Navneet Nishant
New Delhi, May 1: India signaled a hardening stance against Pakistan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving security forces “full freedom” to respond following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 civilians, mostly Hindus, dead. The move has sparked regional tension and drawn strong international reactions.
The April 22 assault in Pahalgam, described by Indian authorities as a religiously motivated attack, has prompted New Delhi to prepare for possible military retaliation and implement sweeping diplomatic measures against Islamabad. Meanwhile, the US has urged both India and Pakistan to “de-escalate tensions” and “maintain peace and security in South Asia”.
The Indian armed forces have “full freedom to determine the timing, target and response mode,” Modi told top security officials on April 29. Among the retaliatory steps announced by India: suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, a ban on Pakistani nationals entering the country, expulsion of Pakistani military advisors and a reduction in diplomatic staff at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.
The attack, which also killed a Nepali tourist, has been widely condemned by world leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his country’s commitment to anti-terror cooperation with India, stating, “There can be no justification for this brutal crime.”
“We expect that its sponsors and perpetrators will be duly punished… I would like to reiterate the readiness for further strengthening of cooperation with the Indian partners in the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism,” he said as per the Russian embassy in India.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as “deeply disturbing” and added, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism.” Vice President JD Vance, visiting India at the time, posted condolences online, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism,” while French Ambassador Thierry Mathou echoed similar sentiments, calling the strike “dastardly.”
Despite global condemnation, tensions with Pakistan continue to escalate. Islamabad denied involvement in the attack and warned of possible Indian aggression. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday said that Pakistan has credible evidence that India intends to carry out military action against Pakistan in the coming days.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar pointed to Kashmir as the underlying cause of conflict. “The root cause of tension in the region is the unresolved issue of Kashmir,” Dar said at a press briefing.
Earlier today, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar posted on X: “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio (Secretary of State Marco Rubio) yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, a brief exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops was reported along the Line of Control on Wednesday, a Pakistani military source said, raising fears of further escalation.
