The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened an emergency meeting this evening to assess the grave security implications of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, leaving several others injured.
The CCS strongly condemned the attack and conveyed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Prayers were offered for the swift recovery of the injured. The committee noted with appreciation the overwhelming global support and solidarity extended to India, with several nations unequivocally condemning the terror act.
During the high-level briefing, the cross-border linkages behind the attack were clearly brought to light. The CCS observed that the incident was timed to disrupt the peaceful and successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory, and its progressive march toward economic development.
In light of the seriousness of the attack and the evidence of external involvement, the CCS has announced the following strong measures:
- Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: India will hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to dismantle its support for cross-border terrorism.
- Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post: The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed immediately. However, individuals who have already entered India with valid documents will be allowed to return through the post until May 1, 2025.
- SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme Withdrawn for Pakistan: Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. All such visas previously issued stand cancelled. Pakistani nationals currently in India under this scheme must exit the country within 48 hours.
- Military Advisors Declared Persona Non Grata: India has declared all Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They are to leave India within a week. India will reciprocally withdraw its military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. Five supporting staff from both missions will also be withdrawn.
- Reduction in Diplomatic Strength: Both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will scale down their diplomatic strength from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1, 2025.
The CCS has also directed all security forces to remain on high alert. The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice, underlining India's recent success in securing the extradition of Tahawwur Rana as a case in point.
India remains resolute in its fight against terrorism and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and sovereignty.
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