India and Pakistan each expelled diplomats from the other’s high commission on Tuesday, accusing them of espionage. The move has further strained relations amid border tensions.
New Delhi first ordered the expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat, citing “activities beyond his official role” and suggesting that the unnamed official was engaged in espionage. India also issued a formal protest to the Pakistani charge d’affaires in New Delhi regarding the official’s actions, the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
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Pakistan responded by asking an unnamed Indian diplomat in Islamabad to leave the country, according to a Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement.
“The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status,” the ministry said on Tuesday. Islamabad also followed in Delhi’s footsteps with its own demarche.
🔊PR NO.1️⃣3️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
A Staff Member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, Declared as Persona Non Grata.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/r7TbFLHGYt pic.twitter.com/WjSHQ8mgfE
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 13, 2025
India and Pakistan each expelled diplomats from the other’s high commission on Tuesday, accusing them of espionage. The move has further strained relations amid border tensions.
New Delhi first ordered the expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat, citing “activities beyond his official role” and suggesting that the unnamed official was engaged in espionage. India also issued a formal protest to the Pakistani charge d’affaires in New Delhi regarding the official’s actions, the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Read more: Pakistan, India exchanged captured soldiers
Pakistan responded by asking an unnamed Indian diplomat in Islamabad to leave the country, according to a Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement.
“The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status,” the ministry said on Tuesday. Islamabad also followed in Delhi’s footsteps with its own demarche.