In a bold and unprecedented move, the Indian government has ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country and has officially shut down its borders with Pakistan. This sweeping decision comes in response to a deadly militant attack in the Kashmir valley, which has reignited one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.
The sudden escalation has not only strained diplomatic ties but also sparked fears of military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. This article explores the events leading to this diplomatic fallout, the actions taken by both nations, and the global implications of this rapidly unfolding crisis.
The Kashmir Attack That Triggered the Crisis
The current crisis was ignited by a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, Kashmir. Heavily armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals—25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The attack, claimed by a group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance,” is one of the deadliest civilian-targeted assaults in the region in over a decade.
India’s intelligence agencies quickly linked the group to Pakistan-based terrorist networks. While Pakistan has officially denied any involvement, Indian authorities believe the attack was facilitated from across the border—a claim that has been met with firm denials and counter-accusations from Islamabad.
India’s Drastic Diplomatic and Security Measures
In a matter of days following the attack, New Delhi implemented a series of extreme measures that have fundamentally altered its diplomatic posture toward Pakistan.
Key Actions Taken by India:
- Visa Revocations: India revoked all existing visas issued to Pakistani citizens, giving them a deadline to leave the country immediately.
- Border Closure: The Attari-Wagah border crossing—the only road connection between the two countries—was sealed, halting all human and commercial traffic.
- Diplomatic Downscaling: India reduced its diplomatic staff in Pakistan from 55 to 30 and expelled all Pakistani defense and intelligence personnel posted in New Delhi.
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: Perhaps the most dramatic move, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation.
These actions, seen as a strategic warning, have shifted the geopolitical tone from restrained hostility to overt confrontation.
Pakistan’s Retaliatory Actions
Unsurprisingly, Islamabad has responded with its own set of retaliatory measures aimed at signaling defiance and ensuring parity in diplomatic engagements.
Pakistan’s Countermeasures:
- Airspace Closure: Pakistani authorities have closed their airspace to all Indian airlines and charter flights operated or owned by Indian nationals.
- Visa Cancellations: All visas issued to Indian nationals have been annulled, and any future applications have been suspended indefinitely.
- Trade and Diplomatic Cutbacks: All bilateral trade routes, including those operating through third-party countries, have been frozen. Diplomatic missions have been reduced in scale, and cultural exchanges suspended.
- SAARC Suspension: Pakistan has also announced it will suspend cooperation under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework with India.
This tit-for-tat escalation has led to the severest rupture in India-Pakistan relations since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: A Watershed Moment
The most consequential action in this political standoff is India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of water from six major rivers of the Indus system and is considered one of the most successful water agreements in the world.
Why This Move Is Critical:
- Agricultural Dependency: Over 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on water from rivers governed by this treaty. Suspending it could threaten food security and economic stability in Pakistan.
- Legal Precedent: India’s decision to withdraw unilaterally challenges international law and may embolden other countries to reconsider existing transboundary agreements.
- War Rhetoric: Pakistan has labeled the suspension as an “act of war,” warning that any unilateral alteration of river flows could lead to a military response.
This unprecedented development could have far-reaching consequences—not only for bilateral relations but also for global diplomatic norms surrounding water security.
