Operation Sindoor, India declares Pakistani official persona non grata for the second time in just a week. The official, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, has been directed to leave the country within 24 hours.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal communication to the Pakistani High Commission on Wednesday, stating that the actions of the official were incompatible with diplomatic norms. The move signals a tightening of India’s stance on cross-border intelligence and espionage activities.
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According to officials, the decision was based on “credible evidence” indicating that the individual was involved in activities violating his diplomatic status.
Operation Sindoor Tightens Grip on Suspicious Diplomats
The recent action comes under the umbrella of Operation Sindoor, a covert initiative aimed at identifying and neutralizing threats posed by foreign intelligence networks operating under diplomatic cover.
As India declares Pakistani official persona non grata, it marks the second such decision in under seven days. The first expulsion occurred on May 17, when another staff member of the Pakistani High Commission was asked to leave.
MEA officials stated that both individuals were found to be engaging in activities “not consistent with their diplomatic status”—a phrase often used to describe espionage or intelligence gathering.
India Declares Pakistani Official Persona Non Grata: National Security Priority
The decision to declare the Pakistani official persona non grata underscores India’s commitment to national security. Officials said that the government cannot tolerate any breach of protocol, especially when it endangers sensitive national interests.
A senior intelligence source confirmed that surveillance operations had been ongoing for several weeks. “We had sufficient reasons to believe that the individual in question was working against India’s internal security,” the source said.
As per diplomatic protocol, the Pakistani High Commission was informed via a formal note verbale, and the official has been given just 24 hours to leave.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions Between India and Pakistan
The fact that India declares Pakistani official persona non grata twice in a week indicates escalating tension between the two countries. While both nations maintain full diplomatic missions, mutual trust has eroded in recent months.
The Pakistani government, expectedly, condemned the move. In a statement issued late Wednesday night, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the action “unwarranted and unsubstantiated” and warned of reciprocal measures.
Experts in diplomatic affairs believe this tit-for-tat pattern may continue unless both sides engage in confidence-building measures.
Domestic Response and Political Reactions
Back home, India’s decision under Operation Sindoor was welcomed by several political parties and analysts. Many hailed it as a timely and necessary response to persistent security threats.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, “India will not compromise on national security. This is a clear message that diplomatic immunity cannot be misused.” Meanwhile, opposition leaders also supported the move, urging the government to remain vigilant.
The expulsion is expected to be followed by more background checks on foreign diplomatic staff across missions in India.
Second Persona Non Grata Declaration Reflects Heightened Vigilance
As India declares Pakistani official persona non grata for the second time, it reflects a renewed vigilance on foreign missions suspected of espionage. Sources in the MEA said that India is reviewing several diplomatic credentials and past activities linked to embassies in New Delhi.
While such actions are rare, they are not unprecedented. In past decades, both India and Pakistan have periodically expelled diplomats under similar charges. However, two back-to-back expulsions within a single week is unusual and highlights the seriousness of the current situation.
Security agencies have been working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that those suspected of breaching diplomatic norms are identified quickly.
Operation Sindoor May Expand Scope
Launched discreetly earlier this year, Operation Sindoor appears to be expanding in scope. Initially focused on Pakistani diplomatic channels, it may now include surveillance on other foreign missions suspected of similar activities.
Experts believe the initiative signals a shift from passive diplomacy to proactive counter-intelligence.
If India continues to declare Pakistani officials persona non grata, it may trigger broader diplomatic fallout. However, the government has reiterated that such decisions are based purely on security considerations.
Security Before Diplomacy
In conclusion, as India declares Pakistani official persona non grata, the government has chosen to prioritize national security over diplomatic appeasement. The rapid timeline—asking the official to leave within 24 hours—reflects the seriousness of the charges.
While the Pakistani government has called the decision hasty, Indian officials maintain that evidence warranted immediate action. As Operation Sindoor continues to unfold, more such declarations may follow.
This incident serves as a reminder that diplomatic missions must function within the framework of international norms. India has made it clear: any violation will be met with swift and legal consequences.
