After Pahalgam Attack, India Hits Back: Cancels Visas, Closes Embassy, Halts Indus Waters Treaty

Poonam Sharma

New Delhi, April 23, 2025 — In a sweeping and unprecedented response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian government has initiated a series of strong diplomatic, strategic, and administrative actions against Pakistan. The attack, which resulted in multiple casualties, is believed to have been orchestrated by terror groups supported across the border.

Shortly after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a high-stakes press conference led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Addressing the nation and the global community, Misri laid out a five-point retaliatory plan that marks a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions.

Key Measures Announced by India:

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
   In perhaps the most geopolitically significant move, India has decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two nations. “The treaty will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,” said Misri. This is a major diplomatic blow to Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on Indus river waters for its agrarian economy.
2. Closure of Attari Integrated Checkpost:
   The integrated checkpost at Attari, a major trade and travel route between the two countries, will be shut down with immediate effect. However, individuals who have already crossed into India with valid documents will be allowed to return through this route until May 1, 2025.
3. Visa Cancellations and Travel Bans:
   All previously issued SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SPES) visas to Pakistani nationals stand cancelled, and no Pakistani citizen will be permitted entry into India under this scheme moving forward. Those currently in India under these visas have been given 48 hours to exit the country.
4. Diplomatic Expulsions:
   In a strong message to Islamabad, India has declared all Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. These officials have seven days to leave Indian soil.
   India, in turn, will also withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts are now considered annulled.
5. Closure of Pakistani Embassy in India:
   The Indian government has directed the closure of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Within 40 hours, all officials currently working in the Pakistani mission must vacate and return to their country.

This is arguably the strongest diplomatic pushback by India in decades, reflecting a policy shift from strategic restraint to strategic retaliation. The decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, could have long-term ramifications for regional water security and bilateral relations.

Experts suggest that the measures are aimed at isolating Pakistan diplomatically while also asserting India’s right to defend its sovereignty. With the closure of the Attari route and expulsion of defence officials, bilateral ties have plunged to a new low, almost on the verge of total breakdown.

The government’s prompt and coordinated response indicates that India is no longer willing to engage diplomatically under the shadow of terrorism. As tensions rise, global stakeholders, including the United Nations and regional powers, are expected to closely monitor the situation.

The strong measures come amid growing public anger and political pressure within India, demanding accountability and firm action after the loss of lives in Pahalgam.

India has made its message clear — terrorism and diplomacy cannot go hand in hand.