Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Leads International Condemnation After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak condemned the ‘barbaric attack’ in Pahalgam on April 22, declaring, ‘terror will never win’.

Posting on X, Sunak said the assault ‘stole the lives of newlyweds, children and families simply seeking joy’, and stressed that Britain stands ‘in sorrow and solidarity’ with India.

Global Outpouring Of Support

Peru’s Foreign Ministry condemned the bombing, called for renewed anti-terrorism cooperation, and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Swedish MP Margareta Cederfelt called the attack ‘brutal’ and stated, “There can be no justification for such atrocities.”

Pahalgam Terror Attack: India’s Security Cabinet Meets

Prime Minister Modi convened the CCS hours after the attack, which officials blame on Pakistan-based militants.

Ministers condemned the killings, highlighted recent peaceful elections, and warned that extremists sought to disrupt progress.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: CCS Unveils Diplomatic Retaliation

Recognising the seriousness of this attack and its cross‑border linkages, the CCS took the following unprecedented measures:

Indus Waters Treaty suspended – In one of the most significant decisions, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This historic move effectively halts decades of cooperation on water‑sharing between India and Pakistan. The decision will remain in force until Pakistan takes credible and irrevocable steps to abjure its support for cross‑border terrorism.
Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post – In a direct response to the terrorist attack, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which serves as a key border crossing between the two nations. Indian authorities have granted Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route. After this deadline, India will completely suspend all land travel between the two countries.
Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals – In another strong step, India will bar Pakistani nationals from travelling under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). It cancelled all SVES visas for Pakistanis and ordered holders to leave within 48 hours.
Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats – In a sharp diplomatic move, India has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. India has given these officials one week to leave the country.
India also announced the withdrawal of its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with all such posts deemed annulled. Moreover, five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.
Reduction in Diplomatic Staff – In a further diplomatic escalation, India has decided to reduce the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. India will trim both embassies to 30 staff by May 1, 2025.