The popular tourist destination of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was struck by a horrific terror attack on April 22, 2025, claiming the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and a series of strong responses from India on both domestic and international fronts.
Initial reports indicated that the attackers, believed to be a mix of Pakistani nationals and local insurgents, were heavily armed and even used bodycams to film the assault. This brazen act was not only aimed at causing casualties but also at grabbing international attention and undermining India's image, particularly when a high-profile visit from US Vice President JD Vance was underway. The terrorists also aimed to disrupt the economic progress Kashmir has witnessed since the revocation of Article 370.
In the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia, convened a high-level security meeting in Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a "loud and clear" response. Security forces launched a massive hunt for the perpetrators, with the Jammu and Kashmir police, the army, and the CRPF joining forces.
Adding to the immediate disruption, airlines drastically increased fares for those trying to leave Srinagar, with prices soaring as high as nine times the usual rate. The government intervened by capping prices to prevent exploitation.
India's response extended beyond its borders. New Delhi revoked all visas for Pakistani nationals, ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours. It also halted all trade with Pakistan, and expelled Pakistani diplomats. Prime Minister Modi declared that the terrorists and their backers would face unimaginable punishment and be pursued to the ends of the earth.
In a significant military action, the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 7, 2025. Codenamed 'Operation Sindoor,' the strikes targeted nine sites from where the Pahalgam attacks were planned and directed.
The international community has largely stood with India, condemning the terror attack. Leaders including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ursula Von Der Leyen expressed their condolences and support. However, a statement from Colombia expressing condolences for casualties in Pakistan following Operation Sindoor drew criticism from India. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation to the Americas, conveyed India's disappointment, emphasizing the lack of equivalence between terrorists and those defending against them. Subsequently, Colombia withdrew its statement.
The Pahalgam attack and India's strong response have significantly heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation remains tense, with Kashmir bracing for potential further escalation while the Indian government maintains its firm stance against terrorism.
