India Responds Following Pahalgam: Indus Treaty Suspended, Borders Sealed, Diplomats Expelled
Why in News?
- India has taken a series of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The attack is believed to have cross-border terrorist linkages, and the Indian government aims to hold Pakistan accountable.
Important Key Points:
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Terror Attack in Pahalgam:
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25 Indians and 1 Nepali national killed.
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Several others injured.
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Attack occurred amid successful elections and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Meeting:
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Chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
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Reviewed implications of the attack.
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Concluded that terrorist factions aim to destabilise regional progress.
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Major Diplomatic Measures Taken by India:
a. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended:
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Historic 1960 water-sharing agreement placed in abeyance.
b. Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP):
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Key border crossing between India and Pakistan shut down.
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Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements must return by May 1, 2025.
c. Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):
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Pakistani nationals barred from using SVES.
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Those in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
d. Persona Non Grata Declaration:
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Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in India asked to leave within a week.
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India withdraws similar officials from its High Commission in Islamabad.
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Five support staff from both sides also recalled.
e. Reduction in Diplomatic Staff:
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Staff strength at both High Commissions (New Delhi & Islamabad) reduced from 55 to 30.
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Effective by May 1, 2025.
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