In strong diplomatic retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India hands formal expulsion note to Pakistan’s top diplomat and announces sweeping measures, including withdrawal of military advisors and suspension of key treaties
New Delhi, April 24:
In a decisive diplomatic move following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Government of India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed him a formal Persona Non Grata note declaring the expulsion of Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors from the High Commission in Delhi.
The unprecedented step comes a day after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left several others injured.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlined five major retaliatory measures India has adopted:
🔴 Key Diplomatic Actions Announced:
- Expulsion of Pakistani Military Diplomats:
India declared all military representatives (Defence, Naval, Air Advisors) in Pakistan’s High Commission in Delhi as Persona Non Grata, asking them to leave within a week. India will also withdraw its own military advisors from Islamabad. - Closure of Attari Check Post:
The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who crossed over legally may return by May 1, 2025. - Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
India has put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating the suspension will remain until Pakistan irreversibly ceases support for cross-border terrorism. - SAARC Visa Ban on Pakistani Nationals:
Travel for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) is banned. Past SVES visas are cancelled and existing Pakistani nationals must leave India within 48 hours. - Reduction in Diplomatic Strength:
The staff strength at both High Commissions (New Delhi and Islamabad) will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.
🛡 PM Modi’s Firm Stand
PM Modi, after cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit, chaired the CCS meeting with senior ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar, where India reaffirmed its resolve to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
“The CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil,” Foreign Secretary Misri said.
India’s stern steps mark one of the strongest diplomatic responses in recent years and reflect New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism, especially after what is being called the deadliest attack since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.