Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorists, resulted in the cold-blooded killing of innocent Hindu civilians. India has confirmed that the assault was orchestrated with the direct support of the Pakistani military.
In response, India has taken multiple stringent actions. It suspended all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and ordered all Pakistani citizens currently in India to leave immediately. The Attari Integrated Check Post was shut down, and the long-standing Indus Water Treaty was suspended. India also closed its airspace to Pakistani aircraft and banned entry of all ships flying the Pakistani flag at Indian ports. Further, India halted all imports from Pakistan and suspended all mail and parcel exchanges.
Internationally, India is lobbying to cut off Pakistan’s funding by pushing for its inclusion in the FATF blacklist, arguing that Pakistan uses international aid to fund terrorism.
India has delivered a severe blow to Pakistan’s economy and appears fully prepared for military action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, granted the armed forces complete autonomy to retaliate as they see fit.
Subsequently, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh met separately with the Prime Minister to brief him on the preparedness of their respective forces. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also updated Modi on the overall combat readiness.
The Indian Navy has been conducting intense exercises in the Arabian Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone. Warships like INS Surat have successfully completed strategic drills to demonstrate India’s deterrence capabilities. Naval ships are also stationed near the international maritime boundary off the Gujarat coast. Warnings have been issued to commercial ships to avoid these zones during the exercises.
Meanwhile, Pakistani troops have been persistently violating ceasefire norms in the Jammu and Kashmir region for the past 11 days by opening fire at night. The Indian Army has responded promptly with retaliatory action.
Amidst this, over 7,000 employees of India’s ordnance factories have had their leave cancelled, and all arms production units have ramped up operations.
On the Pakistani side, the situation is dire. After exporting large quantities of ammunition to Ukraine, Pakistan is now facing a shortage of artillery shells and explosives. Their weapons factories are reportedly operating at reduced capacity due to outdated and malfunctioning equipment. According to reports from a recent Pakistani Army commanders’ meeting, high-ranking officials admitted they are ill-prepared to counter the Indian military.
The exact time, location, and nature of India’s retaliatory strike remain classified. However, international observers suggest that India’s military response may mark the beginning of the end for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
