India has ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 72 hours after a militant attack in Kashmir killed 26 tourists. Tensions have been rising between the two historical rivals since the tragedy, with fears that conflict could break out between the two nuclear-armed nations.
| Published April 24, 2025
a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal, with 17 others injured. The attack, carried out by the militant group Kashmir Resistance, has led to a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan has denied involvement and condemned the attack. In response, India has taken several measures, including downgrading diplomatic ties, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and closing the main border crossing. Pakistan has retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian flights and suspending all bilateral trade. Both nations have hinted at possible military responses, raising concerns of further escalation in the region.
The attack has disrupted a period of relative calm and growing tourism in the region, and has drawn strong condemnation from world leaders. The situation remains tense, with both countries on high alert and the international community closely monitoring developments.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons surrounding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly attack in Kashmir:
✅ PROS (From India’s Perspective and Regional Security)
1. Stronger National Security Response
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India’s tough actions, such as expelling Pakistani nationals and closing borders, demonstrate a commitment to national security and send a clear message that cross-border terrorism will not be tolerated.
2. Pressure on Pakistan
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By suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties, India puts pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorist activities and take responsibility for militants operating from its territory.
3. Unified National Sentiment
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The attack has led to strong national unity within India, with widespread public support for the government’s tough stance, which could translate into political backing and strength.
4. International Attention and Support
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The global outcry against terrorism in Kashmir and India’s firm response might result in international support for India’s stance on combating terrorism and defending its territorial integrity.
❌ CONS (From a Geopolitical and Humanitarian Perspective)
1. Escalation Toward Conflict
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The closure of borders and retaliatory actions increase the risk of military conflict, with both nations, nuclear powers, on high alert. This could trigger an all-out war or even a nuclear confrontation.
2. Humanitarian Impact
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The closure of borders and rising tensions may disrupt lives of ordinary civilians, including those reliant on trade, tourism, and daily cross-border interactions.
3. Economic Repercussions
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The suspension of trade, especially via the Indus Waters Treaty, could hurt regional economies, especially for Pakistan, and might lead to broader economic instability in South Asia.
4. Stalled Peace Process
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The attack has derailed any hopes of dialogue between India and Pakistan, prolonging the conflict and making future peace negotiations more difficult.
5. Global Diplomacy at Risk
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The situation is testing the ability of international players to broker peace or de-escalation. Global diplomacy could be strained, with increasing polarization in international relations surrounding the Kashmir conflict.
Conclusion
The recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has ignited a fierce escalation in the already volatile India-Pakistan relationship, leading to heightened tensions and significant diplomatic fallout. India’s response, including expelling Pakistani nationals, closing borders, and suspending critical agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, signals the seriousness with which it views the attack and the potential for further conflict.
This situation underscores the precariousness of the region, where the specter of nuclear escalation looms, and the delicate balance of peace is continually threatened by militant actions and cross-border terrorism. As both nations brace for possible military confrontation, the international community must urgently seek a diplomatic path forward to prevent further violence and ensure stability in South Asia. The future of Kashmir remains at the heart of this ongoing dispute, and the attack has only deepened the mistrust between India and Pakistan.
SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – India orders ALL Pakistani nationals to leave the country and slams borders shut amid growing fears nuke-armed rivals are heading for war after massacre of tourists in Kashmir
AP NEWS – India and Pakistan ramp up tit-for-tat spat as tensions mount over Kashmir attack
POLITICO – India blames Pakistan for deadly attack in Kashmir
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