India's 5 Big Responses to Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 27 civilians, India has taken a series of strong diplomatic and strategic steps against Pakistan. These actions are being described as a direct response to cross-border terrorism and reflect a shift in India’s stance on bilateral engagement. Here's a straightforward look at the five key measures, along with the relevant historical background:
1. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended India has suspended its cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement signed with Pakistan in 1960. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs the use of water from six rivers in the Indus system. Despite wars and prolonged tensions between the two countries, the treaty has remained in effect for over six decades. This is the first time India has halted its implementation, signaling a major shift in approach.
2. Attari-Wagah Border Closed India has shut down the Attari-Wagah border crossing, a key land route for trade and travel between the two countries. This border post has remained functional during most periods of conflict, including the Kargil War in 1999. Its closure will affect both trade activities and people-to-people exchanges that usually take place via this route.
3. Ban on Entry of Pakistani Nationals All visa services and travel permits for Pakistani citizens have been suspended indefinitely. This includes tourist, business, and diplomatic visas. India has previously imposed restrictions on Pakistani nationals after major attacks like those in Mumbai (2008) and Pulwama (2019), but this is one of the most comprehensive bans to date.
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors India has expelled all military advisors stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Similar steps have been taken in the past during heightened tensions, including in 2001 and 2016. The decision affects defense-level communication between the two countries.
5. Reduction in Pakistan High Commission Staff and Cancellation of SAARC Visas India has requested Pakistan to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, cutting the staff strength from 55 to just 30. Additionally, India has canceled all Pakistani SAARC visas, effectively blocking Pakistan’s participation in the regional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meetings. This marks another step in India’s ongoing push to limit Pakistan’s influence in regional affairs, particularly when it comes to multilateral cooperation in South Asia.