NEW DELHI: Authorities in New Delhi have dismantled the external security perimeter outside the Pakistan High Commission, removing traffic bollards and barricades that had earlier ring-fenced the diplomatic compound.
The move comes three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly removed protective security barricades outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, adding another layer to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The development comes against the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
India had subsequently launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. The military exchanges continued until May 10, when hostilities were brought to a halt.
The latest developments also coincide with the visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit to Srinagar on Wednesday, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and praised steps taken by the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to improve security and stability in the region.
“This is an important part of India and so I am here visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place and I’m thrilled to be here, thrilled to see this place,” Gor told local media.
The US envoy also indicated that Washington could review its existing travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir in light of what he described as significant improvements in the security situation.
“I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we are going to look at,” Gor said, adding that both the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government had taken “some incredible steps in keeping this area safer”.
He said a possible downgrade of the US travel warning could be considered as more Americans may wish to visit the region.
Gor’s remarks prompted a sharp reaction from Pakistan, whose foreign ministry summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad and lodged a formal protest.
Pakistan reportedly described the envoy’s remarks as “factually incorrect”.
The dismantling of the security perimeter outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi is being viewed in the context of these continuing diplomatic frictions, though authorities have not publicly detailed the precise operational reasons behind the move.
