 1.
4. SAARC Visa Exemptions Cancelled for Pakistanis
Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Those currently in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours, and all previously issued visas are now void.
5. Pakistani Military Diplomats Declared Persona Non Grata
Military and defence advisors from Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi have been declared “persona non grata” and given one week to leave India. A formal diplomatic note was handed to Pakistan’s top envoy in Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich.
Government’s Rationale
The CCS noted the significance of the Pahalgam attack, especially as it followed peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and a period of economic progress. The Indian government has vowed justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators and their sponsors.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India will pursue those involved in the attack relentlessly, referencing the recent extradition of terror suspect Tahawwur Rana as a precedent.
High-Level Meeting Attendees
Alongside Prime Minister Modi, the CCS meeting included Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Also present were National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and PM’s Principal Secretaries PK Mishra and Shaktikanta Das.
Earlier in the day, Amit Shah visited the site of the attack in Baisaran Valley and met with the victims’ families.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that its top civil and military leadership will convene on Thursday for a National Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agenda: to formulate Pakistan’s response to India’s diplomatic and strategic moves.
The Attack
The terror attack in Pahalgam, one of the deadliest in recent years, targeted a group of tourists—many of them women and elderly individuals. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
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