A GATHERING STORM: ON INDIA'S DIPLOMATIC ACTIONS AGAINST PAKISTAN

The diplomatic actions against Pakistan taken on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security in reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack are a measured set of responses that indicate a larger escalation could follow.

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The decisions such as to cancel visas given to Pakistani nationals, suspend consular operations, and to close the Attari border Integrated Check Post (ICP) carry New Delhi’s message that it does not wish to engage with Pakistan above the absolute minimum levels required. Some of these measures had followed previous attacks including Pulwama (2019).

The decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance until Pakistan acts “credibly” against terror groups means that India will enforce its earlier decision to suspend all meetings of the Permanent Commission that oversees implementation of the treaty,