Amid Grief and Outrage Over Pahalgam Attack, India Expels Pakistani Diplomat in Strong Diplomatic Move

In a strong diplomatic message, India on Wednesday expelled a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, accusing him of engaging in activities that violated the terms of his diplomatic role. He was declared persona non grata — effectively told he’s no longer welcome — and ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission to deliver a formal protest. He was reminded that diplomats in India are expected to respect the boundaries of their official duties and not misuse the privileges that come with their position.

Calling someone persona non grata is a rare but clear sign that a country is deeply unhappy with the conduct of a foreign diplomat. It’s one of the most serious tools a government can use in diplomacy — a way of saying “this behaviour is unacceptable” without necessarily going public with the full details.

Still reeling from the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed innocent lives and stirred national outrage, India has now taken a firm diplomatic step by expelling a Pakistani official — a move that further highlights the growing strain in its ties with Pakistan.

India launched Operation Sindoor, a large-scale counter-terror operation targeting launchpads across the border, in response to the attack. On May 7, Indian forces carried out precise strikes on nine locations believed to house terrorists, including bases linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.

The strikes drew a quick reaction from Pakistan, which attempted several drone incursions into Indian airspace over the next few nights. But Indian air defence teams were alert and managed to intercept and neutralise the drones before they could cause any harm.

India, in turn, stepped up its offensive by targeting significant Pakistani military infrastructure, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and the Rahim Yar Khan airbase. After days of high tension, both sides eventually stepped back from the brink, with Pakistan requesting a ceasefire. Talks between military officials on both sides led to a de-escalation.

In the days that followed, India briefed defence representatives from around 70 countries, explaining the motives and execution of Operation Sindoor. It was a chance to clarify India’s stance, outline the threat posed by cross-border terrorism, and stress the need for decisive action.

The expulsion of the Pakistani official ties into that larger narrative — a signal that India is drawing clear lines diplomatically, just as it has done militarily.