India Expels Second Pakistani Official from High Commission, Escalating Tensions
New Delhi has expelled a second official from the Pakistan High Commission, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. The move comes as both nations continue to navigate a complex and volatile relationship, particularly in the wake of recent military confrontations and security incidents along their border.
The Indian government has declared a Pakistani national, currently working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, ‘persona non grata’ for ‘indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status.’ The official has been given 24 hours to leave the country, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This is not the first time a Pakistani official has been expelled from India. On May 13, another Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission was also expelled for alleged espionage activities. The MEA did not specify the exact charges, but it is understood that the case is under investigation by the Punjab Police.
The expulsion of the second official follows a series of events that have heightened tensions between the two nations. On May 11, Punjab Police arrested two individuals, including a woman, for their alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
India’s actions have not gone unnoticed by Pakistan. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad ‘persona non grata’ for engaging in activities deemed incompatible with his privileged status. The official was also ordered to leave within 24 hours.
The diplomatic tensions have been further exacerbated by a series of military actions and security incidents. On May 6 and 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a response to a deadly attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 tourists. The Resistance Front, a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based LeT terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Operation Sindoor led to a significant escalation in bilateral tensions, resulting in strikes and counter-strikes between the two nations. The situation was temporarily eased when India and Pakistan reached an agreement to stop all firing and military action on land, air, and sea, effective from 5 p.m. on May 10. However, Pakistan quickly violated the agreement within hours of its implementation.
The recent developments underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Both nations continue to grapple with issues of security, territorial disputes, and the broader geopolitical landscape that shapes their interactions. As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely watching the dynamics between these two neighboring countries.