India Calls in Senior Pakistani Diplomat, Issues Persona Non Grata
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Synopsis
In a robust diplomatic action, India summoned the senior Pakistani diplomat following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, issuing a Persona Non Grata note. This response involves significant diplomatic and military measures against Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- India issues Persona Non Grata for Pakistani military attaches.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari.
- Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani citizens.
- Heightened alert among Indian armed forces.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) In a decisive diplomatic response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack in J&K, India summoned Pakistan's senior diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, on Wednesday, delivering a formal Persona Non Grata note for all military attaches, as per sources.
This action follows the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and left many others injured, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has labeled a cowardly attack on innocent civilians.
The assault, suspected to be orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front, has provoked a series of extensive retaliatory measures from India.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), lasting over two hours and attended by key officials including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
After the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) detailed a range of actions aimed at directly targeting Pakistan's diplomatic, economic, and military ties with India.
India has classified Pakistan's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors stationed at the High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. The expelled officials are required to depart from Indian territory within a week. Concurrently, India is withdrawing its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, thereby canceling all such diplomatic roles. Additionally, five support staff linked to these positions will also be recalled from both nations.
In a landmark decision, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, marking the first occasion this significant agreement has been put on hold. The MEA confirmed that this decision will remain until Pakistan takes verifiable actions to cease its support of cross-border terrorism.
In a further escalation of the diplomatic crisis, India announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a critical land route between the two countries. Pakistani citizens currently in India with valid travel documents must return home via the ICP by May 1, 2025. After this date, all overland travel between the nations will be indefinitely suspended.
Moreover, Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani citizens have been canceled, and those in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to exit.
Additionally, both countries will reduce their respective High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, as a reciprocal measure to diminish diplomatic presence and restrict bilateral engagement.
The CCS has instructed Indian armed forces and security agencies to maintain the highest level of alert due to the ongoing threat. Officials indicated that the search for those responsible for the Pahalgam attack has intensified, with a new team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the scene.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, India reiterated its commitment to holding not only the perpetrators but also their sponsors accountable. Citing recent extraditions like that of Tahawwur Rana, officials stated that India would persist in its global diplomatic efforts to bring all individuals involved in anti-India terrorist activities to justice.
