In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including that of a Nepali national, India has blocked the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Government of Pakistan. The move is part of a broader and unprecedented set of retaliatory actions against Pakistan, as tensions between the two neighbours escalate.

The online ban comes shortly after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to finalize India’s response to the April 23 attack. During the high-level meeting, Indian authorities attributed the strike to Pakistan-backed terrorists and resolved to implement strong measures targeting diplomatic, strategic, and civilian linkages with Islamabad.

Speaking to the press after the CCS meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the government's actions. One major step includes the mutual reduction of diplomatic staff at both the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Each mission will scale down its presence from 55 to 30 personnel by May 1.

India has also expelled Pakistan’s defence, air, and naval advisors posted in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata. They have been given one week to leave. Simultaneously, India will recall its own military advisors from its Islamabad mission. Alongside them, five staff members supporting these military roles will also return to their home countries.

Further intensifying the diplomatic disengagement, India has withdrawn the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani citizens. All previously issued SAARC visas to Pakistani nationals have been revoked with immediate effect.

Another significant decision is the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border. Pakistani travellers currently in India with valid permits have been told to exit through the ICP by May 1.

Among the most impactful developments is India’s suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank that has withstood decades of political hostility and even war. Misri stated the treaty will remain on hold until Pakistan demonstrates verifiable and lasting disengagement from sponsoring terror activities across the border.

The two-hour CCS session was attended by key ministers including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Prior to the meeting, Defence Minister Singh vowed a "befitting response" not just to the attackers but also to the forces behind them.