KKN Gurugram Desk | In a swift response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, including a foreign national, the Indian government has taken significant diplomatic and strategic measures against Pakistan. Following the attack, India has issued a series of stern directives, cutting back diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Water Treaty, and ordering Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. These actions have led to widespread reactions from both sides, particularly in Pakistan, where government officials are scrambling to address the aftermath of India’s firm stance. The attack, which occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, marked a tragic escalation in cross-border terrorism.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: India’s Strong Response

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including a foreign tourist. This tragic incident prompted India to take immediate and decisive action. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting was convened, resulting in several key decisions aimed at sending a strong message to Pakistan. The measures taken included:

• Suspending the Indus Water Treaty: The six-decade-old water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan has been halted indefinitely.

• Closing the Attari-Wagah Border Checkpoint: The crucial border post, which allows movement between the two countries, has been shut down.

• Revoking Visas and Deporting Pakistani Nationals: All Pakistani nationals in India have been given a 48-hour notice to leave the country.

• Reduction of Diplomatic Staff: The number of staff at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has been reduced from 55 to 30.

These steps have been interpreted as a clear indication of India’s growing frustration with Pakistan’s failure to curb cross-border terrorism. The Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has faced heightened security, and the situation remains tense, with local authorities closely monitoring developments.

Impact of India’s Diplomatic Decisions

India’s actions have stirred significant reactions in Pakistan, with political leaders scrambling to formulate a response. Following the closure of the Attari-Wagah border and the expulsion order for Pakistani diplomats, there has been an increase in Pakistani nationals trying to return home. According to reports, large numbers of Pakistanis were seen gathering at the Attari-Wagah Border, with many expressing frustration over the rapid escalation of tensions.

One of the Pakistanis, Mansoor, who was attempting to cross the border, shared his perspective with PTI, stating, “I came from Karachi to visit relatives in Delhi for 20-25 days. What happened in Pahalgam was tragic, but I don’t believe the government should have suspended the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa exemption scheme.” His sentiment reflected the confusion and disappointment of many Pakistani nationals caught in the diplomatic crossfire.

Increased Security Measures in Jammu and Kashmir

Following the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir has been placed on high alert. Security forces have intensified operations, with additional reinforcements deployed across key locations. In Udhampur, terrorists attempted an infiltration into Indian territory, which led to intense gunfire exchanges between the infiltrators and Indian security forces. Poonch, which lies along the Line of Control (LoC), also witnessed heightened activity, with Indian Army personnel responding to suspicious movements late on the night of April 23.

The attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security alerts across the region underscore the ongoing challenges faced by India in tackling terrorism emanating from across the border. In addition, Jammu and Kashmir’s Prime Minister’s Package employees have been instructed to work from home until April 27 due to the heightened security concerns in the aftermath of the attack.

Pakistan’s Response to India’s Actions

In response to India’s aggressive stance, Pakistan’s leadership convened an emergency meeting of the Civilian and Military Leadership (CCS) to deliberate on the next course of action. Although the Pakistani government initially voiced its discontent over India’s diplomatic decisions, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has yet to outline a comprehensive strategy to counter India’s actions. Some Pakistani leaders have resorted to veiled threats, while others are focusing on diplomatic channels to address the growing tension.

One prominent Pakistani official, Saifullah Khalid Kasuri, the mastermind behind the attack, issued a statement following India’s retaliatory actions, distancing Pakistan from direct involvement in the Pahalgam attack. He stated that Pakistan had no role in the tragedy and called for peace. However, India’s diplomatic steps, particularly the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, are expected to intensify the pressure on Pakistan to rein in terror groups operating from its soil.

International Reactions and Support for India

Following the attack, international support for India has been pouring in. Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and several European nations have expressed their condolences and solidarity with India. In particular, Lisa Nandy, the Minister for Culture, Media, and Sport in the UK, offered her deepest sympathies to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. She emphasized that the world was reeling from the impact of terrorist attacks and commended India’s resilience in the face of such tragedies.

India’s stance has garnered support from the global community, with several countries calling for increased pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism. The United States and the United Nations have urged Pakistan to take more responsibility in combating terror groups operating within its borders.

Key Measures Taken by India: A Strategic Overview

India’s measures following the Pahalgam terror attack include:

1. Suspension of the Indus Water Treaty: This decision has wide-reaching implications for water-sharing between the two countries, with the possibility of India taking greater control over shared river systems.

2. Diplomatic Expulsion of Pakistani Nationals: With the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and the reduction of staff at the Pakistani High Commission, India has effectively isolated Pakistan diplomatically.

3. Security Measures on the Ground: The closure of the Attari-Wagah border and the suspension of the SAARC visa exemption scheme have further complicated cross-border exchanges between the two nations.

4. High-Level Security Meetings: Following the attack, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah met to devise a strategy to counter Pakistan’s support for terrorism. These meetings reflect India’s commitment to taking robust actions against cross-border terror activities.

The Road Ahead: Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack highlight the fragile nature of diplomatic relations in the region. While India has made its stance clear through decisive actions, the future of India-Pakistan relations remains uncertain. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces increasing pressure to rein in terror groups operating within its borders or risk further diplomatic and economic isolation.

Given the volatility of the situation, India’s immediate priority will likely be to ensure its security measures are strengthened across Jammu and Kashmir and other vulnerable regions. The ongoing security operations in Udhampur and Poonch indicate that India will continue to take a proactive approach to counter any threats posed by infiltrators or terrorists.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack has led to one of the most serious diplomatic confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent years. With India’s firm stance on the issue, the diplomatic landscape in the region has dramatically shifted. The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani nationals, and the closure of key border posts like Attari-Wagah reflect India’s resolve to take swift action against terrorism.

The Pahalgam terror attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism. As both countries continue to navigate these turbulent waters, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Pakistan will take meaningful steps to end its support for terrorist organizations. For India, the priority remains securing its borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens while dealing with the complex diplomatic challenges ahead.