India’s 5 Big Responses to Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack
Nidhi | Apr 23, 2025, 23:48 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has responded with five major diplomatic and strategic actions against Pakistan. These include suspending the historic Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, banning Pakistani nationals from entering India, expelling military advisors from the Pakistan High Commission, and reducing the Pakistani diplomatic presence in New Delhi. These measures mark a significant shift in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism and its bilateral relations with Pakistan.
Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 27 civilians, India has taken a series of strong diplomatic and strategic steps against Pakistan. These actions are being described as a direct response to cross-border terrorism and reflect a shift in India’s stance on bilateral engagement. Here's a straightforward look at the five key measures, along with the relevant historical background:
India has suspended its cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement signed with Pakistan in 1960. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the use of water from six rivers in the Indus system. Despite wars and prolonged tensions between the two countries, the treaty has remained in effect for over six decades. This is the first time India has halted its implementation, signaling a major shift in approach.
India has shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing, a key land route for trade and travel between the two countries. This border post has remained functional during most periods of conflict, including the Kargil War in 1999. Its closure will affect both trade activities and people-to-people exchanges that usually take place via this route.
All visa services and travel permits for Pakistani citizens have been suspended indefinitely. This includes tourist, business, and diplomatic visas. India has previously imposed restrictions on Pakistani nationals after major attacks like those in Mumbai (2008) and Pulwama (2019), but this is one of the most comprehensive bans to date.
India has expelled all military advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Similar steps have been taken in the past during heightened tensions, including in 2001 and 2016. The decision affects defense-level communication between the two countries.
India has requested Pakistan to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, cutting the staff strength from 55 to just 30. Additionally, India has canceled all Pakistani SAARC visas, effectively blocking Pakistan’s participation in the regional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meetings. This marks another step in India’s ongoing push to limit Pakistan’s influence in regional affairs, particularly when it comes to multilateral cooperation in South Asia.
1. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a briefing meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials in view of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
2. Attari-Wagah Border Closed
India Pak Border
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
3. Ban on Entry of Pakistani Nationals
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors
5. Reduction in Pakistan High Commission Staff and Cancellation of SAARC Visas
Pahalgam attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi after 26 people were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam of Jammu & Kashmir
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )