Right now, the extremely hot topic gaining widespread attention is PM Modi and his government's strict measures against Pakistan, which include several major punishments. This all comes after the brutal attack on tourists in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where terrorists killed 28 tourists and severely injured 20 others.
In response, the Indian government has taken several crucial and bold steps, from shutting down the Attari border with Pakistan to denying SAARC visas to Pakistani nationals. Among all these measures, what’s really drawing attention is the term ‘Persona Non Grata’, which the Indian government used to declare several Pakistani diplomats unwelcome following the brutal attack in Pahalgam.
But do you know what this term actually means?
People who are wondering what ‘Persona Non Grata’ means, it's a formal diplomatic term. It translates to “an unwelcome person.” When a government declares a foreign diplomat or official as persona non grata, it is officially stating that the individual is no longer welcome in the host country and must leave, typically within a specified period.
Soon after the incident in Pahalgam, which resulted in big casualties, the Indian government declared several Pakistani diplomats and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata. This action was taken as a strong diplomatic response to what India described as Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
India not only expelled the Pakistani diplomats but also withdrew its own military advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
When India last expelled Pakistani diplomats before April 2025
Before the April 2025 expulsion, the previous major instance when India declared Pakistani diplomats persona non grata occurred in May 2020. At that time, India expelled two officials from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for allegedly engaging in espionage activities.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Check Post
Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme
Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors
Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel