April 22, 2025 — A devastating terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left 26 people dead, including 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal. The attack, reportedly carried out by militants from The Resistance Front—a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba—has triggered a severe diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan.

The Attack

According to security officials and eyewitnesses, the attackers targeted unarmed tourists, separating men from women and children before opening fire. The brutality of the attack has shocked the nation and drawn global condemnation.

India’s Response

The Indian government has swiftly taken a series of strong retaliatory measures:

• All visas for Pakistani nationals have been revoked, affecting students, patients, and professionals.

• Diplomatic ties have been downgraded, including the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats from New Delhi.

• The Indus Waters Treaty, a key agreement on water sharing signed in 1960, has been suspended.

• The Wagah border crossing, the main land route between India and Pakistan, has been closed until further notice.

Pakistan’s Reaction

In response, Pakistan has imposed countermeasures:

• It has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.

• All bilateral trade with India has been suspended.

• Islamabad has also issued a stern warning, stating that any Indian attempt to divert Indus waters would be viewed as an act of war.

International Reactions

World powers have responded with concern. The United States, United Kingdom, and China have condemned the attack and called for both countries to exercise restraint. International observers have stressed the dangers of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.

Domestic Response in India

Back home, the Indian government convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi. Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack and expressed unity in the face of cross-border terrorism. Security across India, especially in sensitive border areas, has been tightened.

Current Situation

The situation remains extremely tense, with both militaries on high alert and diplomatic channels virtually frozen. Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic intervention, the standoff could threaten regional stability and global security.