Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, where 26 lives were tragically lost, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly stated that any future engagement with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral. This declaration comes amidst heightened tensions and a series of retaliatory actions between the two nations.

The Pahalgam attack, perpetrated by terrorists identified as belonging to The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has had a profound impact on India-Pakistan relations. The incident, which involved the point-blank shooting of tourists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, triggered a series of unprecedented diplomatic and military responses from India.

In the wake of the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on April 23, a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries since 1960. Pakistan responded by putting the Simla Agreement on hold, along with all other bilateral accords, citing India's "non-adherence to international law, cross-border aggression, and fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan."

India then launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting terror-related sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This military operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, with India asserting its commitment to holding those responsible accountable. The operation involved precision airstrikes on terror camps, leading to an escalation of hostilities as Pakistan targeted Indian military establishments in retaliation.

The conflict saw intense clashes, including the use of drones, missiles, and long-range weapons. On May 10, an understanding was reached between the Director Generals of Military Operations of both sides to stop all firings and military actions. However, this ceasefire was short-lived, with Pakistan allegedly violating it soon after by launching new drone swarms, which were intercepted by Indian forces.

Amidst these developments, claims arose from the U.S. suggesting that Washington played a role in brokering the truce. However, Jaishankar has refuted these claims, emphasizing that the cessation of hostilities was a result of direct negotiations between India and Pakistan. He clarified that India made it clear to everyone, including the U.S., that any de-escalation had to come directly from Pakistan, with their general contacting the Indian general to signal their readiness to stop firing.

Jaishankar has also stated that the continuation of Operation Sindoor serves a strategic purpose, sending a clear message that India will respond decisively to any future terror attacks. He asserted that India will not hesitate to strike terrorists in Pakistan if such threats persist.

Furthermore, Jaishankar addressed the issue of Kashmir, stating that it is an integral part of India and not up for negotiation. He clarified that the only discussion India is willing to have with Pakistan regarding Kashmir is the vacation of the illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The international community has also weighed in on the situation. The UN Security Council has underlined the need to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack accountable. However, India has made it clear that it views the Kashmir issue as a bilateral matter and rejects any third-party intervention.

Meanwhile, a month after the Pahalgam attack, the perpetrators remain at large, despite a massive crackdown by security forces. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation and questioned numerous suspects. While several top terrorists have been killed in various operations, the specific individuals responsible for the Pahalgam massacre have eluded capture thus far.

The impact of the Pahalgam attack on the tourism sector in the region has been significant. Tourist spots in Pahalgam, once bustling with activity, have fallen silent, and hotel occupancy rates have plummeted. Hoteliers are hopeful that the situation will improve and that tourists will eventually return to the valley.