Jammu — Relations between India and Pakistan have plunged into a new crisis following a deadly militant attack in the Kashmir Valley and ensuing cross-border skirmishes, raising fears of a deeper conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The current escalation began on April 22, when militants struck the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam — a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir — killing 26 Indian and foreign tourists and injuring 17 others. A group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility, citing resistance to alleged demographic changes in the region. Indian authorities swiftly blamed Pakistan-based groups for supporting the attackers, allegations Islamabad has firmly denied, calling instead for an independent international probe.
Tensions intensified further as Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) for two consecutive nights. Although the Indian Army labeled the incidents as unprovoked aggression, no casualties were reported on the Indian side. Pakistan has yet to officially comment on the exchanges.
On the diplomatic front, both nations have taken hardline steps. India suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty and expelled several Pakistani diplomats. In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights and suspended the Shimla Agreement, one of the pillars of India-Pakistan dialogue. These moves have effectively frozen official communication channels and fueled further instability.
The crisis has already begun to take an economic toll. Indian airlines are rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, causing longer travel times and higher costs. Meanwhile, investor anxiety has triggered a slide in Indian financial markets, with the rupee weakening against the U.S. dollar and the Nifty 50 Index falling.
International leaders have expressed deep concern. The United Nations has urged both sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. The United States, United Kingdom, and Russia have issued travel advisories, warning their citizens against visiting the region. Meanwhile, Iran has offered to mediate in hopes of de-escalating the crisis.
As both countries dig in, the world watches with apprehension, urging a peaceful solution before tensions spiral even further out of control.