New Delhi, May 21, 2025 – India has intensified its diplomatic standoff with Pakistan by declaring another Pakistani official at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi ‘persona non grata’ for allegedly engaging in activities inconsistent with diplomatic norms. The official has been ordered to leave India within 24 hours, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday.
This marks the second such expulsion in a week, following a similar action against another Pakistani diplomat for alleged violations of diplomatic conduct. India also issued a formal demarche to Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, demanding strict compliance with diplomatic protocols and warning against any misuse of privileges by Pakistani officials in India.
In response to India’s earlier expulsion, Pakistan reciprocated by expelling a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, citing “activities incompatible with diplomatic status” and ordering their departure within 24 hours.
Roots of the Conflict
The current diplomatic crisis stems from a recent attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which India swiftly attributed to Pakistan. Pakistan has categorically denied these allegations, calling them unfounded. The incident sparked a series of retaliatory measures from India, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, halting visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, and reducing diplomatic presence in both countries.
Military Escalation
Tensions escalated further with military confrontations. Missile strikes reportedly targeted locations in Pakistan’s Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children, and the destruction of a mosque. Pakistan’s armed forces responded by shooting down three Indian Rafale jets and launching Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which struck Indian military installations, including airbases and missile storage sites.
On May 10, India conducted missile strikes on Pakistani airbases, prompting Pakistan’s swift retaliation. The intense military exchanges were halted only after a US-mediated ceasefire was announced by President Donald Trump on May 10, with confirmations from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and India’s foreign secretary.
A Fragile Ceasefire
The back-and-forth expulsions of diplomats underscore the deepening mistrust between India and Pakistan. While the ceasefire has temporarily paused military hostilities, the diplomatic rift continues to widen, raising concerns about the stability of the region. Both nations have called for restraint, but the path to de-escalation remains fraught with challenges as mutual accusations persist.
As the international community watches closely, the future of India-Pakistan relations hinges on whether both sides can move beyond tit-for-tat actions and work toward restoring dialogue.
