Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 tourists dead and dozens more injured.
Gunmen opened fire on visitors in the popular mountain resort town of Pahalgam on April 22, with police describing the assault as a coordinated terror attack. At least four armed assailants targeted a group of tourists at close range, leaving over 30 others wounded, many in critical condition.
The attack has been claimed by a previously unknown group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance.
Indian authorities, however, have accused Pakistan of backing the militants responsible, reigniting long-standing allegations of cross-border terrorism.
In response, New Delhi took a series of diplomatic and economic measures late Wednesday.
The Indian government announced it would suspend the Indus Water Treaty, downgrade diplomatic relations, revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals effective Sunday, and shut down the only land border crossing between the two nations. Indian citizens were also advised against traveling to Pakistan.
Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and rejected India’s allegations as baseless.
In retaliation, Islamabad suspended trade with India, cancelled visas for Indian nationals, and closed its airspace to Indian-owned and operated aircraft.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, governs the use of water from six rivers shared by the two countries. India’s suspension of the treaty marks a significant and unprecedented move.
However, Pakistan has argued that India lacks the authority to unilaterally withdraw from the agreement, citing the World Bank’s role as a guarantor.
Islamabad retaliated with its air raids, leading to the capture and later release of an Indian pilot.
While a ceasefire agreement was renewed in 2021, violence in the disputed region has persisted.
Kashmir remains a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbors, both of whom claim the territory in full but govern separate parts.
Amid calls from Indian media and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for a firm response, fears are mounting that the situation could spiral into a broader military confrontation.
