Pahalgam Attack Inflames India-Pakistan Tensions, Sparks Retaliatory Measures

A deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of unprecedented diplomatic and economic countermeasures. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley, resulting in at least 26 fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally, and has prompted India to take a firm stance against what it perceives as Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism.

The Pahalgam Attack: A Detailed Look

On April 22, 2025, five militants ambushed tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular destination approximately 85 kilometers from Srinagar in the Anantnag district. The attackers, reportedly armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, opened fire on a crowd consisting mainly of Indian tourists. According to eyewitness accounts, the terrorists selectively targeted Hindu tourists, demanding they recite Islamic prayers or provide physical proof of their faith before shooting them.

The attack, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including 23 Indian tourists from various states, one local Kashmiri, and two foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. More than 20 others sustained injuries. The victims included an Indian Navy officer and an Intelligence Bureau official. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was aimed at resisting demographic changes in the Kashmir Valley.

India's Response: A Five-Point Action Plan

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to formulate a response. Following the meeting, India announced a five-point action plan targeting Pakistan:

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two countries. This suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, has long been a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, and this decision marks a significant shift in diplomatic ties.
2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Checkpoint: India has shut the Integrated Check Post at Attari, halting all cross-border movement through this route. This includes suspending the movement of people and goods. Individuals who have already crossed over with valid documents will be allowed to return by May 1, 2025. The closure of this major land transit point is aimed at restricting further cross-border movement and sending a strong message to Pakistan.
3. Revocation of SAARC Visa Exemptions: Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed canceled, and any Pakistani national currently in India under an SBES visa has 48 hours to leave India.
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors: India has expelled all Pakistani military, Naval, and Air advisors stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. These personnel have been declared Persona Non Grata and must vacate India within one week. In response, India will also withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This reciprocal move is part of a broader reduction of diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
5. Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel: As part of a continued effort to curtail bilateral diplomatic ties, India has announced a reduction in the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. The number of diplomatic personnel in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 by May 1, 2025, down from the current 55. This reduction will further limit the scope of bilateral interactions between the two countries.

Pakistan's Reaction and Retaliatory Measures

Pakistan has vehemently denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, condemning the Indian government's response as "immature and hasty." Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that India has not provided any evidence linking Pakistan to the attack.

In response to India's measures, Pakistan has announced a series of retaliatory actions, including:

• Suspension of the Simla Agreement: Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the 1972 Simla Agreement.
• Closure of Airspace for India: Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian flights.
• Suspension of Trade Activities: Pakistan has suspended all trade activities with India.

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) has rejected India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating that the treaty is a binding international agreement and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.

International Response and Condemnation

The Pahalgam attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Leaders across the globe have expressed solidarity with India and the victims' families.

• French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "barbarism" displayed in the attack.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the "terrible" terror attack on Indian soil.
• US President Donald Trump called the incident "an act of savage hatred" and declared that the United States stands strong with India against terrorism.

Security Measures and Investigation

Following the attack, security has been beefed up across the Kashmir Valley. The Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police have launched a joint combing operation in the Pahalgam region, expanding the search area to a 5-kilometer radius from the attack location. Additional checkpoints have been set up on highways and in sensitive areas, and quick reaction teams have been deployed near key installations and tourist hotspots.

The investigation into the attack is being led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Authorities have released sketches of three suspects and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to their capture.

Implications and Future Outlook

The Pahalgam attack and the subsequent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan have far-reaching implications for the region. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, in particular, could have significant economic and social consequences for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus River system for its water supply.

The closure of the Attari-Wagah border and the reduction of diplomatic ties will further limit interactions between the two countries, potentially hindering any future efforts at dialogue and reconciliation. The increased security measures in Kashmir could also impact tourism and economic activity in the region.

The situation remains volatile, and the possibility of further escalation cannot be ruled out. The international community has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. However, with deep-seated mistrust and a history of conflict, the path to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges.