In this blog, we will discuss the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)—a crucial regional initiative that has recently come under the spotlight following India’s cancellation of SVES privileges for Pakistani nationals after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. Understanding the origins, objectives, and current relevance of the SVES is vital for aspirants of the APSC CCE 2024, especially in the context of evolving Indo-Pak relations and the future of regional forums like SAARC.
Introduction
In a decisive move that reflects the heightened security concerns and deteriorating bilateral relations, the Indian government has cancelled the participation of Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. This announcement came in the wake of a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held on April 23, 2025, marking a significant geopolitical development in the South Asian region.
What is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme?
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) is a regional facilitation initiative launched in 1992, inspired by a resolution of the Fourth SAARC Summit held in Islamabad in 1988. The primary objective of the scheme is to promote people-to-people contact and ease diplomatic engagement among the eight SAARC member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Under the SVES, selected categories of individuals—including dignitaries, judges of higher courts, parliamentarians, senior officials, prominent businesspersons, journalists, sportspersons, among others—are issued Special Travel Documents (also known as SAARC Visa Stickers). These documents exempt them from requiring visas when traveling within the SAARC region.
Importantly, these visa stickers:
- Are issued by the individual’s home country.
- Are valid typically for one year.
- Permit travel without restriction to specific cities.
- Exempt holders from police reporting and administrative formalities usually required of foreign nationals.
The SVES is reviewed and updated periodically by the Immigration Authorities of SAARC Member States.
India’s Cancellation Post-Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 21, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, is believed to have been orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror groups. In its immediate response, the Indian government:
- Cancelled all SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals, both past and present.
- Ordered that any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES must leave within 48 hours.
- Declared the defence, Navy, and Air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as persona non grata, giving them a week to leave the country.
- Annulled similar posts in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, withdrawing India’s own defence staff and five support personnel.
This move comes amid increasing frustration in New Delhi over cross-border terrorism and the lack of tangible cooperation from Islamabad in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Diplomatic and Regional Implications
Erosion of SAARC Spirit
The decision marks a significant setback for the SAARC framework, which has already been largely inactive due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The last full SAARC Summit was held in 2014, with subsequent efforts stalling over diplomatic tensions.
Selective Engagement
India’s stance signals a shift toward bilateralism over regionalism, preferring engagement through sub-regional forums like BIMSTEC or IORA, which exclude Pakistan, and are seen as more stable and cooperative platforms.
Security vs Integration
The action underscores the perennial challenge in South Asia: balancing security imperatives with regional integration. While the SVES aimed at simplifying elite-level mobility and fostering dialogue, the continued threats to India’s internal security have necessitated a reevaluation.
Effect on Track II Diplomacy and Journalism
The cancellation will impact academic, journalistic, and diplomatic exchanges between India and Pakistan. Journalists and researchers who relied on the SAARC visa stickers for attending conferences or engaging in Track II diplomacy will now face added barriers.
Way Forward
The cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan nationals should be viewed in the larger geopolitical and security context. While India’s move is defensive, it also reflects a strategic signalling to Pakistan and the international community about the non-negotiable nature of national security.
At the same time, the suspension underscores the urgent need for regional reform. Unless SAARC can evolve into a platform with robust counterterrorism mechanisms and mutual accountability, such frameworks risk becoming symbolic rather than functional.
Read: Police-Public Relationship
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