Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announces sweeping diplomatic and security measures; Indus Waters Treaty put on hold, SAARC visa exemptions cancelled for Pakistani nationals
New Delhi, April 23:
In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Indian government has announced a series of sweeping diplomatic and strategic measures aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for its alleged support of terrorism.
Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken five key decisions as part of India’s immediate response to the attack.
Key Decisions Announced:
- Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and must leave the country within a week.
- India will withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, and both countries will reduce their diplomatic staff strength to 30 from the current 55 by May 1, 2025.
- The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed with immediate effect. However, individuals who have already crossed over with valid endorsements may return via the same route before May 1.
- The Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” stops its support for cross-border terrorism.
- All SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals are now cancelled. Those already in India under SVES are given 48 hours to leave the country.
Foreign Secretary Misri stressed that the CCS has also directed all security forces to maintain maximum vigilance and reiterated India’s resolve to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
“The CCS resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account,” said Misri.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists and claimed more than two dozen lives, is considered one of the worst acts of terror in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Security operations are currently underway to track down the attackers.
The diplomatic fallout underscores India’s shift towards a zero-tolerance approach to state-sponsored terrorism, marking a significant escalation in India-Pakistan relations.