India Imposes Five Major Diplomatic and Strategic Sanctions on Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi, April 24, 2025 — In a decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians including tourists, the Indian government has taken five major actions against Pakistan, signaling a severe diplomatic and strategic escalation. The coordinated attack, claimed by Pakistan-backed militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), has drawn not only global condemnation but also triggered a policy reset in India’s Pakistan strategy.

1. Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

India has announced a complete halt to the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement signed in 1960. The government stated the suspension will remain until Pakistan takes verifiable action against terrorism. Experts say the move could worsen Pakistan’s water security and significantly raise regional tensions.

2. Immediate Closure of Attari Border Crossing

The Attari-Wagah border, a key transit point between the two nations, will be shut down with immediate effect. Indian citizens currently in Pakistan on valid documents will be granted time until May 1, 2025, to return. All future civilian or diplomatic movements through this corridor will cease until further notice.

3. Visa Revocation and Pakistan Nationals Ordered to Leave

In a sweeping decision, India has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including those under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. All Pakistani citizens currently in India have been ordered to leave within 48 hours. Future entry into India for Pakistani nationals has been completely barred.

4. Downsizing of Pakistan’s Diplomatic Presence in India

The Indian government will reduce the Pakistani diplomatic staff posted at its New Delhi High Commission. Key military liaisons, including army, navy, and air force advisors, have been directed to return to Pakistan within a week. This move comes amid growing concerns over intelligence and security breaches.

5. India to Recall Its Diplomats from Islamabad

India will also recall part of its diplomatic staff from the High Commission in Islamabad, bringing down its representation to a capped number of 30 officials. Reciprocal measures are being enforced at both missions, effectively putting diplomatic engagement at a minimal operational level.

National Security Push and Global Diplomacy

Following the attack, Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site in Jammu and Kashmir, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to convene a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting. Thursday’s all-party meeting is expected to outline further strategic responses.

The actions mark one of the strongest diplomatic offensives by India in recent years, signaling that terror-linked provocations will not be tolerated and will attract multi-dimensional consequences — from water sharing to border control and diplomatic isolation.