In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali national, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has unveiled a five-point action plan against Pakistan, citing clear cross-border linkages to the attack.
The CCS condemned the April 22 attack in the strongest terms and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In a high-level security briefing, it was emphasized that the incident occurred amid a successful electoral process in Jammu & Kashmir and growing economic momentum—an environment that, authorities allege, certain external forces are attempting to destabilize.
The five consequences for Pakistan are:
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Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
India will halt its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty—a foundational bilateral water-sharing agreement—until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends support for terrorism across the border. -
Closure of Attari Check Post
The Attari Integrated Check Post will be shut immediately. Only individuals already in India with valid endorsements will be allowed to return via this route until May 1, 2025. -
Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistan
Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All prior visas issued under SVES have been cancelled. Current SVES holders must exit India within 48 hours. -
Expulsion of Defence Advisors from Pakistani High Commission
India has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in New Delhi ‘Persona Non Grata’, ordering them to leave the country within a week. India will reciprocally withdraw its own military envoys from Islamabad, with these posts officially annulled. Additionally, five support staff from both sides will also be withdrawn. -
Diplomatic Downscaling of High Commissions
The total staff at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will be reduced to 30 personnel from the current strength of 55, with the changes set to take effect by May 1, 2025.
The CCS also noted global condemnation of the terror attack and acknowledged widespread expressions of solidarity. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism, it reiterated India’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. As seen in the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India vowed continued pursuit of those responsible for planning or enabling acts of terror.
