Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified Thursday as both nations exchanged diplomatic blows following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
India and Pakistan entered a fresh diplomatic crisis Thursday following a deadly attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, mainly tourists. In response, India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, closed the main land border, and withdrew from a key water-sharing treaty. Pakistan retaliated by expelling Indian military advisors, cancelling Indian visas—excluding Sikh pilgrims—and shutting airspace and trade routes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to “punish all those responsible to the ends of the Earth.” New Delhi blamed “cross-border terrorism,” identifying two Pakistani nationals among the attackers. Pakistan denied involvement but convened a rare national security meeting. “This attack is going to take relations a long way back to the dark days,” said analyst Praveen Donthi. Experts warn India may consider military options, echoing the 2019 Pulwama attack response. “There is a strong likelihood of some type of Indian military retaliation,” said US-based analyst Michael Kugelman.