Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Halts Indus Treaty, Cuts Visas, Expels Pak Military Diplomats

In response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has taken major diplomatic and strategic decisions aimed at mounting pressure on Pakistan. During a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence on April 23, 2025, India announced a series of strong measures.The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 has been suspended with immediate effect, pending credible and irreversible action by Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism. Additionally, the Attari check post has been closed; only those who have already crossed with valid documentation may return by May 1, 2025.Further tightening of travel norms includes the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. All previously issued SVES visas have been rendered invalid, and Pakistanis currently in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.India has also declared Pakistan’s military, naval, and air attachés in the New Delhi High Commission as persona non grata, giving them one week to leave. The diplomatic staff limit for Pakistan in India has been reduced to 30 from 55.Simultaneously, India will withdraw its own military advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively nullifying those positions