Tension as India, Pakistan cancel visas, trade ties amid Kashmir attack

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after a deadly gunmen attack in Kashmir on Tuesday April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, revoked all visas for Pakistani nationals, and ordered those in India to leave soon.

According to reports, the government also closed its only land border crossing with Pakistan and reduced diplomatic staff in both countries.

India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960.

Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending all trade with India, including third-party transactions.

The militant assault, claimed by an unknown group named Kashmir Resistance, shocked the nation and sparked angry reactions.

Pakistan denied involvement and accused India of issuing provocative and belligerent statements without basis.

Pakistan’s National Security Committee pledged to defend its sovereignty, warning of “full-spectrum” retaliation if provoked.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh vowed to find and punish the attackers and those behind the plot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a rally India would pursue terrorists and their supporters relentlessly and without compromise.

India advised its citizens to avoid travel to Pakistan and urged those currently there to return immediately.

Diplomatic staff in New Delhi and Islamabad will be cut from 55 to 30 by May 1.

The attack added pressure on Modi’s government, already under scrutiny for its hardline Kashmir policy.

Kashmiris reacted with protests, marches, and market shutdowns, fearing another wave of unrest and tourism decline.

Hotel owners said panic had spread, and potential tourists may now cancel travel plans.

Pakistanis protested outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, denouncing India’s suspension of the water treaty.

Analysts warned of potential military escalation as nationalist rhetoric dominates public and political discourse in both countries.

Experts said India’s actions could harm Pakistan’s economy but also limit diplomatic options for future crises.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over Kashmir, since independence in 1947.

A 2021 ceasefire still technically holds, but trust between the nuclear-armed rivals is quickly deteriorating.

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