India and Pakistan have engaged in diplomatic expulsions this week, escalating tensions that have smoldered since the Pahalgam terror attack. India on Wednesday expelled a Pakistani official from its New Delhi high commission for alleged espionage activity. The Ministry of External Affairs designated the official as persona non grata and requested he depart India within 24 hours.
Pakistan responded quickly by expelling an Indian high commission employee on Thursday. The Chargé d’Affaires of India was summoned by Islamabad’s foreign ministry and told that Indian officials should not abuse their diplomatic immunity. Pakistan also ordered the Indian official to leave within 24 hours.
🔊PR NO.1️⃣4️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
A Staff Member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, Declared Persona Non Grata. pic.twitter.com/H6kWIlwUNY
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 21, 2025
Operation Sindoor Fuels Hostility
The diplomatic moves follow Indian military operation Sindoor, a targeted attack on May 7 on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. India conducted the operation in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The Indian Army termed the attacks as targeted and necessary to neutralize imminent threats from across the border.
Pakistan, in reply, tried to retaliate by attacking Indian military installations on May 8, 9, and 10. Indian forces, however, foiled the attempts, keeping casualties and damage nil. India’s tough military stance highlighted its resolve to deter further aggression.
Ceasefire Agreement Brings Temporary Relief
Following three consecutive days of escalation, their highest military officials engaged in direct talks on May 10. They agreed on a ceasefire, suspending all military action across land, sea, and air. Although this action provides short-term relief, the underlying mistrust continues to be visible in the diplomatic expulsions.
The recent trends confirm the vulnerability of Indo-Pak relations. Although the military clashes have ceased for the moment, the diplomatic spillover still threatens to derail bilateral relations. The reciprocating expulsions show just how much the Pahalgam terror attack has shaken regional dynamics and how easily tensions can escalate without ongoing dialogue.
