Indian Government Takes Decisive Action Against Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
April 24, 2025In response to the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, the Indian government has announced a series of stringent measures against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism. The decisions, finalized during a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mark a significant escalation in India’s stance against its neighbor.
The Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, a group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people, including a Nepali national and former Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The attack has sparked nationwide outrage and disrupted the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
Government’s Response: Key Decisions
Following the CCS meeting, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the government unveiled a five-pronged action plan targeting Pakistan’s infrastructure and diplomatic presence:
- Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between India and Pakistan, has been suspended with immediate effect until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. This move is expected to significantly impact Pakistan’s economy, particularly its agricultural sector.
- Closure of Attari-Wagah Border: The integrated checkpost at Attari-Wagah has been shut down immediately, halting cross-border movement. Those with valid endorsements may return via this route before May 1, 2025.
- Ban on Pakistani Nationals’ Travel: India has canceled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, prohibiting their entry into India. Pakistanis currently in India under SVES visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
- Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats: Pakistani military, naval, air, and defense advisors at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given one week to leave India. The overall staff strength of both countries’ high commissions will be reduced to 30.
- Downgrading Diplomatic Ties: India is withdrawing its own defense, navy, and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively annulling these posts. The government also summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’affaires in Delhi to issue a formal note on the expulsion of military diplomats.
Leadership’s Resolve
Prime Minister Modi, who cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the crisis, vowed that the perpetrators “will be pursued to the ends of the Earth.” Speaking at an event in Bihar, he reiterated India’s unshakable resolve to combat terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the attack site in Pahalgam and met with victims’ families, emphasized that the government would deliver a “befitting reply.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh promised to target not only the attackers but also those orchestrating the plot from across the border.
National and International Reactions
The decisions have been widely supported across India. J&K BJP leader Ravinder Raina called them “bold,” stating, “Pakistan creates bloodshed in Kashmir, and then the water from here goes to Pakistan—this is not acceptable.” Protests erupted in cities like Delhi, Jammu, and Hyderabad, with citizens demanding action against Pakistan.
Internationally, leaders from the US, Russia, Canada, Italy, and others condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied involvement, dismissing the allegations as a “false flag operation.” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a National Security Committee meeting to formulate a response to India’s actions.
Security Measures and Investigations
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, focusing on the attack’s cross-border linkages. Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in Pahalgam, with ongoing operations in Kulgam and Baramulla, where two infiltrating terrorists were neutralized. The Indian Army reported 42 active terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with around 110–130 terrorists poised to infiltrate.
Impact on Kashmir
The attack has dealt a severe blow to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, with travel agencies reporting mass cancellations. The region, which saw 2.3 crore tourists in 2024, faces an uncertain future as panic grips the sector. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged state governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students nationwide, addressing reports of fear among the community.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s actions signal a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and a firm stance against Pakistan’s alleged role in the Pahalgam attack. As investigations continue and security operations intensify, the nation remains united in its demand for justice. The coming days will be critical as Pakistan prepares its response and India braces for potential escalation.
