What's happened
Following a deadly attack in Kashmir that killed 26, the US has called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. Both nations have exchanged gunfire along their border, with India accusing Pakistan of involvement in the attack, which Islamabad denies. Tensions are at a high, with military responses anticipated.
What's behind the headline?
Current Tensions
- The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged with both nations, emphasizing the need for peace and security in South Asia.
- India has granted its military operational freedom to respond to threats, while Pakistan claims to have credible intelligence of an impending Indian attack.
Implications
- The ongoing border skirmishes and diplomatic expulsions signal a deterioration in relations, reminiscent of past conflicts over Kashmir.
- Both countries are nuclear-armed, raising the stakes of any military confrontation.
Future Outlook
- Continued military posturing could lead to further escalation unless diplomatic channels are effectively utilized.
- The international community, particularly the US, will likely play a crucial role in mediating tensions to prevent conflict.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, the US has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the Pahalgam attack, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing the need for cooperation. The Japan Times highlights that both nations have expelled diplomats and closed airspace, indicating a rapid deterioration in relations. The Independent notes that Modi's government has vowed to punish those responsible for the attack, while Pakistan has warned of retaliation if military action is taken. South China Morning Post reports that Pakistan's officials claim to have credible intelligence of an imminent Indian military strike, further heightening tensions.
How we got here
The situation escalated after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, while Pakistan has denied involvement and warned of retaliation against any military action from India.
Go deeper
- What are the historical tensions between India and Pakistan?
- How has the US responded to similar conflicts in the past?
- What are the potential consequences of military action?
More on these topics
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Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and businessman who is currently serving as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, in office since 11 April 2022. He is the current president of the Pakistan Muslim League.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.
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Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.