Intensified Conflict Between India and Pakistan: Causes Examined

Revamped Dispatch:

India-Pakistan tensions have intensified following a devastating militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, taking place on April 22, 2025. It's considered one of the deadliest terrorist attacks to hit the region in recent times. At least 25 Indian citizens and one Nepalese citizen lost their lives in the brutal attack.

The carnage unfolded at a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam when four gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, holidaying at the picturesque Baisaran meadow—dubbed "mini Switzerland". In the aftermath, over 3 dozen people were injured according to reports.

Following the massacre, Indian authorities have tagged it as a "terror attack", with cross-border links implicated, with blame placed firmly on Pakistan for backing it. Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement. The culpable group, called the Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility for the attack, reportedly a splinter group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Since the appalling incident, Pakistan's military has been on high alert, following credible intelligence indicating that India may stage an attack. Despite this, Pakistan's defense minister has threatened the possibility of an 'all-out war' between the two nations, advising the world to be worried[1].

In retaliation, both countries have taken several measures:

Reciprocal visa measures: India has revoked visas issued to nationals of both countries, with Pakistan reciprocating the move.
Suspension of trade: Both countries have halted bilateral trade.
Expelling military advisors: India expelled Pakistan's military advisors, while Pakistan responded by doing the same.
Closure of airspace and border crossings: India has closed several airspace entries and border crossings with Pakistan[2].

What's more disturbing is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, a move viewed by Pakistan as an act of war[2]. The 1960 treaty is essential for supporting agriculture and hydropower for Pakistan's 240 million people. Suspending it could lead to severe water shortages in a region already struggling with drought and declining rainfall. So far, New Delhi has refused to back down.

The rising tensions have sparked significant global concern, with both United Nations and foreign dignitaries calling for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing crisis[2]. The possible risk of nuclear conflict is a chilling reminder of past events—a study from 2019 predicted a nuclear confrontation in 2025, triggered by a high-casualty terror attack[3]. Although unlikely, the ongoing hostilities are cause for deep concern[3].

This tense standoff further complicates relations between the two neighboring countries, who have a troubled history of conflicts and disagreements, primarily over the disputed land of Kashmir. Militant insurgents have resisted Indian rule in Kashmir for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the separatist movement aimed towards merging the region with Pakistan or gaining independence[4]. The dispute remains one of the region's most contentious issues.

In the wake of the baseless allegations, Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Asif expressed concern about the potential escalation and warned that Pakistan was prepared for any eventuality.
The suicide attack in Kashmir, claimed by the Kashmir Resistance, a splinter group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has ignited a war-and-conflicts-related politics, causing deep concern in general-news and crime-and-justice circles.
Amidst the conflict, escalation, and possible nuclear threat, foreign dignitaries and the United Nations have called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the growing crisis.
The ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have led to reciprocal visa measures, suspension of trade, expulsion of military advisors from both countries, and closure of airspace entries and border crossings.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, a move viewed by Pakistan as an act of war, could potentially lead to severe water shortages in a region already struggling with drought and declining rainfall.
Lavrov, international politics observer, highlighted that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, rooted in their historical conflict and the disputed land of Kashmir, have complicated relations between the neighboring countries, with militant insurgents resisting Indian rule in Kashmir for decades.