After diplomatic steps, government considers various retaliatory options following Pahalgam attack.

In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives—most of them Hindu pilgrims—the Indian government is carefully reviewing a series of possible retaliatory actions. With diplomatic and security responses already in motion, New Delhi is now assessing a broader set of options to increase pressure on Pakistan, which India holds responsible for the incident.

Initial Diplomatic and Security Steps

Following the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met promptly to chart a course of action. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the first round of measures, emphasizing both diplomatic and strategic intent. These included:

• Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: India halted its participation in the 1960 agreement that governs the sharing of the Indus river system waters, linking the move directly to Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorist groups.
• Border Crossing Closure: The Wagah-Attari border, a major point of land transit between India and Pakistan, has been shut down. Pakistani nationals currently in India were asked to return home by May 1, 2025.
• Diplomatic Expulsions: Several Pakistani military attaches and diplomatic staff in New Delhi have been expelled and given a week to leave the country.
• Visa Cancellations: All Pakistani citizens with exemptions under the SAARC Visa Scheme must exit India within 48 hours, signaling India’s firm stance against bilateral engagements under current conditions.

These steps are intended to signal India’s resolve and to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and symbolically over its alleged ties to cross-border terrorism.

Broader Options Being Considered

The Indian government is now contemplating further moves, both military and non-military, in response to the Pahalgam killings. Some of the options on the table include:

• Targeted Military Strikes: India may conduct limited military operations such as precision strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), similar to past actions following major attacks.
• Trade and Economic Sanctions: Revoking Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) trade status and cutting remaining trade ties could deal a blow to economic relations, adding pressure through financial means.
• International Diplomacy: India is actively engaging with global allies to push for Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and to highlight its alleged role in supporting militant groups operating in Kashmir.
• Increased Security Deployments: The government is considering deploying more armed forces to vulnerable parts of Jammu and Kashmir to bolster civilian protection and prevent future attacks.

Government insiders say that all options are being carefully assessed to avoid triggering a broader conflict while still sending a strong message.

National and Global Reactions

The terror strike has sparked nationwide anger in India, with public demand for decisive and visible retaliation. At the same time, global leaders and institutions have expressed concern over the heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Iran has offered to mediate, proposing a peaceful resolution between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India and Pakistan should work through their differences directly, echoing global calls for restraint.

Moving Forward

While India has already taken significant diplomatic steps, the government’s next actions will be crucial in defining the trajectory of its relationship with Pakistan. The balance between showing strength and preventing escalation is delicate.

As policymakers weigh their next moves, the country remains on high alert. Security across the region has been tightened, and the Army and intelligence agencies remain engaged in monitoring the situation. India’s response in the coming days could set the tone for future engagements—or conflicts—between the two nations.