India has unleashed a sweeping diplomatic offensive on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror strike by suspending Indus Waters Treaty, sealing Wagah border and shutting border checkpost.
In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India on Wednesday announced a series of sweeping diplomatic and strategic countermeasures against Pakistan. Framing the response as a decisive stand against “cross-border terrorism”, the Ministry of External Affairs outlined multiple steps, including the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty that had endured three wars, and an immediate shutdown of the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border – a crucial link for trade and people-to-people engagement between the two nations.
In a further blow to bilateral ties, Pakistani nationals have been barred from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with all previously issued visas declared void. Those already present in India have been directed to leave the country within 48 hours.
Suspension of Indus Waters Cooperation: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, under which 39 billion cubic meters of water from the Indus River system flows from India into Pakistan annually. The treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries, has long been considered a symbol of cooperation even amid years-long conflict.
Closure of Attari-Wagah Border: The Integrated Check Post Attari-Wagah border, a critical point for trade and people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, has been shut down with immediate effect. Those who have crossed with valid papers have been asked to return back to Pakistan before May 1, 2025.
Restricting SAARC Visa exemption scheme: Pakistani nationals are barred from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, with all previously issued visas deemed cancelled. Those already in the country are given 48 hours to leave.
Expulsion of Military Advisors: New Delhi has declared the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisers at the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata, giving them a week to exit India. In a similar move, New Delhi will also withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air officials from the High Commission in Islamabad.
Reduction of High Commission Staff Strength: India has asked Pakistan to reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi to a skeletal staff of 30, slashing the mission’s current operating capacity of 55.
