Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which took 26 lives, India on Wednesday unveiled a series of strong diplomatic and strategic actions targeting Pakistan. Describing the move as a firm stance against "cross-border terrorism," the Ministry of External Affairs announced several measures. These include suspending the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty indefinitely and immediately closing the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, a key point for trade and cross-border interactions between the two countries. In another setback to relations between the two countries, Pakistani citizens are no longer allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. All visas issued earlier under this scheme have been cancelled. Currently, the Pakistanis who are in India under the scheme have been instructed to leave within 48 hours.

Here are five key updates shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):

India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, which allows 39 billion cubic meters of water from the Indus River system to flow into Pakistan yearly. This agreement, which has been seen as a rare example of cooperation between the two nations despite ongoing tensions, is now on hold. 

Additionally, the Attari-Wagah border crossing, a vital hub for trade and travel between India and Pakistan, has been closed immediately. Pakistani citizens who crossed over with valid documents have been instructed to return to Pakistan before May 1, 2025. 

India has also withdrawn access to the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. All previously issued visas under this arrangement are now invalid, and Pakistanis currently in India have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

India has expelled the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors from the Pakistani High Commission, declaring them persona non grata and giving them one week to leave the country. In a reciprocal move, India will also pull out its own Defence, Navy, and Air officials from its High Commission in Islamabad.

Additionally, India has instructed Pakistan to drastically reduce the size of its diplomatic staff in New Delhi from 55 to just 30 people.

This strong diplomatic move came after a 2.5-hour meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by top leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior officials.