After the sad terror incident in Pahalgam in which a number of Indian security officials were martyred, India has declared a set of concrete and comprehensive actions against Pakistanis. The steps signal India’s escalating exasperation at Islamabad’s so-called endorsement of cross-border terrorism and unwillingness to move meaningfully against terrorist organizations functioning from its side of the border.

From suspending the Indus Waters Treaty to shutting the Wagha-Attari border, India has indicated a significant shift in its approach to Pakistan. The steps on the diplomatic, military, and economic fronts are a direct measure of responding to the intensifying threat of terrorism and a more general feeling that Pakistan has not done enough to stem militant activity.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which has regulated water-sharing between India and Pakistan since 1960. The World Bank-brokered treaty has been a symbol of cooperation in the face of differences. But Pakistan’s continued encouragement of cross-border terrorism has led India to suspend its compliance with the treaty.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the treaty will be in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” stops supporting terrorist groups. The action leaves in uncertainty the future of common water resources. India can start using more of the Indus basin’s water, affecting the agricultural and industrial sectors of both nations.

Wagha-Attari Border Closed

India has closed the Wagha-Attari border, an important route for trade and civilian movement. This move will cut the trade flows through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which will go out of operation. The valid document holders can re-enter through the border up to May 1, 2025. The border will be sealed after that date. Closing down this route shuts off a vital communication and economic channel.

It will also strain people-to-people connect and make future peace-building more difficult. Thousands of people who depend on this border for employment and family ties will be directly affected, and hence this move is extremely important in the backdrop of heightened tensions.

Diplomatic Staff Cut to 30

India has directed a major cut in diplomatic staff at Pakistan’s mission in New Delhi. Both nations will now only have 30 diplomats, down from the former 55. This is a sign of India’s disillusionment with Pakistanis lessens the chance of effective diplomatic interaction. By reducing the number of diplomats, India demonstrates that it no longer believes in Pakistan’s ability to conduct an effective dialogue.

This will hamper the ability to settle matters through diplomacy, affecting trade negotiations, consular services, and regional cooperation. It is an unmistakable indication that India feels negotiations with Pakistan can no longer hold without tangible steps against terrorism.

Pakistani Military Diplomats Declared Persona Non Grata

India has identified Pakistani military, naval, air, and defense advisers in New Delhi as persona non grata. They have seven days to vacate India. It halts military-to-military contacts and terminates official defense discussions between the two countries. The ouster is a firm warning that India is not going to stand idly by and watch Pakistan give military support to terrorist organizations attacking India.

Military diplomats generally help ease tensions, but this action will make it more difficult to prevent war. India is telling Pakistan that its acts have gone beyond the limits, and military diplomacy is now impossible.

SAARC Visas for Pakistani Citizens Withdrawn

India has recalled all SAARC visas given to Pakistani nationals. This action demonstrates India’s increased disillusionment with Pakistan’s place in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Pakistanis would be unable to attend future SAARC meetings being held in India without these visas. This measure further tautens regional relationships and destroys prospects for cooperation.

SAARC has traditionally been a forum for resolving regional conflicts, but the current tension between India and Pakistan complicates the task of the organization to work properly. India’s move indicates the growing distance and reflects its reluctance to talk to Pakistan on a regional basis unless things change.

India Draws a Line: No Dialogue Without Action on Terrorism

These steps reflect India’s increasing frustration with the way Pakistanis has been dealing with terrorism. Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and shutting the Wagha-Attari border have serious ramifications for day-to-day interactions between the two nations. By reducing diplomatic personnel and expelling military diplomats, India has drawn a clear line: it will no longer accept Pakistan’s inability to fight terrorism. These moves send a powerful message that Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism will pay a distant price, not only for security but also for diplomatic, economic, and regional ties.

Over the coming weeks, these measures might make Pakistan change its policies. But they may also widen enmity, pushing dialogue even further away. India has made it clear: there can be no substantive engagement without tangible action against terrorism.