India Suspends SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals Amid Escalating Tensions

In a significant diplomatic move, India has announced the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. This decision follows the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. (India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack)

Background of the SVES Visa

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was established to promote people-to-people contact among member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Under this scheme, nationals of SAARC countries, including Pakistan, were granted special visas to facilitate travel for purposes such as tourism, religious pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. The intent was to foster goodwill and understanding among neighboring nations.

India’s Response to the Pahalgam Attack

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which India attributes to militants with alleged cross-border linkages, the Indian government has taken several retaliatory measures. These include:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing concerns over cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged support for militant activities. The treaty, which governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system, is considered a critical agreement between the two nations. Pakistan has condemned this move, warning that any interference with the river’s flow would be viewed as an act of war. (India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack)
• Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border: The only operational road crossing between India and Pakistan, the Wagah-Attari border, has been closed. This closure halts passenger movement and trade, further straining bilateral relations. (Pahalgam attack fallout: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, shuts Wagah-Attari border)
• Diplomatic Expulsions: India has expelled Pakistani diplomats and recalled its own diplomatic staff from Islamabad. The diplomatic staff exchange aims to signal India’s serious concerns over Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the attack. (Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, asks Pakistanis to leave within 48 hours)
• Revocation of Visas: All existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, and those currently in India under the SVES are required to leave the country within 48 hours. This includes individuals who had entered India for religious, educational, or cultural purposes under the SVES. (Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, asks Pakistanis to leave within 48 hours)

Implications of the Suspension

The suspension of the SVES visa has significant implications for bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. The SVES had facilitated cultural and religious exchanges, including pilgrimages to sites such as the Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. The revocation of these visas disrupts these exchanges and reflects India’s heightened security concerns.

Furthermore, the broader diplomatic measures taken by India, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, have escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan has responded by suspending all bilateral agreements, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and warning against any interference with the Indus River. (Pahalgam attack fallout: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, shuts Wagah-Attari border)

International Reactions

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The United Nations has called for both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation. The United States has also urged Pakistan to take “irreversible” actions against terrorist groups operating from its territory, warning that another terrorist attack on India would be “extremely problematic.” (Indian and Pakistani troops exchange fire after Kashmir attack)

Conclusion

The suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme marks a significant shift in India’s approach to its relations with Pakistan. While the move aims to address security concerns, it also underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic ties between the two countries. As both nations navigate this crisis, the international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace will be crucial in preventing further escalation. (India suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack)

• Reuters
• AP News
• Reuters