Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India canceled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, ending visa-free travel privileges. This move, along with suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, expelling military advisors, and reducing diplomatic staff, marks a major escalation in India-Pakistan tensions over terrorism.
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India cancels SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistan after Pahalgam attack.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional organization formed in 1985 to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its eight member countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) was launched in 1992, is a special initiative to make travel easier for specific groups of people within these countries.
Under SVES, certain important individuals receive a Visa Exemption Sticker, which acts like a special travel pass. This sticker allows them to travel to other SAARC countries without needing a regular visa. The scheme covers 24 categories of people, including:
Each SAARC country issues these stickers to eligible citizens of their own country, it is usually valid for one year and allows multiple entries into other SAARC nations. Unlike regular visas, it frees travelers from restrictions like reporting to local police or filling out extra forms.
The goal is to encourage people-to-people contact, strengthen regional cooperation, and make diplomatic, cultural, and business exchanges smoother.
Immigration authorities in each country review the scheme regularly to ensure it works effectively and aligns with national security needs.
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, carried out in the scenic Baisaran meadow, killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.
In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which includes key officials like Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister, External Affairs Minister, and National Security Advisor, decided to take strong measures against Pakistan. One of these measures was to cancel the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors: India declared the Defence, Navy, and Air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata (unwelcome persons). They must leave India within a week. India also withdrew its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively ending these roles in both countries.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960): India halted this treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two nations, until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. This is a significant step, as Pakistan called it an “act of war.”
Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border: India shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar, stopping all cross-border movement of people and goods. Those with valid documents can return via this route until May 1, 2025.
Reduction in Diplomatic Staff: Both countries must reduce their High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, further limiting diplomatic engagement.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Terrorist activities have consistently undermined trust between India and Pakistan. Analyze how cross-border terrorism has influenced diplomatic engagements between the two nations. 150 words |
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