OPINION | Diplomacy in the Line of Fire: How India Gained the Upper Hand After the Pahalgam Attack

Modern warfare is no longer confined to weaponry alone. It is fought through strategic narratives, international influence, information dominance, and alliance building. Diplomacy becomes the first line of defence and the most critical offensive tool in this landscape. This was demonstrated in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives—25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national.

India’s response was swift, measured, and diplomatically potent. Within hours, India activated its diplomatic machinery, not just to isolate the perpetrators but also to control the global narrative, consolidate international support, and assert its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. This marked the beginning of what can aptly be called a “diplomatic war”, and India seized the initiative.

India’s Proactive Diplomatic Strategy

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty:
   For the first time since its signing in the 1960s, the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and long seen as a symbol of cooperation, was suspended. This move showcased India’s resolve to rethink outdated frameworks when national security is at stake.
2. Downgrading Diplomatic Ties:
   India reduced its diplomatic presence in Islamabad and barred Pakistani officials from entering the Ministry of External Affairs HQ in New Delhi. In addition, Indian defence advisors stationed in the Indian high commission in Islamabad were also recalled, and diplomatic strength was reduced from 55 to 30 staff members. 

This signifies the fewer official interactions and limited bilateral coordination, as well as blocking regular diplomatic meetings, showing India’s stance of restricting access for Pakistan at the highest levels.

1. Visa Revocation:
   India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. Medical visas were also terminated, and exemptions under the SAARC visa regime were cancelled.
2. Expulsion of Pakistani Diplomats:
   The defence advisors at the Pakistan High Commission was declared persona non grata and expelled, highlighting the breach of trust in bilateral diplomatic channels.
3. Border Closure:
   India closed the Attari-Wagah border, effectively suspending overland trade and signalling a deeper freeze in ties.

These moves weren’t just symbolic but strategic. India made its position very clear that the fight is not against a nation or its people, but against terrorism and the infrastructure that supports it. This distinction allowed India to gain moral high ground, essential in global diplomacy.

The External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led the charge, briefing counterparts from across the globe. India earned rapid condemnation of the attack from several key countries, consolidating its stance through moral clarity and a transparent narrative. The international briefings, delivered by two uniformed officers from Hindu and Muslim backgrounds emphasized India’s unity and targeted precision, reiterating that only terrorist infrastructure was struck, not civilian or military Pakistani targets.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Missteps: A Reactive Approach

Pakistan’s response was largely reactive and lacked the coherence and credibility that India demonstrated. Key steps taken by Pakistan included:

1. Suspension of the Shimla Agreement:
   This unilateral move undermined a long-standing bilateral framework that legitimized the Line of Control and peaceful resolution mechanisms.
2. Airspace and Border Closure:
   Pakistan reciprocated with similar actions, including airspace closure and halting trade through Wagah. Meaning flights between India and Europe or the Middle East may have to take longer routes, increasing their costs and time.
3. Diplomatic Expulsions:
   In retaliation, Indian diplomats were expelled and staff strength at the High Commission in New Delhi was cut.
4. Calls for Neutral Investigation:
   Pakistan demanded a third-party investigation and claimed India hadn’t provided sufficient evidence, a move that appeared evasive and eroded its international credibility.
5. Contradictory Media Messaging:
   Conflicting statements by Pakistani ministers and diplomats further weakened its global narrative and diplomatic cohesion.

While India led with confidence, Pakistan appeared on the defensive, relying on outdated tactics and struggling to manage both perception and substance. It’s was mere of a diplomatic tit-for-tat aimed at showing domestic strength, even if it comes against its own economic or strategic cost.

India’s Diplomatic Wins

India’s strategic diplomatic offensive yielded tangible gains:

• Maintaining International Support and Credibility
• Countering Misinformation and Narrative Warfare
• Balancing Global Reputation While Addressing Domestic Sentiment
• Preventing Escalation and Regional Destabilization
• Engaging with International Institutions to Create Diplomatic Pressure

The proof that India has won this diplomatic war? Many countries condemned this attack, including a surprise from the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In addition to that the visit of the Saudi FM & Iranian FM, as well as the support from the UAE, which had once been closer to Pakistan in the past is a diplomatic win of India. Moreover, a call from Russian president to the PM Modi, support from Qatar and many more countries also shows the diplomatic win of India. It also highlights that India is becoming successful in isolating Pakistan diplomatically and building international pressure and control the narrative before any military action.

India’s clear messaging and moral positioning helped rally key allies and maintain focus on the core issue: terrorism and its enablers. In Addition, the Ministry of External Affairs remained the face of India’s response even after military operations, underscoring diplomacy’s primacy in the national security framework. 

What Next? Can Diplomacy Still Solve the Conflict?

The answer is yes. Diplomacy is not obsolete, it is evolving. From Track 2 diplomacy to multilateral engagements, from soft power tools like social media and cultural exchange to hard power diplomacy through international institutions, solutions must emerge from dialogue.

Even in a crisis, diplomacy has the power to build bridges, isolate extremism, and prevent irreversible escalations, especially between two nuclear-armed neighbours. India’s recent example shows that diplomacy, when wielded decisively and transparently, can be a formidable strategic tool in modern conflict resolution.

About the Author

Rupak DEORE is an interdisciplinary professional and Partner at Access Hub, with expertise in international relations, diplomacy, and commerce. He has spearheaded missions for private companies, international organizations, government’s diplomatic missions, and intergovernmental agencies across Europe and the APAC regions. At Access Hub he helps customers build visibility, credibility, and cross-border partnerships to amplify sales leads. Drawing on core expertise in business, market research, policy, and cross-cultural communication, Rupak bridges innovation, institutions, and global opportunities.