India and Pakistan have recently taken serious steps to restrict travel between their countries. This decision follows a deadly attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. The attack occurred in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist spot in the region both nations claim.
In response to the violence, India announced on Thursday that it would revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. This change will take effect on Sunday. The Indian government has also advised its citizens against traveling to Pakistan. Additionally, India has reduced the number of diplomatic staff in Pakistan and closed the only operational land border crossing between the two countries.
India blames Pakistan for the attack, linking it to "cross-border" terrorism, although no concrete evidence has been made public. Pakistan has denied these accusations, and a new militant group called Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Pakistan reacted by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending all trade with India. This airspace closure means that Air India will have to reroute flights to destinations in the UK, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, leading to longer travel times.
The tensions have escalated further, with protests erupting in both countries. In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss India’s actions. He warned that any disruption to water supplies from India would be viewed as an "act of war." The two countries have a long-standing treaty regarding water sharing, which is crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack "to the ends of the Earth." Indian authorities have named three suspects linked to the attack, two of whom are reportedly Pakistani nationals.
The conflict over Kashmir has a long history, with both nations controlling parts of the region but claiming it entirely. Despite a ceasefire agreement in 2021, tensions have remained high, and this latest incident has reignited fears of violence in an area that has seen significant bloodshed over the years.
The situation remains fluid, and both countries are on edge as they navigate this latest round of hostility.