India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has rolled out a stringent five-point plan targeting Pakistan, in the wake of a deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. As reported by the Indian Express, Indian authorities have linked the attack to militant outfits operating from across the border, triggering a calibrated and forceful response aimed at exerting diplomatic and strategic pressure on Islamabad.

Indus Waters Treaty suspended
India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty—a 1960 pact that governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries—until Pakistan halts support for cross-border terrorism. The move represents a significant diplomatic shift and is expected to escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, the newspaper said.

Attari-Wagah border sealed
India has shut the Attari-Wagah border crossing to both people and goods with immediate effect. Those already in transit with valid travel documents must return by May 1, 2025. The closure is part of a broader push to cut logistical and human links across the frontier.

SAARC visa privileges revoked for Pakistanis
New Delhi has scrapped the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, according to the Indian Express. All active visas have been cancelled, with holders ordered to leave Indian territory within 48 hours. The step significantly curtails diplomatic and official travel from Pakistan.

Defence personnel expelled
India has declared all Pakistani military, naval, and air force advisors based in New Delhi as persona non grata. They have one week to leave the country. Simultaneously, Indian defence personnel posted in Islamabad will also be recalled, marking a notable downgrading of military-diplomatic ties.

Diplomatic presence scaled back
India has announced that its High Commission staff in Islamabad will be trimmed from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025. The measure reinforces India’s strategy of reducing bilateral engagement in light of what it views as ongoing cross-border security threats.

The suite of actions, described as the most robust in years, underscores New Delhi’s commitment to holding Islamabad accountable and reshaping its strategic engagement with its neighbour.

In response, Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and expressed sorrow over the lives lost. Islamabad’s top national security officials are scheduled to meet on April 24 to deliberate on India’s measures and formulate an official response.

“Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has convened the meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning, 24th April 2025, to respond to the Indian Government’s statement of this evening,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar posted on X. 

Before this escalation, there were modest signs of diplomatic engagement. In October 2024, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit—the first such visit in nine years. Although no formal bilateral talks occurred, Jaishankar acknowledged the hospitality and described the summit as "productive." ​

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also expressed optimism about restoring ties, stating that both countries should "bury the past" and look forward according to the Business Standard, however, Jaishankar  at the time said that India desires relations with Pakistan that are "free of terrorism," placing the onus on Pakistan to change its behavior. ​

As such, the recent attack has significantly strained India-Pakistan relations, with both nations taking hardline stances. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and other diplomatic measures indicate a low point in bilateral ties. Given the history of conflict and the nuclear capabilities of both countries, the situation remains tense, and the prospects for immediate improvement appear bleak.