In a significant development in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, the Government of Pakistan’s X account has been withheld in India. Earlier, in a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, India took crucial decisions aimed at Pakistan, which included holding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with Pakistan in abeyance with immediate effect.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced India’s decision at a press briefing on Wednesday. The other notable decision includes the downgrading of diplomatic missions in each country. Both India and Pakistan will be required to reduce their personnel strength from 55 to 30, to be completed by May 1. 

India has also decided to expel all defence, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. New Delhi has declared them persona non grata, instructing them to leave the country within a week. India will reciprocate by withdrawing its military advisors from its own high commission in Islamabad.

In response to India’s actions, Pakistan is holding a high-powered security huddle on Thursday to formulate an appropriate response to India’s move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties. Three service chiefs and important key ministers will attend the meeting, reported Radio Pakistan.