In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 people and left several others injured, India has taken a strong diplomatic stance by declaring Pakistani military diplomats as Persona Non Grata. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, saw tourists targeted by terrorists. Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to deliberate on necessary actions, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in attendance.

As a result of the terrorist attack and the seriousness of the situation, India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over the formal Persona Non Grata notice for the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. These diplomats have been given a week to leave India. India has also decided to withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with five support staff being sent back from both High Commissions. These measures are part of a broader diplomatic response aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for its support of cross-border terrorism.

During the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined several key decisions. The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect, and any Pakistani nationals who have crossed over via the post will be allowed to return before May 1, 2025. In a further step, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan until the country ceases to support cross-border terrorism. The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) has also been suspended, with all SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals being canceled, and those currently in India under such visas will have 48 hours to leave.

Additionally, the overall strength of both High Commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 by May 1, 2025. These measures are part of India’s effort to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and reduce the likelihood of further terror attacks emanating from the country.

Persona Non Grata is a diplomatic term used to declare that a foreign diplomat is no longer welcome or acceptable in the host country. In this case, India’s action follows the Pahalgam attack, which is linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), led by Hafiz Saeed. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, which it justified by alleging that non-locals had been granted domicile status in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for demographic changes in the region.

The TRF’s statement further threatened that violence would be directed towards those perceived as trying to settle illegally in the region. This claim adds to the growing concern regarding Pakistan’s involvement in fomenting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and its ongoing support for such groups. The Indian government, however, has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of support for cross-border terrorism and that those responsible for this heinous attack will be brought to justice.

As the diplomatic measures take effect, India remains committed to protecting its citizens and standing firm against any nation or group supporting terrorism on its soil. The country has reiterated its resolve to act decisively in the face of these challenges, underscoring its determination to secure the safety and peace of its people.

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