India has removed security barricades from outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in a retaliatory move, mirroring Pakistan's action against the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This incident, involving the dismantling of installations deemed to be beyond the approved boundary, intensifies the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation is further complicated by a recent diplomatic spat involving US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a strong reaction from Pakistan. These events underscore the fragility of India-Pakistan relations, marked by historical disputes and recent security concerns.

India has removed security barricades from outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in a retaliatory move, mirroring Pakistan's action against the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This incident, involving the dismantling of installations deemed to be beyond the approved boundary, intensifies the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation is further complicated by a recent diplomatic spat involving US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a strong reaction from Pakistan. These events underscore the fragility of India-Pakistan relations, marked by historical disputes and recent security concerns.

India has removed security barricades from outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in a retaliatory move, mirroring Pakistan's action against the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This incident, involving the dismantling of installations deemed to be beyond the approved boundary, intensifies the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation is further complicated by a recent diplomatic spat involving US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a strong reaction from Pakistan. These events underscore the fragility of India-Pakistan relations, marked by historical disputes and recent security concerns.

Indian authorities have removed security barricades and traffic bollards outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in an apparent strong retaliatory move, days after Pakistan took similar action outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

The structures were removed by the agencies concerned using a JCB machine. The operation covered barricades and other installations along the lane outside the Pakistani mission, including queue-management structures near the visa section.

Visuals showed rubble scattered outside the mission following the demolition, with broken metal railings, gates, twisted metal frames, roofing sheets and bricks lying on the road.

Authorities said the structures were removed after being found to have been erected beyond the mission’s approved boundary. The move, however, assumes significance as it came three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly removed security barricades and parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

India-Pakistan ties have remained strained since last year’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which triggered a three-day military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

In response to the attack, New Delhi announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Meanwhile, a fresh diplomatic row erupted on Wednesday after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir drew a sharp reaction from Islamabad. Pakistan summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and lodged a “strong demarche”.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Gor said Jammu and Kashmir was an important part of India and described it as an “incredibly beautiful place”.

He also said the US would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, citing steps taken by the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to improve security in the region.

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