On April 22, 2025, a terrorist assault in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack .
India swiftly attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for retribution.
Diplomatic and Military Retaliation
In response, India implemented several punitive measures:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India announced the suspension of the 1960 World Bank-mediated Indus Waters Treaty, halting the sharing of river data and flood warnings, and threatening to divert water flows .
Diplomatic Expulsions: Both nations expelled each other’s diplomats, reducing their diplomatic presence to a minimum .
Closure of Wagah-Attari Border: India closed the Wagah-Attari border, the only road crossing between the two countries, effectively halting passenger and limited trade movements .
Military Engagements: Clashes erupted along the Line of Control, with both sides exchanging small arms fire. An Indian Border Security Force soldier was captured by Pakistan Rangers after inadvertently crossing the border .
Pakistan condemned India’s actions, describing the suspension of the water treaty as “water warfare” and warning of comprehensive retaliation .
International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions:
United Nations: The UN has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and resolve the issue through diplomatic means.
United States: President Donald Trump condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with India, emphasizing the need for both nations to seek peaceful resolutions .
Russia and United Kingdom: Both countries issued travel advisories, warning their citizens against traveling to Pakistan due to increased security risks
