Indian authorities on Thursday removed external security barriers and barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, in what officials and observers say appears to be a reciprocal response to similar action by Pakistani authorities in Islamabad earlier this week. Heavy machinery and civic workers cleared traffic bollards, concrete blocks, queue barriers and temporary fencing on Shantipath, concentrating on areas near the mission’s visa section.
According to news agency ANI, the removal was confined to structures located outside the high commission’s official boundary and was described by municipal authorities as the dismantling of unauthorised encroachments on public space. Workers removed portable parking posts and temporary fencing using cranes and road-clearing equipment, and traffic around the diplomatic enclave was briefly affected.
The move follows municipal crews in Islamabad dismantling protective parking poles and other external barriers outside the Indian High Commission on Monday, despite objections from Indian officials who lodged a formal protest with Pakistani authorities. New Delhi’s action is being viewed in that context and underscores the principle of diplomatic reciprocity between the two countries.
India has used similar measures during past diplomatic tensions. In 2013, New Delhi ordered the removal of concrete barriers outside the US Embassy after a dispute linked to the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York. In 2023, authorities removed outer barriers outside the British High Commission following security concerns related to an incident involving India’s mission in London.
The removal of outer barricades does not signal a withdrawal of all security. Police personnel and internal security arrangements remain in place to protect the diplomatic mission and its staff. Neither the Indian nor the Pakistani government has announced any broader changes to the security posture of their respective diplomatic missions following these incidents.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-removes-security-barricades-outside-pakistan-high-commission-in-tit-for-tat-move-after-islamabad-action-14039401.html
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Publish Date: 2026-08-20 07:50:00
