Pahalgam Terror Attack Sparks Diplomatic Row: India Summons Pakistan Envoy, Declares Official Persona Non Grata
India has taken decisive diplomatic action against Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. The incident, which injured several security personnel, triggered a wave of outrage across the country and prompted immediate high-level security and diplomatic discussions.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) that lasted over two hours. Key ministers, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, attended the session to assess the situation and decide on India’s response.
The Attack in Pahalgam
Militants ambushed a convoy of security forces in the Pahalgam area of South Kashmir, injuring several personnel. The strike took place in a region that had seen relative peace over the past few months. Security forces launched a swift counter-operation soon after the attack.
Sources revealed that the attackers had received training and intelligence about troop movements. While no terror group has officially accepted responsibility, Indian intelligence agencies strongly suspect Pakistan-based outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) or Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) orchestrated the attack.
Officials believe the timing of the attack was deliberate, as the region was preparing for the annual Amarnath Yatra. In response, authorities have increased security across the pilgrimage route.
India Responds with Strong Diplomacy
India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi and issued a formal demarche condemning the attack. In a strong protest, India declared a senior Pakistani diplomat persona non grata, effectively asking the diplomat to leave the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Pakistan must take concrete action against terror groups operating from its territory. The MEA also warned that turning a blind eye to such activities encourages terrorism and undermines regional peace.
Modi Chairs High-Level Security Review
Prime Minister Modi received detailed briefings from National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top military and intelligence officials. The CCS meeting focused on strategies to prevent future attacks and strengthen India’s internal and border security.
Officials discussed measures like deploying additional troops in sensitive zones, enhancing surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC), and improving intelligence-sharing between agencies. The government is also exploring ways to increase international pressure on Pakistan for its continued support of terror networks.
Political Leaders React
Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the Pahalgam attack. Home Minister Amit Shah promised a tough response and reiterated that India would bring the attackers and their sponsors to justice.
“Our brave soldiers’ sacrifices will not go in vain,” Shah said. “We will identify and punish those behind this heinous act.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that Pakistan cannot seek peace while hosting terrorist groups. He urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable.
Opposition leaders echoed the need for swift action. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements in Kashmir and urged the government to better protect deployed personnel.
Pakistan Denies Allegations
In its official statement, Pakistan rejected India’s allegations and criticized the expulsion of its diplomat. Islamabad accused New Delhi of politicizing the issue without any concrete evidence.
India, however, remains firm in its stance. Officials pointed out that they had already submitted multiple dossiers to Pakistan in the past, containing proof of terror activities and safe havens across the border. So far, Pakistan has failed to act on any of them.
What the World Might Say
Although global powers have not yet responded to the latest developments, experts believe India will use this opportunity to reassert its case against Pakistan at international forums. India has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism at platforms like the United Nations.
Countries such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom have previously supported India’s call to sanction known terror leaders and freeze their assets. The current situation could lead to renewed diplomatic outreach by India.
A New Phase in Counter-Terror Strategy
The Pahalgam attack has once again highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. Although India has made progress in recent years, militant groups continue to disrupt peace efforts through such violent acts.
The government now plans to step up its counter-terror strategy. Sources confirmed that officials will conduct region-wide security audits, expand surveillance infrastructure, and increase community engagement to prevent radicalization.
India’s response sends a clear message: it will not tolerate acts of terrorism or the nations that sponsor them. The focus now shifts to maintaining high security during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and ensuring peace in the region.
