Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, including a Nepalese national.
This incident, one of the deadliest since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has triggered a series of high-level diplomatic responses from New Delhi and renewed scrutiny on Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror group believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to Indian intelligence sources, one of the main accused, Adil Ahmed Thoker, reportedly crossed over into Pakistan years ago, received terrorist training, and infiltrated back into India alongside Pakistani militants to carry out the assault.
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In a public statement made at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded to the growing international pressure by expressing willingness to cooperate in an independent inquiry.
He stated that Pakistan is open to participating in a neutral, transparent, and credible investigation into the attack, emphasizing that the cycle of accusations between the two nations must end. The Pakistani Prime Minister reiterated his country’s official position, claiming Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Sharif’s remarks were supported by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, in an interview with The New York Times, echoed Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate with any investigation led by international inspectors. However, India remains firm in its belief that concrete action—not statements—is necessary to curb the persistent threat of state-supported terrorism.
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Reacting strongly to the April 23 attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the aftermath, several decisive steps were taken by the Indian government aimed at diplomatically isolating Pakistan.
Among the key measures announced was the downgrading of diplomatic staff in both countries. The strength of each nation’s high commission will be reduced significantly by the beginning of May.
India has also expelled all military advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata, while simultaneously withdrawing its own military personnel from Islamabad.
In another strong move, India suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals and cancelled all existing visas issued under the program.
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The only operational land crossing between the two countries—the Integrated Check Post at Attari—has also been ordered to shut down. Pakistani citizens in India via this route have been asked to return before the deadline.
Perhaps the most symbolic decision came with the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a historic agreement between the two nations. Indian officials have stated that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan demonstrably halts its support for terrorism across the border.
Amid these sweeping diplomatic measures, ceasefire violations have added to the mounting tension. For two consecutive nights, Pakistani forces have reportedly engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting retaliation from Indian troops. No casualties have been reported, but the situation remains volatile.
As global attention turns toward South Asia, the Pahalgam terror attack serves as a grim reminder of the fragile peace between two nuclear-armed neighbors. While Islamabad calls for a neutral investigation, New Delhi is demanding accountability. With both sides hardening their positions, the possibility of diplomatic de-escalation remains uncertain.
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