ensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed by gunmen. In response, New Delhi has taken a series of stern actions against Islamabad, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the border, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens.
The attack was claimed by a group known as The Resistance Front (TRF), which Indian authorities allege is a front for the Pakistan-based militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan has denied the allegation, though it reiterated moral support for the Kashmiri people’s demand for autonomy.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a “strong and clear response,” raising fears among analysts that India might launch a cross-border strike similar to the 2019 Pulwama incident. Experts warn that once hostilities escalate, the situation could spiral out of control.
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Ishaq Dar dismissed India’s measures as “childish” and convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss countermeasures.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions. U.S. foreign policy analyst Michael Kugelman noted, “Two nuclear-armed neighbors are now eyeing each other aggressively. Nothing is certain at this point.”
Meanwhile, local residents in Kashmir have reacted with anger over the attack. Many businesses remain shut, and protest marches have been held. “Tourists are our lifeline,” one resident said.
With both nations hardening their positions, the prospect of war cannot be ruled out.