In the wake of the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, the already fragile relations between India and Pakistan have plunged into a new low. India’s swift and decisive diplomatic, military, and strategic response has sent a clear signal of zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism. However, this has also provoked a belligerent reaction from Islamabad, which now threatens escalation amid mounting global concern.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 at Baisaran Meadow—a scenic tourist hotspot in Jammu and Kashmir—marked the deadliest terror incident in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Despite a layered security setup, terrorists managed to breach the cordon and open fire on tourists, a move seen by Indian authorities as a targeted strike on peace and progress in the Valley.
In response, India launched a comprehensive diplomatic offensive. Pakistan’s top envoy, Saad Ahmad Warraich, was summoned, and military diplomats from Islamabad were declared persona non grata. Further tightening the screws, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and revoked Pakistani access under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. All visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand suspended, with a deadline of April 27 for their exit from the country, except for medical visas, which will expire on April 29.
The Ministry of External Affairs underscored that the attack bore unmistakable signs of cross-border support. “The timing is no coincidence—this assault came in the wake of successful elections and an uptick in economic development in the Union Territory. It is a calculated attempt to derail peace,” a government official said.
Reacting to these measures, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar issued a sharp warning. “If there is any challenge to Pakistan, then our army is ready. If anyone tries a misadventure again, the consequences will be worse than before,” Dar warned at a press briefing. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went a step further, stating, “If even one of our citizens has been martyred, we will make India pay through its nose.”
Islamabad’s decision to close its airspace to Indian-operated airlines is the latest in a series of tit-for-tat actions. While this adds logistical pressure on aviation links in the region, Indian officials remain firm. “Our actions are not symbolic. They are strategic, and they reflect the growing global consensus that terror cannot be tolerated,” a senior Indian diplomat noted.
Backing its diplomatic offensive with military demonstrations, India showcased its defence capabilities in a series of actions this week. The Indian Navy’s INS Surat successfully tested a medium-range surface-to-air missile, while the Indian Air Force executed ‘Exercise Aakraman,’ an extensive operational drill featuring Rafale jets and other premier fighter aircraft. These maneuvers serve a dual purpose—reassuring the Indian populace while signaling strength to potential adversaries.
The escalation comes at a time when regional peace is under intense strain, and any miscalculation could spiral into a wider conflict. The international community, though cautious in its remarks, is monitoring developments closely. India has already briefed key global partners, highlighting evidence of cross-border involvement and calling for unified condemnation of terror infrastructure across the border.
What remains to be seen is whether Pakistan’s rhetoric will give way to restraint or result in further provocation. In the broader context, India’s actions represent a strategic recalibration—one that blends hard power, diplomatic isolation, and internal consolidation in Kashmir.
As South Asia teeters on the brink of renewed hostility, one message rings loud and clear from New Delhi: acts of terror will not go unanswered, and national security will not be compromised
