Deadly attack in Kashmir triggers diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan

Department of Research, Studies and International News 24-04-2025

In the wake of a brutal militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has taken decisive diplomatic and security measures, further straining its already tense relationship with Pakistan.

The assault, which occurred on Tuesday in the picturesque Pahalgam area of the Himalayan region, involved gunmen targeting a group of tourists. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers, allegedly Islamic militants, forced the victims to recite verses from the Quran, executing those who failed to comply. Among the deceased were 25 Indian nationals and one tourist from Nepal, making it the deadliest attack on civilians in the region since the 2008 Mumbai terror incident.

The Indian government, responding swiftly, closed a major land crossing with Pakistan, suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, and revoked visa exemptions previously granted to Pakistani nationals. Speaking at a press briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri cited cross-border links to the incident and emphasized the decision was reached after an urgent national security meeting. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed that those responsible, both the attackers and their enablers, would face a prompt and forceful response.

Pakistan, which has denied any involvement, announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would convene a national security council to assess the situation. The country’s foreign office issued a formal statement expressing sorrow over the deaths and offering condolences to the victims’ families.

Survivors of the massacre recounted harrowing scenes. Asavari Jagdale, who lost both her father and uncle in the attack, described how her family hid in a tent with others when the militants approached. Her father was killed after failing to recite an Islamic verse, she said. Another survivor, Debasish Bhattacharyya, credited his familiarity with Islamic prayers, acquired growing up in a Muslim community, for saving his life.

The militant group “Kashmir Resistance” has claimed responsibility, stating that the attack was a response to the demographic changes in the region following the settlement of tens of thousands of non-locals. They alleged that the targeted individuals were affiliated with Indian security agencies, though no evidence has been publicly presented to support the claim.

This violent episode has prompted a mass departure of tourists from Kashmir, with airlines adding flights to accommodate the sudden surge in demand. Local businesses, particularly those in tourism, expressed deep concern over the long-term impact. “This tragedy has stained our image forever,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local taxi driver.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia early to return and chair emergency meetings with national security officials. The incident coincided with the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to India, who condemned the attack as an “appalling act of terrorism.”

The broader context of the violence is rooted in ongoing tensions since 2019, when India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. Since then, civil liberties have eroded, and instances of targeted violence have increased, particularly against Hindus and migrant workers.

This attack marks another grim chapter in the volatile history of the region, with both nations now bracing for the diplomatic consequences.