What is ‘Persona Non Grata’ declared by Indian government against Pakistan diplomats?

India summoned Pakistan’s senior diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed him a formal 'Persona Non Grata' notice. The decision followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hyderabad: Following the terrorist attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, India has taken several national and diplomatic steps—one of which includes declaring Pakistan’s top diplomat ‘Persona Non Grata‘.

India summoned Pakistan’s senior diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed him a formal ‘Persona Non Grata‘ notice. The decision followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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“The defence/military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Dwlhi are declared ‘Perosna Non Grata.’ They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own defence/navy/air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, said officials”

“These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commission,” they added.

What is Persona non grata (PNG) ? 

In diplomatic terms, ‘Persona Non Grata‘ is a designation issued to a foreign diplomat who is asked to leave the host country. If the diplomat is not recalled by their home country, the host nation may refuse to recognize the individual as part of the diplomatic mission.

A host country has the right to declare any foreign diplomat or staff persona non grata at any time, without providing any explanation. The phrase originates from Latin which translates to ‘Person not welcome.’