India’s Power Play: 7 Aggressive Steps to Counter Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

India has taken seven decisive actions in response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, sending a powerful message to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Thursday that India will "identify, track, and punish" every terrorist and their "backers" responsible for the Pahalgam tragedy, vowing to pursue the perpetrators to the "ends of the earth."

The day after the attack on Tuesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Modi, met to finalize five key retaliatory actions against Pakistan. These measures included a directive for security forces to maintain "high vigilance" and a commitment to bring the attackers to justice.

On Thursday, two additional crucial decisions were made. Here are the seven steps India has taken against Pakistan:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: On Wednesday, India announced it would suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been pivotal for both countries' water supply. India made clear that the suspension would remain in effect unless Pakistan credibly and permanently halts its support for cross-border terrorism.

Expulsion of Pakistani Military Attachés: India expelled three Pakistani military attachés and instructed Pakistan to reduce the staff at its high commission in New Delhi from 55 to 30.

Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption: India declared that Pakistani nationals would no longer be permitted to travel to India under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa exemption scheme (SVES). Furthermore, any Pakistani national currently in India under the SVES visa has 48 hours to leave the country.

Closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari: The CCS decided to shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, the sole operational land border crossing between the two nations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that individuals with valid endorsements could return via this route before May 1.

Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats: India declared the defence, military, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi as "persona non grata," giving them a week to depart. In response, India will withdraw its own defence, navy, and air advisors from the Indian high commission in Islamabad.

Suspension of Visa Services: India announced that it would suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals immediately. All existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked as of April 27. Medical visas will be valid only until April 29. Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before their visas expire.

Scaling Down the Retreat Ceremony at Border Posts: The Border Security Force (BSF) announced a reduction in the scale of the retreat ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. This daily flag-lowering ceremony, which has been held since 1959, typically attracts large crowds, including foreign tourists and locals.