India has expelled a Pakistani diplomat, declaring him "persona non grata" for engaging in activities deemed inappropriate for his official role. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement confirming the expulsion, specifying that the official, stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, was asked to leave India within 24 hours. The statement refrained from providing further details on the nature of the alleged undiplomatic activities.

"Persona non grata" is a diplomatic term meaning "unwelcome person," used to expel a foreign diplomat from a host country. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), this can happen at any time without explanation. It is typically applied in cases of espionage or hostile actions, and once declared, the individual loses diplomatic privileges and must leave the country.

irnewsalerts/status/1922307537090625671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025

This expulsion comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have been heightened following the 22 April 2025 attack in Pahalgam. In response to the attack, India accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and took a series of retaliatory actions. These included suspending visa services for Pakistani nationals, recalling diplomatic staff, closing the borders, and withdrawing from the Indus Waters Treaty. The diplomatic standoff also led to the expulsion of Pakistani military advisers from India and the reduction of India's diplomatic staff in Pakistan.

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India’s Diplomatic Actions

On 23 April 2025, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a special press briefing, announcing a set of measures in response to Pakistan's alleged role in the Pahalgam attack. The government took immediate action to temporarily suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, pending a halt in Pakistan's support for terrorism. Furthermore, India closed the integrated check post at Attari–Wagah Border, imposed a travel ban on Pakistani nationals, and canceled all previously issued visas. The Indian government also took a hard stance on the presence of Pakistani military personnel in India, expelling several from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Punjab Connection

According to a report by News 18, Punjab Police on Sunday detained two individuals suspected of being involved in espionage connected to the expelled Pakistani official. Acting on reliable intelligence, authorities first arrested one person accused of sharing classified information regarding Indian Army movements with a handler based in Pakistan. Interrogation of the suspect revealed further details, which subsequently led to the capture of a second accomplice.

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