What's happened
On April 28, 2025, India reported responding to 'unprovoked' small arms fire from Pakistan along the Kashmir border for the fourth consecutive night. This escalation follows a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir that killed 26 people, with India accusing Pakistan of involvement, which Islamabad denies.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Escalation of Conflict: The ongoing skirmishes along the Line of Control indicate a significant rise in military tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations. The situation is precarious, with fears of broader military escalation.
- Political Ramifications: The Indian government is under pressure to respond decisively to the attack, which has led to increased military exercises and a crackdown on suspected militants. This could further alienate the local population in Kashmir, complicating the security situation.
- International Dynamics: China's call for restraint highlights the international concern regarding the stability of the region. Both India and Pakistan's actions could have wider implications for regional security and international relations.
- Public Sentiment: The attack has sparked outrage in India, with calls for action against Pakistan. However, local leaders in Kashmir urge caution to avoid harming innocent civilians, indicating a complex local sentiment that may not align with national narratives.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, India has accused Pakistan of funding terrorism in Kashmir, following the deadly attack that killed 26 people. The Indian Army reported responding to 'unprovoked' fire from Pakistan, while the Pakistani military has not commented on the situation. Al Jazeera noted that the attack was the deadliest in a quarter-century, leading to extensive security operations in Kashmir, with around 500 people detained for questioning. The New York Times highlighted the political implications, noting that the Indian government is facing scrutiny over security lapses that allowed the attack to occur. Meanwhile, Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for a neutral investigation, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
How we got here
The recent tensions stem from an attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where militants killed 26 individuals, primarily targeting Hindus. India has since identified two suspects as Pakistani nationals, prompting a series of retaliatory measures from both nations.
Go deeper
- What led to the attack in Kashmir?
- How is the international community responding?
- What measures is India taking against Pakistan?
Common question
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More on these topics
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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.
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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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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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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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Pahalgam or Pahalgom is a town in Anantnag district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 2,200 m in the Vale of Kashmir.