India Cancels Pakistani Visas, Neighbour Retaliates | UPDATES: The diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan deepened sharply on Thursday, with Islamabad rejecting New Delhi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and calling it an “act of war.” The move follows India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, including 25 Indian tourists and one local Kashmiri.
Calling the 64-year-old Indus treaty a lifeline for over 24 crore Pakistanis, Islamabad warned that it would not only shut its airspace to Indian airlines but could also place all bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement, in abeyance.
Pakistan Reacts Strongly to India’s Water Retaliation
Labeling India’s decision as a “hostile provocation,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that any attempt to tamper with the Indus water flow would be met with a “strong and coordinated” response. “This treaty is not just an agreement. It is the foundation of our agriculture, our economy, our life. Violating it is an act of war,” an official statement read.
Following the announcement, Pakistan swiftly closed its airspace to Indian commercial flights, escalating regional travel disruptions and prompting aviation authorities to reroute several international routes.
India Cancels All Visas for Pakistani Nationals
In a reciprocal move, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp directive: all visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand cancelled with effect from April 27. Medical visas will be valid only till April 29.
ALSO READ: ‘India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist’, says PM Modi in Bihar amidst Pahalgam terror attack
“All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave before their amended visa expiry,” the MEA said, adding that Indian citizens are “strongly advised” against travelling to Pakistan. Those currently in the neighboring country have been urged to return at the earliest.
India’s Escalating Response to Terror
The ongoing diplomatic and strategic rupture follows India’s sweeping set of measures announced Wednesday:
– Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
– Downgrade of diplomatic ties and expulsion of Pakistani officials
– Closure of the Attari border crossing
– Cancellation of all visas granted to Pakistani citizens
– Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals
ALSO READ: What is the Indus Water Treaty? How revoking it will affect Pakistan, India
The response marks a watershed moment in India’s national security doctrine, with the government indicating it will no longer tolerate terrorism originating from Pakistani soil.
PM Modi’s Message to Terror Sponsors: “Punishment Beyond Imagination”
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stern and globally-aimed warning during a speech in Madhubani, Bihar. “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. Those behind the Pahalgam terror attack and the conspirators will be punished beyond their imagination,” he said.
Calling the massacre an attack on the “soul of Bharat,” Modi said that the will of 140 crore Indians would break the backbone of terrorism.
Parliament Gears Up for High-Level Briefing
As the situation continues to unfold, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting in Parliament. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to brief leaders on the security and diplomatic strategy going forward.
The government’s focus now appears to be on sending a strong message not just to Pakistan, but also to the international community—that India is shifting from a policy of strategic restraint to one of decisive action.
Crisis Deepens, Global Attention Mounts
With Pakistan’s threats to annul bilateral pacts and India’s sweeping punitive actions, diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have entered a dangerous new phase. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a pact that survived wars and crises for over six decades—signals a dramatic hardening of India’s posture.
Global powers are watching closely as tensions escalate in South Asia. With stakes higher than ever, the coming days could redefine India-Pakistan relations for years to come.
