Tensions between India and Pakistan are reaching critical levels, with Islamabad warning on Wednesday that it expects Indian military action within the next 24 to 36 hours following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The alert follows the 22 April assault near the popular resort town of Pahalgam, where 26 people were killed. India has blamed the attack on militants allegedly backed by Pakistan, claiming two of the three identified attackers are Pakistani nationals.
Pakistan has denied any involvement and says it has “credible intelligence” that India is planning a strike under the “pretext of baseless and concocted allegations.”
India-Pakistan Relations Deteriorating Rapidly
In an official statement released early Wednesday, Pakistan’s foreign office claimed that India is preparing imminent military action and warned that the situation could escalate further if steps are not taken to de-escalate.
India’s foreign and defence ministries have not commented on the allegations. However, Indian army officials stated they have responded to what they described as “unprovoked” small arms fire from Pakistani army positions in recent days. No casualties have been reported, and the Pakistan military has not issued a response.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue those responsible for the Kashmir attack, and sources told Reuters that he is expected to chair a high-level security meeting with key ministers, including those for defence, home affairs, and finance.
Diplomatic Fallout and Security Clampdown
In the wake of the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement with Pakistan regulating water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Additionally, local authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have shut down 48 of 87 tourist destinations in the region. Security has been significantly increased at the remaining sites, according to Reuters.
International Calls for Restraint
The United States and the United Kingdom have both called for calm. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with his counterparts in both India and Pakistan to prevent further escalation.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned in an interview with Sky News that the international community should be “worried” about the risk of open conflict, stressing that both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers.
Kashmir: The Ongoing Flashpoint
The Kashmir region remains a deeply contested territory, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but divided between them. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant activity in the region. Pakistan denies this, stating it only provides political and moral support to the Kashmiri cause for self-determination.
A group known as The Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the 22 April attack, though India insists it was orchestrated with Pakistani involvement.
With both sides increasing military readiness and issuing sharp warnings, the prospect of confrontation is growing more likely, prompting global concern about stability in the region.
