NEW DELHI, April 24: In a decisive response to the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam, India has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday evening to discuss the implications of the attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while several others sustained injuries.

The meeting also noted that the attack occurred against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region’s ongoing progress toward economic development and stability. These achievements, India believes, are viewed as a threat by terrorist factions seeking to destabilise the region.

Recognising the seriousness of this attack and its cross-border linkages, the CCS unveiled the following decisions:

• Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This historic move effectively halts decades of cooperation on water-sharing between India and Pakistan.
• Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post: India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a major border crossing between the two nations. Pakistani nationals currently in India with valid travel endorsements have been given until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route.
• Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals: India has revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) benefits for Pakistani nationals. All such visas stand cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
• Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats: India has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These officials must leave India within one week. In a reciprocal move, India will also withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both missions.
• Reduction in Diplomatic Staff: India has decided to reduce the overall strength of diplomatic staff in both the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The new staff strength will be capped at 30, down from the current 55. This reduction is to be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also reviewed the overall security situation across the country and directed all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice and that their sponsors are held accountable.