India's Strong Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack (Latest News)

India's Strong Stand Key Decision against Pakistan

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), India's highest decision-making body on national security, has taken drastic measures against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The CCS meeting, held on April 24, 2025, led to several key decisions aimed at addressing the "cross-border linkages" uncovered during the investigation into the attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including one foreign national.

Key Decisions

1. Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border: The Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border will be closed with immediate effect. However, individuals who have crossed over with valid endorsements can return through this route before May 1, 2025.
3. Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals in the past are deemed canceled, and those currently in India under this visa category have 48 hours to leave the country.
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Defence Officials: The naval and air advisers in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and have a week to leave India. In response, India will withdraw its defence, navy, and air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, and these posts are deemed annulled with immediate effect.
5. Reduction of High Commission Staff: The overall strength of the High Commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions to be effected by May 1, 2025.