Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 21: In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, India on Wednesday expelled a second official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for “indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status,” and directed him to leave the country within 24 hours.
This follows the May 13 expulsion of another Pakistani official over alleged espionage activities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its statement, said the official had been declared persona non grata, but did not reveal specific charges. A formal demarche was also issued to Pakistan’s charge d'Affaires, warning against misuse of diplomatic privileges by any official posted in India.
The backdrop to these expulsions is the growing tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following India’s pre-emptive strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility.
Punjab Police earlier revealed the arrest of two individuals, including a woman, for espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at the high commission. The Pakistani diplomat in question is suspected to be involved in the same case.
Reacting to India’s first expulsion, Pakistan retaliated by declaring an Indian High Commission staffer in Islamabad as persona non grata, accusing him of engaging in activities “incompatible with his privileged status.” The individual was similarly given 24 hours to leave.
Tensions peaked following India’s Operation Sindoor conducted during the night of May 6–7, which reportedly targeted nine terror bases. While both sides agreed to a ceasefire from 5 pm on May 10, Pakistan allegedly violated the truce within hours, resulting in further military exchanges.
As diplomatic and military tensions persist, India has reiterated its firm stance on national security and zero tolerance for state-sponsored terrorism.