In April 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The incident has led to intensified cross-border skirmishes, severed diplomatic ties, disrupted air travel, widespread public outrage, and significant international concern.
1. Cross-Border Skirmishes Intensify
On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing opposition to alleged demographic changes in the region.
In the aftermath, India and Pak exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) for two consecutive nights. Indian military officials reported unprovoked small arms fire from Pakistani positions, while Pakistan denied initiating the skirmishes and called for an international investigation. (India, Pakistan exchange gunfire for second day as ties fray after attack)
India responded by deploying its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to the Arabian Sea and conducting missile tests from the INS Surat, showcasing its naval capabilities amid rising tensions.
2. Diplomatic Relations Severed
The attack led to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations:
- India’s Actions:
- Suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement.
- Closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing and revoked all Pakistani visas.
- Expelled Pakistani diplomats and reduced its diplomatic presence in Islamabad.
- Pakistan’s Response:
- Denied involvement in the attack and condemned the violence.
- Closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, causing significant flight disruptions.
- Suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement and halted all trade with India.
- Expelled Indian diplomats and suspended visa services for Indian nationals.
These actions mark an unprecedented breakdown in the diplomatic framework that has governed India-Pakistan relations for decades. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes)
3. Air Travel Disruptions
Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft has had a significant impact on air travel:
- Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are facing increased fuel costs and longer travel times as they reroute international flights.
- Flights from cities like New Delhi to destinations including New York, Azerbaijan, and Dubai are experiencing delays of up to 10 hours
- The rerouting affects approximately 1,200 scheduled flights in April and leads to increased operational costs due to longer flight paths and reduced cargo space. (Indian airlines to suffer higher costs, detours in ban from Pakistan airspace)
The airspace ban is expected to remain in effect until May 23, 2025.
4. Public Outrage and Security Crackdown
The Pahalgam attack has sparked widespread public outrage across India:
- Mass candlelight vigils and protests have been held in various cities, demanding justice for the victims.
- In Kashmir, Indian authorities have detained over 1,500 individuals and demolished homes of suspected militants as part of a security crackdown.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces intense domestic pressure to respond forcefully, balancing the need for security with the risk of further escalating tensions with Pakistan.
The attack has also led to a significant decline in tourism in the region, with many tourists canceling their plans amid safety concerns. (Grief, anger and a tourist exodus follow mass slaughter in Kashmir)
5. International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions:
- United Nations: Urged both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” and resolve issues diplomatically.
- United States: Issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing high risks of terrorism and civil unrest. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and reaffirmed support for India’s counterterrorism efforts.
- Iran: Offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
- United Kingdom and Russia: Issued travel advisories warning their citizens against traveling to Pakistan following the attack. (2025 India–Pakistan diplomatic crisis)
These reactions highlight the global concern over the potential for further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (The domestic pressures shaping India’s response to Kashmir attacks)
Conclusion
The April 2025 terrorist attack in Kashmir has led to a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, affecting diplomatic relations, military engagements, air travel, and public sentiment. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both nations to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid further conflict.
