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In a firm response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 28 lives, the Indian government has announced a series of decisive measures aimed at scaling down diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal clarification regarding newly imposed visa restrictions.
The government clarified that the revocation of visas does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) previously issued to Hindu nationals from Pakistan.
This exemption aims to protect those seeking refuge in India on humanitarian grounds, even as other restrictions tighten.
Call For Indian Nationals To Return From Pakistan
Amid escalating tensions between the two nations, the Indian government has urged its citizens residing in Pakistan to return to India as soon as possible.
This advisory is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to downgrade bilateral engagements.
Visa Revocation And Suspensions In Effect
The government suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, following a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The Ministry announced that all valid visas issued to Pakistani citizens will stand revoked from 27 April. Furthermore, medical visas granted to Pakistani nationals will remain valid only until 29 April.
The government has instructed Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave the country before their visas expire.
Meanwhile, Indian citizens have been strongly advised against travelling to Pakistan.
Strategic Policy Measures Underway
These developments accompany other significant steps, including the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting on Friday afternoon at his official residence in New Delhi to discuss the future of the treaty.
Union Ministers, including Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, are expected to participate in the deliberations.
Pakistan Retaliates With Airspace And Trade Suspension
In response to India’s diplomatic actions, Pakistan on Thursday announced the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines.
It also declared the suspension of trade relations with India, including transactions routed through third-party countries.
Islamabad further escalated the situation by rejecting India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and warning that it would consider any disruption in the flow of water to Pakistan an act of war.
Prime Minister Modi Issues Strong Warning
Addressing a public rally in Madhubani, Bihar, on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message in the wake of the terror attack.
“Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers,” PM Modi said, reaffirming India’s commitment to rooting out terrorism.
The Prime Minister assured the public that India’s spirit and resilience would remain undeterred in the face of such assaults.
As both nations enter a period of heightened diplomatic strain, India’s latest moves underline a clear shift in its posture, favouring security and national interest amid growing calls for accountability and justice.
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