Diplomatic Showdown Escalates: Second Pakistani Official Expelled Amid Spy Scandal and Cross-Border Tensions
In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, India has expelled a second Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi within just eight days, citing misconduct typically associated with espionage. This dramatic move is unfolding against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a major Indian military response to cross-border terrorism, and growing hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Here’s what happened and what it means going forward.
BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 India expels 2nd Pakistani diplomat.
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) May 21, 2025
Ultimatum served to leave country within 24 hours 🔥
He was engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role.
Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in… pic.twitter.com/T4ESwWNz3W
What triggered the expulsion of the second Pakistani diplomat?
On May 21, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared a Pakistani official persona non grata for actions “not in keeping with his official status.” In diplomatic language, this is usually shorthand for spying, intelligence gathering, or involvement in hostile activities. The diplomat was given 24 hours to leave India.
This came just eight days after the first expulsion on May 13, when another Pakistani diplomat was ejected for allegedly being linked to an espionage ring uncovered in Punjab. That case involved YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested and accused of passing sensitive information to Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, the first expelled diplomat.
India responded firmly by summoning the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan and issuing a formal demarche—essentially a strong warning to Islamabad’s diplomatic corps to respect protocols and not misuse immunity.
How does this tie into Operation Sindoor and cross-border tensions?
This diplomatic tit-for-tat isn’t happening in a vacuum. It follows Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 tourists. In early May, India carried out precision airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Pakistan responded with drone incursions, intercepted by India’s air defence. The situation nearly spiraled, but backchannel DGMO talks led to a tentative pause in military escalation. Still, both countries are now engaged in reciprocal expulsions. Pakistan has retaliated by declaring an Indian diplomat in Islamabad persona non grata, accusing them of similar offenses.
The expulsion of two Pakistani diplomats in such quick succession signals deepening mistrust and a diplomatic freeze. With espionage charges, military strikes, and border tensions converging, India-Pakistan relations in 2025 are entering a dangerously volatile phase—one where backchannel diplomacy may not be enough to prevent further escalation.
