Islamabad/New Delhi: In a latest diplomatic development that signals rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has expelled a senior Indian High Commission official, citing engagement in activities "incompatible with diplomatic status." The move comes just days after India ordered a Pakistani diplomat to leave the country over similar allegations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan released a formal statement accusing the Indian official of actions that violated the norms outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961. The official, who was not publicly named by the ministry, has been asked to leave Pakistan within a stipulated period.
“This action is taken in accordance with diplomatic protocols and reflects the principle of reciprocity, following the expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat by India,” said a spokesperson from Pakistan’s foreign office.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded cautiously to the development, stating that the Indian diplomat was merely performing his official duties within the scope of his assignment. New Delhi dismissed the allegations as baseless and termed the expulsion as an unhelpful move, especially at a time when communication and dialogue between the two countries remain limited.
This exchange of diplomatic expulsions is the latest episode in a series of recurring tensions between India and Pakistan. The two neighbours have experienced fluctuating relations marked by disputes over border issues, terrorism concerns, and political disagreements. The use of diplomatic expulsions, while not new, indicates a continuing deterioration in bilateral engagement.
Analysts say such moves often serve as political signals rather than evidence of concrete wrongdoing. "When one side expels a diplomat, the other usually responds in kind. It's more about political messaging than actual espionage,” said a former Indian diplomat on the condition of anonymity.
Both India and Pakistan are signatories to the Vienna Convention, which outlines the privileges and limitations of diplomatic personnel. Article 9 of the Convention allows any host country to declare a foreign diplomat as “persona non grata” without providing detailed justification. In practice, such actions usually stem from espionage accusations or violations of diplomatic conduct.
In recent years, both countries have curtailed the strength of their respective missions. The 2020 mutual agreement to reduce embassy staff to 50% reflected the strained nature of diplomatic ties, and the latest incident adds to that legacy.
Pakistan’s decision is expected to impact consular activities and delay ongoing communication between the two foreign ministries. While no immediate recall of other officials has been announced, diplomatic sources suggest that both sides will remain on alert for further developments.
In the absence of formal talks and with increasing restrictions on diplomatic engagement, experts fear that the scope for constructive dialogue continues to shrink. Both governments have reiterated the need for adherence to international norms, but recent actions show little movement toward de-escalation.
For now, the expulsion underscores the fragile and reactive nature of India-Pakistan diplomacy, with each side closely monitoring and responding to the other's actions through measured yet symbolic gestures.
