April 24, 2025 - The Indian government has announced several retaliatory measures towards Pakistan and downgraded diplomatic ties with the country following the Pahalgam tragedy in which around 28 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack on April 23. India suspects Pakistan's role in the deadly attack on Indian civilians and holds it accountable for the cross-border linkages allegedly revealed in the subsequent probe.

The measures were taken yesterday, April 23, by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi. The CCS is India’s highest decision-making body on national security.

Speaking in a late-night press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CSS decided upon the following measures”:

The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended indefinitely “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures support for cross-border terrorism.”

The Integrated Check Post at Attari, which is the only active land crossing between India and Pakistan, has been shut down. Those already in India with valid papers have been given time until May 1 to leave the country.

The Defence, Naval, and Air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and have been asked to leave within one week. India will also withdraw its own military advisors from Islamabad.

By May 1, the strength of both country’s missions will be reduced from 55 to 30 through additional reductions.

Visas issued to certain categories of dignitaries under SVEC (SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme) have been scrapped. Visas already issued to Pakistani nationals under SVEC have been revoked and those present in India under SVEC have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

Sources say Pakistan could be most affected by the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty which has been one of the longest-standing agreements between the two countries and remained unaffected by the three wars between the two countries - in 1965, 1971 and 1999.

Meanwhile, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting this evening to brief political leaders on April 22's terror attack and seek their views on the situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are expected to provide key updates on the matter.

With Media Inputs