Introduction
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including tourists and locals, stands as one of the deadliest assaults in Jammu & Kashmir since 2019. In the aftermath, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiated a series of robust policy actions and security measures. This blog details the government’s response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting outcomes, and the broader implications for India’s anti-terror strategy and diplomatic relations.
Table of Contents
Immediate Government Response: CCS Emergency Meeting
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Modi, convened an emergency meeting to assess the security situation and determine India’s response to the Pahalgam attack. The CCS received a comprehensive briefing on the attack, including its cross-border linkages, and condemned it in the strongest terms. The committee expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and resolved to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice
Key Measures Announced by the Government
1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
The government announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. This move is unprecedented and will remain in effect until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” The suspension signals a significant escalation in India’s diplomatic stance and leverages a critical resource to pressure Pakistan to act against terror groups operating from its soil.
2. Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post
The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a vital land border crossing between India and Pakistan, has been closed with immediate effect. Those who have already crossed with valid endorsements are permitted to return through this route by May 1, 2025. This measure aims to curtail cross-border movement and reinforce India’s security posture.
3. Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistani Nationals
All Pakistani nationals are now barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani citizens are cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours. This step further tightens people-to-people contact and addresses potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Reduction of Diplomatic Presence
India has declared Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in New Delhi persona non grata, giving them one week to depart. Similarly, India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from Islamabad, annulling these posts in both High Commissions. Additionally, the overall strength of both countries’ High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, reflecting a significant downgrading of diplomatic ties.
5. Heightened Security and Vigilance
The CCS directed all security forces to maintain high vigil across the country, particularly in sensitive regions. The government reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and assured the public that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
PM Modi on Terrorism – Government Response to Pahalgam Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation and the world, delivered a stern warning to those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. He emphasized that the attack was a “wound on the heart of the nation” and assured that India would identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. Modi declared, “The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about.” He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and called for national unity in this time of grief and resolve.
Policy Implications and the Road Ahead
The government’s response marks a decisive shift in India’s security and diplomatic policy:
- Diplomatic Isolation of Pakistan: By suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties, India is sending a strong message to Pakistan and the international community regarding its intolerance for cross-border terrorism.
- Security Reinforcement: The closure of the Attari border and stricter visa controls aim to prevent further infiltration and enhance internal security.
- Global Solidarity: India has received widespread international support and solidarity, reflecting the global consensus against terrorism.
- Political Consensus: An all-party meeting has been convened to brief political leaders and ensure a united national front in the fight against terrorism
Conclusion
India’s government response to the Pahalgam attack demonstrates a robust, multi-pronged strategy combining diplomatic, security, and policy measures. The decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari border, and reduction of diplomatic ties, underscore India’s resolve to combat terrorism and hold its sponsors accountable. As Prime Minister Modi stated, “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done”
FAQs
What happened during the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025?
On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killed 26 people, including tourists and locals, making it one of the deadliest assaults since 2019.
How did the Indian government respond to the Pahalgam terror attack?
The Indian government held an emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, announced strong diplomatic and security measures, and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
What actions were taken during the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting?
The CCS condemned the attack, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closed the Attari border crossing, revoked SAARC Visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals, and reduced diplomatic ties.
Why was the Indus Waters Treaty suspended after the Pahalgam attack?
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty to pressure Pakistan into taking irreversible actions against terror groups operating from its soil, using water diplomacy as a strong leverage tool.
What measures were taken regarding the India-Pakistan border?
India closed the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP) immediately, restricting cross-border movement except for those who had already crossed and needed to return by May 1, 2025.
What steps were taken concerning Pakistani nationals in India?
All Pakistani nationals’ SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) privileges were revoked, requiring those already in India to leave within 48 hours of the announcement.
How did India downgrade its diplomatic relations with Pakistan?
India declared Pakistani military advisors persona non grata, reduced diplomatic staff at both High Commissions, and withdrew its own defence advisors from Islamabad.
What did Prime Minister Modi say about the Pahalgam terror attack?
PM Modi called the attack a “wound on the heart of the nation” and promised that the punishment for the perpetrators and their sponsors would be “significant and stringent.”
What are the broader implications of India’s response to the attack?
India’s response signals a decisive policy shift by isolating Pakistan diplomatically, reinforcing internal security, and rallying international support against terrorism.
How has the international community reacted to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Countries worldwide expressed solidarity with India, condemning terrorism and supporting India’s right to defend itself and bring the perpetrators to justice.
External Sources:
Ministry of External Affairs: Government of India
Internal Related Blog:
Kashmir Terror Attack: 28 Tourists Killed in Pahalgam – What Happened?