KIRAN DEEP
The North News
New Delhi, April 23
India has announced sweeping diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan in the wake of a deadly cross-border terror attack, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and significant downgrades in bilateral engagement.
The steps were finalised at a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid escalating tensions over Islamabad’s alleged backing of militant groups operating across the border.
In another decisive step, India will shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a key land crossing between the two neighbours. Pakistani nationals who entered India with valid endorsements may return through this route until 1 May 2025.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press conference, said the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect. The landmark agreement, brokered by the World Bank, governs the use and distribution of water from six rivers that flow between the two countries.
“The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,” Misri stated.
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) will also no longer apply to Pakistani nationals, the foreign secretary added. All SVES visas issued to Pakistani citizens have been cancelled. Those already in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
Diplomatic ties are also being scaled back. The CCS has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at its High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata, giving them a week to leave. India will reciprocate by withdrawing its own military advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
In addition, five support staff linked to defence services in both capitals will return home. The overall diplomatic strength of both missions will be reduced from 55 to 30 personnel by 1 May.
The CCS also directed India’s security forces to maintain “high vigil” in light of the heightened threat environment.
Reaffirming India’s counter-terrorism policy, the government said it would bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and hold their sponsors accountable. Referring to the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the government reiterated its commitment to pursuing all those involved in acts of terror.
