THE GLOBAL CHRONICLE
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Front Page – International Section
By Ayesha Karim – International Affairs Editor
New Delhi/Islamabad — Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared to dangerous levels once again after a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir triggered military responses, diplomatic offensives, and severe economic and environmental threats between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
What began as a local tragedy has rapidly escalated into one of the most precarious moments in India–Pakistan relations since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
A Terrorist Attack Ignites the Fire
On April 22, 2025, gunmen stormed a crowded tourist area in Pahalgam, a town in Kashmir’s Anantnag district, killing 26 civilians, including women and children, and injuring dozens more. Indian intelligence agencies quickly blamed the assault on Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, two Pakistan-based militant groups.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as "a declaration of war on peace," vowing retaliation. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s High Commissioner within hours, presenting evidence allegedly linking the attack to handlers in Rawalpindi.
“Operation Sindoor”: India's Military Response
On the night of May 7, India launched a series of precision missile strikes targeting camps and logistical nodes allegedly used by terrorist groups in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and across the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army later confirmed the operation as "Operation Sindoor."
In a televised address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated:
"This is not just a response; it is a message. India will not tolerate bloodshed of innocents. The perpetrators and their protectors will face consequences.”
Pakistan, however, painted a very different picture. The government in Islamabad accused India of violating its sovereignty and reported at least 18 civilian casualties, including women and children, from the missile strikes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, promising “a measured and firm response.”
India Moves to Isolate Pakistan on Global Stage
In a significant shift from rhetoric to diplomacy, India has launched a multi-pronged campaign to isolate Pakistan on the international front. Sources in New Delhi confirmed that Indian diplomats are working to:
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Re-list Pakistan on the FATF grey list, citing “continued tolerance and financing of terrorism.”
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Block World Bank development loans to Pakistan, arguing the funds could be diverted to extremist networks.
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Rally support from G20 and QUAD partners to condemn Pakistan’s alleged sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.
These moves come after India hosted emergency diplomatic briefings in Washington, Brussels, and Tokyo, presenting intelligence dossiers on terrorist activity emanating from Pakistani territory.
The Indus Waters Treaty – A Strategic Chokehold
Perhaps the most provocative development came on May 22, when Prime Minister Modi announced the suspension of India’s compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The historic 1960 agreement, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of rivers between the two countries.
“Not a single drop of water that is rightfully ours will flow into Pakistan,” Modi declared.
Experts warn this move could devastate Pakistan’s agriculture sector, which depends heavily on rivers like the Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi—all of which originate in Indian-controlled territory. Pakistan’s Foreign Office called the decision “an act of water terrorism.”
Military Readiness and Skirmishes Along the LoC
Reports of exchange of fire along the LoC have surged since the first week of May. Indian Army Chief General Anil Chauhan issued a strong statement:
“Even if Pakistan moves its military headquarters to the Khyber Pass, India has the ability to strike them there. Distance is not protection.”
Pakistan has responded by reinforcing its forward posts and placing its air force on high alert. Unconfirmed reports suggest deployment of short-range ballistic missile systems near the Punjab border.
Meanwhile, commercial aviation has also been affected. On May 20, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar was forced to return mid-flight after being denied permission to reroute due to restricted airspace, highlighting the growing civilian impact.
World Reacts: Fears of Wider Conflict
The international community has expressed grave concern. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to exercise restraint and offered mediation. China, a close ally of Pakistan, called for "calm dialogue," while the United States offered to facilitate backchannel diplomacy through its embassies in both capitals.
“Any conflict between nuclear-armed nations poses a global threat,” warned U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a press conference.
The European Union, Russia, and Japan have all issued travel advisories for the region, while international markets have seen minor volatility due to fears of escalation.
Civilians Bear the Brunt
In border villages near Jammu and Rawalakot, residents have reported shelling, displacement, and food shortages. Relief operations are underway, but fear looms large.
“We just want peace. Our children are scared of the sound of planes,” said Gul Begum, a 60-year-old resident of Kupwara district in Kashmir.
Conclusion: A Time for Dialogue or Disaster?
While both India and Pakistan maintain that they are acting in “self-defense,” analysts believe the current trajectory is unsustainable. With two nuclear powers exchanging threats, the risk of miscalculation is high.
Dr. Ahsan Raza, a former diplomat and South Asia expert, notes:
“This is no longer just about Kashmir. This is a full-spectrum rivalry with military, economic, diplomatic, and environmental dimensions. It’s time the world pays attention before it’s too late.”
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