New India Under Modi Responds to Terrorism : Hardeep Puri: 'New India' Under PM Modi Knows How to Respond to Pakistan

New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) Emphasizing the effective leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri criticized Pakistan on Thursday. He asserted that the 'New India', under the current administration, is equipped to deliver a strong and retaliatory response to Pakistan, which continues to utilize terror as a state policy.

Puri took to the social media platform X, stating: "Enough is Enough. Under PM Modi Ji, the New India knows how to retaliate decisively. Tough punitive measures have been initiated against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the integrated check post at the Attari border, and a reduction in the number of personnel at the high commissions; this is merely the beginning."

The Minister further highlighted: "Over the years, many Indians, including innocent civilians and tourists, have succumbed to a barrage of brutal terror attacks, far more than in conflicts with our unpredictable neighbor, which has fostered terror networks at our doorstep."

"Pakistan has yet to abandon the use of terrorism as a statecraft tool. It has been inflicting wounds on India for years. However, a transformation is underway, instigated by PM @narendramodi Ji's resolute and assertive change in doctrine," he remarked.

Puri recalled: "From my remarks on BBC HardTalk as India's Deputy High Commissioner to the UK in 2002 until now, the landscape has shifted significantly -- Pakistan will soon realize it is contending with a much tougher, more assertive, and unequivocal leader this time," referencing the BJP-led Central government.

In a decisive reaction to the tragic terror incident on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has enacted a series of strong diplomatic actions to hold Pakistan accountable for its involvement in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Wednesday evening to deliberate on the consequences of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with additional injuries reported.

The CCS expressed profound condemnation of the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. The assault, aimed at tourists in a renowned destination, was linked to Pakistan-backed terror factions, sources indicated.

India has also garnered strong international support, with governments worldwide denouncing the attack and reaffirming their commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.

The meeting acknowledged that the attack transpired in the context of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's ongoing journey towards economic development and stability. These advancements, India believes, are perceived as a threat by terrorist factions aiming to destabilize the area.

Recognizing the severity of this attack and its cross-border connections, the CCS implemented the following unprecedented measures:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty – In a momentous decision, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty immediately. This historic action effectively halts decades of cooperation in water-sharing between India and Pakistan, remaining in force until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible actions to renounce its support for cross-border terrorism.

Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post – In direct response to the terror attack, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a crucial border crossing between the two nations. Pakistani nationals with valid travel documents have until May 1, 2025, to exit through this route. Following this deadline, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be entirely halted.

Cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals – In another assertive move, India has declared that Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All SVES visas previously granted to Pakistani nationals have been annulled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been instructed to depart within 48 hours.

Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats – In a pointed diplomatic maneuver, India has designated Pakistan’s Defense, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata, instructing them to leave India within one week.

Additionally, India has announced the withdrawal of its own Defense, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, rendering such posts annulled. Furthermore, five support staff for these service advisors will be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

Reduction in Diplomatic Staff – In a further escalation of diplomatic tensions, India has decided to reduce the overall personnel at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The two embassies will be reduced to a staffing level of 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also evaluated the overall security situation and directed all Indian forces to maintain the utmost level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack face justice, and their sponsors will also be held accountable. In keeping with its unwavering approach to combating terrorism, India reiterated its commitment to pursuing those accountable for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions such as Tahawwur Rana.

India's diplomatic actions indicate a shift towards the total isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. The measures reflect the government's determination to counteract Pakistan’s ongoing involvement in instigating violence on Indian territory and to send a clear message to the global community that terrorism will not be tolerated.