Tensions between South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neighbors escalated sharply this week following a deadly militant attack in India-administered Kashmir that left 26 dead. The attack, which took place on Tuesday in the scenic town of Pahalgam, has prompted a wave of diplomatic and retaliatory measures from both New Delhi and Islamabad, with concerns mounting over the suspension of a key water treaty between the two countries.
Speaking at a political rally in Bihar on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers,” Modi said in English, underscoring his government’s resolve.
The Indian government quickly pointed fingers at Pakistan, accusing it of backing the group responsible for the attack. A Telegram post by the so-called Kashmir Resistance claimed responsibility. India maintains the group is a front for Pakistan-based militants. Witnesses said the attackers selectively targeted non-Muslim tourists in the area.
Pakistan denied any involvement. At a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “India has time and again played the blame game. If there is proof, please share it with us and the world.”
India’s response was swift and sweeping. On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty—an unprecedented move. The treaty governs the shared use of six rivers between the two countries and is seen as a crucial lifeline for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Pakistan reacted strongly, calling the suspension an “act of war.” A statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office warned, “Water is a vital national interest… its availability will be safeguarded at all costs.”
Islamabad also took countermeasures, banning Indian aircraft from its airspace, expelling diplomats, and halting trade. Both sides will reduce embassy staff to 30 members each by the end of April.
Meanwhile, police in Kashmir released wanted posters for three suspected militants, naming two as Pakistani nationals and offering a reward for their capture. India has yet to provide public evidence linking Pakistan to the attack.
While calls for retaliation echoed on Indian news channels, analysts on both sides urged restraint. “India has a freer hand to escalate, but it would be doing so alone,” warned retired Indian army officer Ajai Shukla. Water experts also stressed the dangers of disrupting decades of water cooperation, noting that the suspension leaves a narrow path for dialogue to resume.
