A deadly attack in the scenic tourist town of Pahalgam in Kashmir has reignited dangerous tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. With 26 lives lost and dozens injured, the Indian government is calling for justice while Pakistan warns against any military aggression.
India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that those responsible — including their sponsors and planners — must face justice. The conversation came as the U.S. urged both countries to de-escalate and focus on diplomacy.
According to survivors and officials, the attackers segregated victims by religion before opening fire at close range. The brutality of the assault, which targeted innocent tourists, has shocked the nation and drawn global concern.
India has identified three militants, including two Pakistani nationals, as those behind the attack. The Indian government believes this was part of a larger pattern of cross-border terrorism and has accused Pakistan of aiding such operations — a claim Islamabad firmly denies. Pakistan has instead called for a neutral international investigation.
The U.S. expressed strong support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism and urged Pakistan to assist with the investigation. Secretary Rubio’s conversations with both nations were meant to reduce the risk of further military conflict.
However, tensions continue to rise. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly given military chiefs a free hand to determine the country’s response. In turn, Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir, issued a stern warning: any misadventure by India would be met with a “swift and resolute” counterattack.
Amid these rising tensions, Pakistan-administered Kashmir has shut down all religious seminaries for 10 days, fearing they might be targets of Indian airstrikes. Tourist access to the scenic Neelum Valley has also been suspended, with ongoing evacuation efforts underway.
India has suspended its water-sharing treaty with Pakistan and both countries have closed their airspace to each other’s airlines. Military drills by the Indian navy are now active near the Pakistan border, signaling a state of high alert.
On the diplomatic front, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing involvement in training and financing terrorist groups. Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s right to defend itself.
Meanwhile, international players including the United Nations and China have called for calm. But with troop exchanges along the border and aggressive rhetoric on both sides, the region sits on a knife’s edge.
As the world watches closely, the hope is that justice can be pursued without plunging South Asia into deeper conflict.
