'Under PM Modi's leadership 'New India' knows how to retaliate to Pakistan, says Hardeep Puri over Kashmir terror attack

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Reiterating that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, on Thursday, criticised Pakistan and said that the 'New India' under the present government knows how to give a tough and punitive response to its neighbouring country Pakistan, which is yet to renounce and denounce the use of terror as an instrument of state policy.

Taking to social media platform X, Puri wrote: "Enough is Enough. Under PM Modi Ji, the New India knows how to give it back. Tough punitive actions announced against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, including putting in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the integrated check post at the Attari border and cutting down the overall strength of the high commissions is just a beginning.

The Union Minister said: "More Indians, including innocent civilians and tourists, have lost their lives in a series of ruthless terror attacks over the decades, than in wars with our volatile neighbour who has allowed terror networks to grow in our neighbourhood."

"Pakistan is yet to denounce and renounce the use of terror as an instrument of state policy. It has been bleeding us (India) over the years. But something has changed & that change has come through PM @narendramodi Ji's firm and decisive change of doctrine," he added.

"From the time I spoke about our neighbourhood on BBC HardTalk as India's Deputy High Commissioner to the UK in 2002, to now, much has changed -- Pakistan will soon realise it is dealing with a far tougher, more decisive and an absolutely no-nonsense leader this time," Puri said, referring to the Central government-led Bharatiya Janata Party government.

In a decisive response to the deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has taken a series of robust diplomatic measures to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday evening discussed the implications of the attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others sustaining injuries.

The CCS expressed deep condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing for the swift recovery of those injured. The attack, which targeted tourists in a popular destination, was attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups, sources said.

India has also received strong expressions of support from governments worldwide, condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

The meeting also noted that the attack occurred against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's ongoing progress toward economic development and stability. These achievements, India believes, are viewed as a threat by terrorist factions seeking to destabilise the region.

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, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be completely suspended.

Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals – In another strong step, India has decided that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

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. These officials have been given one week to leave India.

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. The two embassies will be cut to a staff strength of 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and directed all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice, and that their sponsors will be held accountable. In line with its unyielding approach to combating terrorism, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions like Tahawwur Rana.

India's diplomatic actions signal a shift toward total isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. The measures reflect the government's resolve to push back against Pakistan’s continued involvement in fomenting violence on Indian soil, and to send a clear message to the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.

--IANS

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