Major Actions Taken by India Against Pakistan

Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared at multiple points over the decades, leading to strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic actions by India.
In light of recent developments, it’s important to look back at the major steps India has taken against Pakistan — actions that have shaped regional geopolitics and international relations.

Here’s a detailed, updated look at the key moves India has made against Pakistan across various sectors.

• Military responses to terror incidents.

• Diplomatic isolations and international pressure.

• Trade restrictions and economic measures.

• Revocation of bilateral talks.

• Efforts to label Pakistan as a terror-supporting state internationally.

One of the most consistent strategies adopted by India is the diplomatic isolation of Pakistan on global platforms.

• India has boycotted multilateral events where Pakistan has been a key participant.

• India urged major powers like the US, UK, France, and Germany to recognize Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.

• After the Pulwama attack (2019), India launched a global campaign to expose Pakistan's terror links.

• Cancellation of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summits involving Pakistan.

• Raising Pakistan's terror activities at the United Nations and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).

• Building strong alliances with Gulf nations to limit Pakistan’s diplomatic space.

After the Pulwama attack, India withdrew the MFN status it had earlier granted to Pakistan under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.

• Increased customs duties on Pakistani goods by 200%.

• Pakistani exports to India dropped drastically.

• Bilateral trade ties are almost severed, except for limited humanitarian trade.

This move economically isolated Pakistan and was widely supported by Indian industry and business leaders.

While India has not completely revoked the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), it has consistently pressured Pakistan through water management moves.

• Accelerated hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Building dams on rivers flowing into Pakistan to utilize its share of water more effectively.

• Warned of rethinking the Indus Waters Treaty if Pakistan continues to support terrorism.

Water is a critical pressure point in South Asia, and India’s strategic use of this leverage keeps Pakistan on notice.

In addition to political and economic moves, India has also sought to isolate Pakistan culturally and in sports.

• A ban on Pakistani artists and musicians in Bollywood after major terror incidents.

• Cancellation of the bilateral cricket series.

• Suspension of Pakistan players' participation in Indian leagues like the IPL (Indian Premier League).

• Restrictions on Pakistani TV channels and media in India.

This soft power strategy aims to reduce Pakistan’s visibility and influence within Indian society.

India has played a crucial role in pushing for Pakistan's scrutiny at FATF, the global anti-terror financing watchdog.

• Successfully lobbied for Pakistan’s inclusion on the "grey list".

• This grey listing severely restricted Pakistan’s access to international financial markets.

• India consistently provided dossiers of evidence linking Pakistan-based groups to global terror networks.

Efforts are ongoing to move Pakistan toward the FATF blacklist, which would have catastrophic economic consequences for Pakistan.

Though Article 370 primarily concerned Jammu and Kashmir’s internal status, it had international implications: