CCS Responds to Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Takes Tough Diplomatic Measures Against Pakistan

A day after the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the security situation and chart a path forward. In a strong response to the attack, the government announced a series of sweeping measures targeting Pakistan diplomatically and strategically.

Here are the five key outcomes of the CCS meeting:

1. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India has decided to hold the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance with immediate effect. The move will remain in force until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”

2. Closure of Integrated Check Post at Attari: The Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), a key land crossing between India and Pakistan, will be closed with immediate effect. Pakistani nationals who crossed over to India with valid endorsements are permitted to return via the same route before May 1, 2025.

3. Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan: Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals stand cancelled. Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under the scheme has been given 48 hours to exit the country.

4. Expulsion of Military Advisors from High Commissions: Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given a week to leave the country. In a reciprocal move, India will also withdraw its corresponding military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. Additionally, five support staff members from both missions will be withdrawn.

5. Downsizing of Diplomatic Missions: The government has decided to reduce the overall staff strength at both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

Officials say these measures signal India’s intent to take a tough stand in the wake of repeated acts of terror emanating from across the border.