Pahalgam terror attack: 5 decisions India has taken against Pakistan

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has taken tough action against Pakistan after security agencies uncovered Islamabad’s cross-border links in the terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

At least five terrorists, including three from Pakistan, are believed to have opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on Tuesday, The Indian Express reported citing sources. Eyewitnesses and intelligence reports suggest that two of the attackers may be local militants.

In a harsh response to Pakistan for its involvement in the terror attack, India has launched a five-point action plan targeting the Islamic nation’s infrastructure, river water flow, diplomatic presence, and border movements.

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Indus water treaty suspended

India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which manages how the two countries share river waters. The suspension will remain in place until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, signed in 1960, has been a key part of India-Pakistan relations. This marks a major shift in diplomatic ties. Moreover, the treaty was much favourable to Pakistan. As a downstream nation, Pakistan depends on India for the flow of water.

India halts all cross-border travel and trade through Attari

India has closed the Attari Integrated Check Post, halting all cross-border travel and trade through this route. People who have already crossed with valid documents can return by 1 May 2025. The move is intended to limit cross-border movement and send a strong message to Pakistan.

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Also, both nations have great potential for trade, which could help rescue Pakistan’s collapsing economy. However, at the moment, Pakistan is only exporting terror to India, and organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, with Pakistani establishment help, are killing innocent civilians in India.

SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) suspended

In a major move to counter Pakistani terror, India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. All visas issued under the scheme are now cancelled. Pakistanis currently in India under SVES have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

India expels military advisors

India has expelled all Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. They have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week. In return, India will also withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This step is part of a broader reduction in diplomatic ties between the two nations.

New Delhi reduces staff at High Commission in Pakistan

India has decided to reduce the number of staff at its High Commission in Pakistan as part of efforts to scale back diplomatic ties. The number of personnel in Islamabad will be cut from 55 to 30 by 1 May 2025. This move will further limit direct interaction between the two countries.

The CCS meeting was attended by top officials including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They reviewed the current security situation and discussed India’s response to the deadly attack.

On the ground, the Indian Army and police have launched a large-scale operation to hunt down those responsible for the attack. Early reports indicate that seven terrorists, including some Pakistani nationals, were involved and opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. Amit Shah also visited the attack site in Pahalgam and met the injured at the hospital.