India closes main border crossing with Pakistan after Pahalgam Attack, Pakistan faces global isolation
NEW DELHI : India’s strong diplomatic retaliation following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national, has triggered a political and strategic crisis in Pakistan, exposing its deepening isolation on the global stage.
They include the closure of the main border crossing linking the two countries, the suspension of a landmark water-sharing treaty, the expulsion of diplomatsand an order for some Pakistani visa holders to leave within 48 hours.
Pakistani officials, who have denied the country’s role in the attack, are meeting on Thursday to come up with a response, its foreign minister said.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Wednesday, took an unprecedented series of steps in response to Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism.
In a strongly worded statement issued late Wednesday evening, India announced the effective downgrading of diplomatic relations with Pakistan, closure of key border routes, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches from its High Commission in New Delhi.
One of the most consequential measures was the forced scaling down of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, expelling all Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors and declaring them persona non grata (an unacceptable or unwelcome person).
Indian counterparts will also be withdrawn from Islamabad. This move, seen as a prelude to a possible complete shutdown of the High Commission, has already rattled Pakistan’s Foreign Office, as it has been totally cut off diplomatically by India.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the press conference, promised that India would pursue those responsible for the attacks.
“CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigilance. It resolved that the perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account,” he said. “India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror or conspired to make them possible.”
This is not just a diplomatic downgrading but a loud and clear message from New Delhi that India intends to take stronger measures soon. If the High Commission is completely shut, it will mark the lowest point in India-Pakistan diplomatic engagement since the 2001 Parliament attack.
There are indications of unrest in Pakistan after the Indian government’s response, especially within the military establishment, which has long been accused by India of backing cross-border terror groups. Pakistan has already issued a high alert on the border, fearing retaliation from India.
With the closing of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, there will be no movement of people to and from Pakistan, impacting opportunities and personal visits for Pakistani citizens in India. While India received swift expressions of solidarity from nations like the US, France, Japan, and Australia, Pakistan faced an uncomfortable silence. This has once again exposed and cornered Pakistan globally.