In a decisive and far-reaching move, the Indian government has revoked all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspended all categories of visa services for Pakistan in response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The decision, announced on Thursday, marks one of the most stringent diplomatic measures taken by India in recent years against its western neighbour. It came just days after the Pahalgam massacre, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians—many of them tourists visiting the scenic valley—while injuring several others, drawing national outrage and global concern.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where top security and intelligence officials advised a firm response. As per the MEA’s official statement, “All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27, 2025.” This includes tourist, business, religious, and even sports and cultural visas. The only exception has been made for medical visas, which will remain valid until April 29, allowing a short humanitarian window for critically ill patients to return home.
In addition to cancelling all existing visas, India has halted all new visa processing for Pakistani nationals, effectively severing regular people-to-people contact between the two countries. Pakistani nationals currently in India have been directed to exit the country before their visas expire, as amended under the new directive. Furthermore, Indian citizens have been strongly advised to avoid travel to Pakistan, and those already there have been urged to return as soon as possible for their own safety.
This sweeping decision follows the cowardly terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, on April 22, where terrorists opened fire on tourists, triggering one of the deadliest assaults in Kashmir since the Pulwama attack of 2019, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. The recent attack has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a known affiliate of the Pakistan-based and banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has consistently accused Pakistan of harbouring, aiding, and abetting cross-border terrorism, and the evidence in this case has only reinforced New Delhi’s long-standing position.
In a coordinated diplomatic offensive, India has also summoned ambassadors and envoys from several key countries—including Germany, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China—to brief them about the Pahalgam attack and share intelligence pointing toward Pakistan’s involvement. The goal of this outreach is to internationally isolate Islamabad and build global consensus on the need to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring terror.
These measures are part of a larger five-pronged diplomatic and strategic response by India that includes:
-
Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
-
Scaling down diplomatic missions in both countries, reducing the number of diplomats and support staff in Islamabad and New Delhi.
-
Revoking privileges extended to Pakistani High Commission staff in India, while declaring some personnel persona non grata.
-
Imposing tighter border controls, including stricter surveillance and interception of movement along the Loc and IB.
-
Engaging with global partners at multilateral forums like the United Nations, G20, and BRICS to raise the issue of Pakistan’s terror ties.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has reacted angrily, announcing its own set of retaliatory measures including the closure of the Wagah border, suspension of SAARC visas for Indians, closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft, and reduction in diplomatic staff. Islamabad has also suspended all trade with India, including via third countries, and invoked the Simla Agreement, threatening to suspend all bilateral treaties unless India complies with “international law and UN resolutions on Kashmir.”
As both nuclear-armed neighbours escalate their positions, tensions in the region are reaching a boiling point. Observers from around the world, including diplomats from the US, UK, and UN agencies, are calling for restraint, dialogue, and a return to diplomacy. However, with domestic public sentiment in India demanding swift justice and zero tolerance for terrorism, the government appears committed to pursuing an uncompromising stance.
This is a developing situation and one that could redefine South Asia’s geopolitical trajectory in the coming months, especially if global pressure fails to moderate Pakistan’s stance or if more retaliatory actions follow.
