India Unveils 5-Point Strategy Against Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

India Announces 5-Point Action Plan Against Pakistan Following Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive move following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has unveiled a comprehensive five-point strategy targeting Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India's highest authority on national security, announced these actions after intelligence agencies confirmed cross-border links to the militants responsible for the assault, which claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national.

The attack, carried out by a group of heavily armed terrorists, has been linked to outfits based in Pakistan, prompting India to take strong diplomatic and strategic steps in response.

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

In a major diplomatic escalation, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank that governs the distribution of river waters between India and Pakistan. This move will remain in effect until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty, often seen as a rare symbol of cooperation between the two nations, has now been put on hold for the first time, signaling a significant shift in India’s approach.

2. Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border Crossing

India has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Attari-Wagah border check post, halting all cross-border movement of people and goods. Individuals who had previously crossed into India with valid documentation are being allowed to return by May 1, 2025. The closure of this critical land transit point is aimed at disrupting cross-border facilitation of terrorism and sending a strong message to Islamabad.

3. Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistan

India has withdrawn the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, effectively cancelling all SVES visas issued earlier. Pakistani citizens currently in India under this scheme have been given a strict 48-hour deadline to leave the country. This action deals a major blow to diplomatic and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors

In another strong diplomatic measure, India has expelled all Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Declared as Persona Non Grata, these individuals have been ordered to leave India within a week. In a reciprocal move, India will withdraw its military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, marking a clear downgrade in bilateral military engagement.

5. Reduction in Diplomatic Presence

India will also reduce the strength of its diplomatic mission in Pakistan. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad will scale down its personnel to 30 by May 1, 2025, from the current 55. This reduction further limits diplomatic interaction and reflects the deteriorating state of India-Pakistan relations.

The CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by key figures including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focused on reviewing the security situation and finalizing India’s multi-pronged response.

Meanwhile, Indian Army and police forces have launched an extensive manhunt to track down the attackers. Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of seven terrorists, including Pakistani nationals, who targeted unsuspecting tourists in Pahalgam. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site and met with the injured at a nearby hospital.

This terror attack, among the deadliest in the region in nearly two decades, has sparked outrage across the country. The Indian government has pledged to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable, promising that such acts of terror will be met with decisive action.