Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again, this time on the diplomatic front, as both countries have expelled each other’s high commission officials on allegations of espionage—despite a recent ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) bringing relative calm to the region.
According to reports by Dawn, India initiated the tit-for-tat expulsions by declaring a Pakistani high commission official in New Delhi as persona non grata, accusing him of engaging in activities “incompatible with diplomatic norms.” He was ordered to leave the country within 24 hours.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement confirming the expulsion, which coincided with the arrest of two individuals in the Indian state of Punjab. The men were allegedly leaking sensitive military information to a Pakistani handler. Punjab police stated that one of the arrested individuals had been passing troop movement details under instructions from a Pakistani high commission official.
Following the incident, India summoned Pakistan’s acting high commissioner and formally lodged a protest.
In a retaliatory move later that evening, Pakistan expelled an Indian high commission official named Shankar Reddy Chinthala, accusing him of “misusing diplomatic privileges and engaging in espionage.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office declared him persona non grata and ordered him and his family to leave the country within 24 hours.
Pakistan also summoned India’s acting high commissioner to deliver an official protest note, condemning what it termed as “unacceptable conduct.” The Pakistani Foreign Office reminded the Indian mission of the importance of adhering to diplomatic protocols and refraining from abuse of privileges—standards expected of any responsible state.
This exchange of expulsions comes at a time when tensions remain high between the nuclear-armed neighbours, following recent border clashes, ceasefire violations, and cross-border attacks. The diplomatic spat is likely to further strain already fragile bilateral relations.