Which 5 Big Moves Has India Not Rolled Back To Keep Pressure On Pak Amid Ceasere?
Mumbai: Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India has moved swiftly to isolate and pressure Pakistan, employing a multi-pronged approach that leverages economic, cultural, and diplomatic tools. Despite the recently agreed-upon ceasefire, these measures remain in full effect, signaling a significant shift in India’s strategy towards its western neighbor.
Key Measures Taken by India:
1. Indus Waters Treaty Put in Abeyance
India has placed the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move with significant geopolitical implications. This decision, announced shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, remains firmly in place despite the ceasefire agreement. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that this punitive measure would not be reversed until Pakistan takes credible steps to dismantle its support for terrorist activities. India clarified that the ceasefire does not alter its stance on the treaty, asserting its right to take necessary actions to curb cross-border terrorism.
2. Suspension of Trade Activities
India has suspended all trade with Pakistan, citing national security concerns and the need to sever economic ties until Pakistan demonstrably ends its support for terrorist networks targeting India. Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated that economic normalization would remain off the table as long as Pakistan continues to back extremist groups. Despite the ceasefire, this economic clampdown remains firmly in place.
3. Airspace Closure
India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, encompassing both commercial and military flights. This measure, aimed at exerting logistical pressure on Islamabad, sends a clear message about India’s resolve to prioritize national security. While Pakistan initially kept its airspace open, even during its retaliatory drone attacks, India’s stringent airspace ban remains intact, reinforcing its tough stance.
4. Ban on Pakistani Content and Artists
India has taken a firm stand against Pakistani cultural influence, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directing all Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and digital streaming services to remove Pakistani content. This directive, issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, covers web series, films, music, and podcasts. Additionally, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has reaffirmed its complete ban on Pakistani artists, producers, and financial collaborators, urging Indian professionals to avoid collaborating with Pakistani talent.
5. Visa Suspension for Pakistani Nationals
In a further escalation, India has suspended all visa services for Pakistani citizens. Existing valid visas have been revoked, with exceptions made only for long-term visas granted to specific categories like Hindu and Sikh minorities seeking permanent settlement, as well as diplomatic and official visas. Pakistani nationals in India at the time, whose visas have been revoked, have been asked to leave the country within a specified timeframe. The Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border has also been closed for all movement, further tightening restrictions on people-to-people contact.
6. Social Media Blockades
India has also moved to block the social media accounts of prominent Pakistani actors and artists, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar, and Atif Aslam, on platforms like Instagram, making their profiles inaccessible to users in India. Additionally, the Hindi film “Abir Gulaal,” which featured Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, faced an immediate boycott and subsequent ban in India, reflecting the broader hardening of India’s stance.
These comprehensive measures, implemented in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, are intended to isolate Pakistan diplomatically, economically, and culturally, while maintaining pressure even in the face of a tentative ceasefire. Indian officials have indicated that these actions will continue until there is a credible change in Pakistan’s behavior towards terrorism and cross-border aggression.
Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.
