India Suspends Traditional Diwali Sweet Exchange with Pakistan Rangers Amid Ongoing Border Tensions

India has once again declined to exchange sweets with Pakistan Rangers during Diwali celebrations, continuing a policy first implemented on Independence Day. The Border Security Force (BSF) received explicit instructions from the Union Home Ministry to suspend this longstanding tradition along the Indo-Pak border.

BSF personnel stationed at border posts across Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer in Rajasthan adhered to these directives, marking another instance where the customary exchange was halted.

Historically, military forces from both nations have participated in exchanging sweets and cordial greetings during significant national and religious celebrations, including Independence Day, Republic Day, Holi, Diwali, and Eid. This practice has long served as a symbol of goodwill despite ongoing bilateral tensions.

The tradition was suspended following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-based militants killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran meadow. This incident prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to adopt a more stringent approach toward Pakistan regarding its anti-India activities.

Initially paused during August 15 celebrations, the suspension has now extended to Diwali festivities. A high-ranking security official emphasized that New Delhi's message to Islamabad remains unambiguous: "as long as cross-border terrorism continues, such symbolic gestures will remain suspended."

These exchanges between BSF and Pakistan Rangers have historically represented small yet meaningful efforts toward fostering peace and friendly relations. During festivals like Meethi Eid, Eid al-Adha, and Diwali, representatives from both nations traditionally met at the zero point along the border, greeting one another with trays of sweets.

This Diwali, however, the Rajasthan frontier remained notably silent. The customary handshakes and sweet exchanges were absent, replaced by heightened border vigilance. This stance underscores India's firm position that gestures of peace cannot coexist with terrorist activities.

Officials confirmed that "After August 15th, India continues its no-sweets policy amid rising cross-border tensions."