Tit-for-Tat Action: India Clears Encroachments Outside Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi

Authorities in New Delhi on Thursday demolished a section of structures outside the Pakistan High Commission after determining that they extended beyond the diplomatic mission’s approved boundary. The operation was carried out by the concerned agencies using a JCB machine. Structures and barricades along the lane outside the compound were removed, including installations used for managing queues near the visa section.

Officials also dismantled the external security arrangements surrounding the mission, taking down traffic bollards and barricades that had previously been placed around the diplomatic compound. The action came three days after Pakistani authorities reportedly removed protective security barricades positioned outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, giving the development a clear tit-for-tat context. Visuals from the site showed considerable debris following the demolition. Broken metal railings, gates, twisted frames and pieces of concrete were scattered across the area outside the Pakistan High Commission.

Several sections of the outer structures were completely dismantled, including parts of the corrugated roofing and white metal fencing. The area around the service windows also appeared to have suffered damage, with portions of plaster and masonry broken away. Construction debris and pieces of fencing were seen lying near the counters. The main entrance of the Pakistan High Commission, however, remained intact. The white-walled structure featuring domed elements and large metal gates bearing the Pakistani emblem was not demolished. Barbed-wire fencing could also be seen along parts of the compound’s perimeter.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. On Wednesday, Pakistan protested remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Srinagar, where he described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and spoke positively about the security situation in the Valley. Pakistan subsequently summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad to register its objection to the remarks. There has been no official confirmation so far that the demolition outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi was connected to Pakistan’s reaction to Gor’s comments.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.