The terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people—mostly tourists—has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, stoking fears of a potential military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. India quickly blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the attack, responding with strong measures including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and revoking Pakistani nationals’ visas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the Indian military full discretion to choose the timing and method of retaliation, suggesting the possibility of cross-border military strikes.

Pakistan, denying any involvement, reacted by suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, closing airspace and trade routes to India, and expelling Indian diplomats. Islamabad claimed to have “credible intelligence” about an impending Indian strike within 24–36 hours and vowed to respond “forcefully” if provoked.

In the midst of the mounting crisis, Pakistan’s envoy to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, made an urgent appeal to President Donald Trump to intervene diplomatically. He described Kashmir as the most dangerous nuclear flashpoint in the world and pushed for a long-term U.S.-led initiative to resolve the issue. Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also called for global intervention to prevent further escalation.

Skirmishes erupted along the Line of Control (LoC) on April 24, with both sides accusing each other of unprovoked attacks and drone violations. India responded by demolishing homes of suspected militants in Pulwama and Kulgam, while Pakistan deployed heavy artillery, including M110 guns, in the Leepa Valley. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that India would go after not just the attackers but their supporters, indicating the possibility of strikes inside Pakistani territory. In turn, Pakistan labeled India’s suspension of water-sharing treaties an “act of war,” intensifying its rhetoric.

The U.S. and U.N. stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate discussions with leaders from both countries, urging de-escalation. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supported India’s right to defend itself but cautioned against excessive retaliation. However, with much of the global focus on other crises, external pressure on India remained limited. China, while backing Pakistan diplomatically, also called for calm from both nations, attempting to maintain a delicate balance.

The breakdown of long-standing agreements such as the Indus Waters Treaty and Simla Agreement has deepened instability in the region. Experts warn that any dramatic Indian retaliation could set off a dangerous tit-for-tat chain reaction, though some believe the situation may stay within the bounds of previous “managed hostilities.” The involvement of nuclear-armed countries and Pakistan’s push to internationalise the Kashmir issue highlight the gravity of the crisis, with miscalculation posing serious threats to regional peace. As military tensions rise and diplomacy falters under the strain of mutual blame, the global community faces growing urgency to seek long-term solutions instead of short-term ceasefires, to prevent further cycles of violence.