India suspends visas after Kashmir attack, intensifying its crackdown on Pakistani nationals. In a significant move, India revoked existing visas and suspended the issuance of new ones, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Along with a number of strict diplomatic and security measures meant to isolate Islamabad for its purported support of terrorism, the Central government on Thursday announced the suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals in a broad response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
Following the India suspends visas after Kashmir attack decision, a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to the Ministry of External Affairs releasing a detailed directive. All valid visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens stand revoked effective April 27, while medical visas will remain valid only until April 29, providing a brief humanitarian grace period.
The ministry added that under the new regulations, all Pakistani nationals who are presently in India must leave the nation before their visas expire. Indian nationals who are now in Pakistan have been requested to return as soon as possible, and those who are already there have been strongly cautioned not to go.
India Suspends Visas After Kashmir Attack: Foreign Secretary Misri Stresses Zero-Tolerance Policy
Emphasizing the India suspends visas after Kashmir attack decision, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a press briefing after the CCS meeting, underlined that these measures demonstrate India’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism. “These actions reflect the gravity of the situation and India’s commitment to hold both the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable,” Misri stated.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a historic 1960 deal mediated by the World Bank that regulates water-sharing between the two nations, was one of the most significant statements. Until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,” the pact, which has withstood numerous wars and political unrest, will stay suspended, according to Misri.
As part of the India suspends visas after Kashmir attack measures, the Attari Integrated Check Post—one of the busiest land crossings between India and Pakistan—has been closed with immediate effect. However, Pakistani nationals who entered India through this route with valid endorsements will be allowed to return home before May 1.
Regarding diplomacy, India has deemed Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi’s defense, navy, and aviation advisors persona non grata and ordered them to depart the nation within seven days. Additionally, the Indian government would remove its own military advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad. Support staff will also be affected by the decision; five employees from each side will be recalled.
In line with the India suspends visas after Kashmir attack strategy, the diplomatic downsizing will significantly reduce the staffing strength of both High Commissions—from 55 to 30 personnel—by May 1.
