India Expels Pakistani Diplomat Amid Tensions Over Operation Sindoor, Citing "Activities Inconsistent With Diplomatic Status"
New Delhi | May 15, 2025 — In a decisive diplomatic move, India on Wednesday expelled a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The official was declared persona non grata for engaging in activities "inconsistent with his diplomatic status" and was ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal demarche to the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission, warning against the misuse of diplomatic privileges by any of its officials in India. According to the MEA, the expulsion was in line with standard diplomatic protocol, signaling strong disapproval without disclosing specific actions.
Persona Non Grata: A Diplomatic Red Line
Declaring a diplomat persona non grata is considered one of the strongest diplomatic tools available to a host nation. It signifies that the individual is no longer welcome and must depart the host country—usually without further explanation. In this case, the move underscores India's firm stance in the face of what it views as ongoing subversive actions by elements within the Pakistani establishment.
Context: Operation Sindoor and Global Briefing
The expulsion came just days after India launched Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border military operation in response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed militants.
On May 13, a senior Indian military officer briefed defence attachés and representatives from over 70 countries about Operation Sindoor. The briefing detailed how India carried out targeted airstrikes on nine terror launchpads across Pakistan, including key facilities in Bahawalpur (linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad) and Muridke (associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba).
Pakistan’s Retaliation and India’s Countermove
Following the strikes, Pakistan launched a series of drone incursions into Indian airspace. However, India’s advanced air defense systems intercepted and neutralized all threats, preventing any major damage. In response, India escalated its operations, targeting strategic military installations including Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase and Rahim Yar Khan Airbase, dealing a severe blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
These developments drew international attention and concern, prompting New Delhi to proactively brief the global diplomatic community to build consensus and reinforce its narrative.
De-escalation Request from Pakistan
Facing intense international scrutiny and domestic instability, Pakistan approached India through the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) channel, requesting a ceasefire. India agreed to pause military actions under specific terms, indicating its willingness to contain the crisis—but not at the cost of national security.
Diplomatic Fallout and Next Steps
The expulsion of the Pakistani official is widely seen as part of a broader Indian strategy to pressure Islamabad diplomatically while maintaining operational readiness on the ground. India’s firm message through this move is clear: diplomatic immunity cannot be misused as a shield for subversive activities.
The MEA’s statement emphasized that diplomatic conduct must adhere strictly to international norms, and any deviation will be met with swift and resolute action. The government has not revealed the nature of the expelled official’s actions, but sources indicate that the individual was likely involved in intelligence-related activities.
International Implications
India’s decision to expel the Pakistani diplomat has drawn mixed global reactions. While some countries have backed India’s right to protect its sovereignty, others have called for restraint on both sides. However, with Operation Sindoor’s briefing widely circulated and Pakistan’s alleged role in the April 22 attack under scrutiny, global sympathy appears to tilt towards India’s position.
As diplomatic tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan, New Delhi’s latest move sends a strong message: India will not tolerate covert hostility masquerading as diplomacy. While the ceasefire may have temporarily calmed the Line of Control, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain, especially if diplomatic norms continue to be violated.
