India has announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead. The attack, which occurred at the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in the Himalayan region, has reignited long-standing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Indian government has closed the main border crossing between the two countries and suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a landmark 1960 agreement that governs water-sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries. In addition, several Pakistani diplomats have been expelled, with more set to follow, and Pakistani visa holders in India have been ordered to leave within 48 hours.
Indian authorities suspect the attack was carried out by a militant group known as the Kashmir Resistance. A massive manhunt for the perpetrators was ongoing as of Wednesday evening. Although Pakistan has strongly denied any involvement, India has hinted at Islamabad’s indirect responsibility, citing long-standing accusations that Pakistan harbors and supports militant groups operating in Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing justice and reaffirming India’s commitment to combating terrorism. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” Modi stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The attack, one of the deadliest in recent memory in Kashmir, targeted a group of tourists, many of whom were Hindu. Witness accounts suggest the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, creating panic and chaos among holidaymakers. At least one local Muslim man was also among the dead.
Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, warned that India’s response would not be limited to just the gunmen, but also those who conspired from behind the scenes. “We will reach those responsible,” he declared.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over the loss of lives and said its National Security Council would convene to discuss an official response.
The incident has drawn condemnation from around the world and sparked widespread mourning in India. Tourism stakeholders in Kashmir expressed shock, saying the region had long been a peaceful retreat for visitors. The tragedy, they fear, could harm the valley’s fragile tourism industry.
