Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, triggering a series of retaliatory diplomatic and economic moves from both sides.
At least 26 people, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national, were killed when gunmen opened fire at a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam earlier this week. Seventeen others were injured in the deadliest attack in the disputed region for several years.
A little-known militant group called ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’ claimed responsibility, saying it opposed the settlement of “outsiders” in Kashmir and accusing Indian authorities of attempting “demographic change”. Indian security officials alleged the group is a front for Pakistan-based militants — an accusation Islamabad has denied.
Indian Leaders Vow Retaliation
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed on Wednesday to find those responsible. He said India would “not only trace those who perpetrated the attack but also those who conspired” and hinted at possible cross-border military action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the killings, pledging on Thursday to pursue those responsible.
“I say to the whole world: India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth,” Mr Modi said.
“They have made the mistake of attacking the soul of India. Those who planned and carried out this attack will be punished beyond their imagination,” he added.
Indian police said they had identified two of the three suspected gunmen as Pakistani nationals.
Diplomatic and Economic Fallout
India said all visas issued to Pakistani nationals would be revoked with immediate effect. It also asked all Pakistanis currently in India to leave before their visas expire under the revised timeline.
Other measures announced included cutting the number of diplomatic staff, closing the only functional land border crossing, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty — a landmark water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the treaty would be held “in abeyance”. Signed in 1960, the agreement had survived multiple wars and was seen as a stabilising factor between the two countries.
In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines and suspended all trade with India, including trade through third countries.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister told Sky News that a row over the Kashmir killings could lead to an “all-out war” between the two countries.
US Pledges Support to India
The United States strongly condemned the attack and expressed support for India amid rising tensions.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently on an official visit to India, called the attack a “terrible terrorist incident” and offered condolences to the victims and their families.
“We are providing whatever assistance and help we can to the government and people of India,” Mr Vance said.
US President Donald Trump also condemned the violence and spoke with Prime Minister Modi to express solidarity, calling the attack an “Islamist terror attack”.
“The United States stands with India in its fight against terrorism,” Mr Trump said. Modi reportedly thanked the US president and reiterated India’s determination to bring those responsible to justice.
Border Tensions Rise
Amid the diplomatic fallout, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides Kashmir.
Indian army sources said Pakistani troops initiated the firing. A Pakistani official in Pakistan-administered Kashmir confirmed the exchange but did not say who started it.
“There was no firing on the civilian population,” said Syed Ashfaq Gilani, a senior Pakistani official.
Calls for Restraint
The United Nations has urged both countries to exercise “maximum restraint” and avoid further escalation.
UN Secretary General António Guterres said he was following the situation with “very great concern”.
“We very much appeal to both the governments … to exercise maximum restraint, and to ensure that the situation and the developments we’ve seen do not deteriorate any further,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Thursday.
India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir. The latest tensions have sparked fears of a renewed and wider conflict.