Tensions lessened between regional nuclear powers India and Pakistan, averting a potential conflict. A chronicle of events detailing this de-escalation follows:
Penned down in the spring of 2025, here's an account of the whirlwind events that unfolded between India and Pakistan, pushed to the brink of war following the grisly massacre of tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Having a rich history of skirmishes and wars since their independence from British India in 1947, the latest conflict between these two neighboring nations was marked by its frequency and intensity. The breakdown of relations since 2019 seemed to take a drastic turn following the shooting spree.
On April 22, unidentified gunmen launched a deadly assault on tourists gathered at the popular Pahalgam resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir. A minimum of 26 civilians lost their lives, and 17 others were wounded. Survivors reported that the attackers specifically targeted Hindus before opening fire. Claiming responsibility for the massacre was the militant group Kashmir Resistance, allegedly backed by Pakistan.
As India began a manhunt for the assailants, relations plummeted further. Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack. The atrocity led to a series of escalating measures, including the downgrading of diplomatic ties, the closing of a major border crossing, the suspension of a water-sharing treaty, cancelled visas, shut down airspace, suspended trade, and hints of military action from government ministers on both sides.
On April 26, Indian troops traded fire with Pakistani soldiers along the de facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir region, raising serious concerns from the United Nations. Pakistan threatened to suspend the Line of Control agreement, a major and worrying step.
On May 1, flat on his heels, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called in senior officials from both nations to try and diffuse the tense situation. Euro-fueled rumors of a potential war between the two South Asian powers were quashed by the U.S. Vice President JD Vance, declaring the conflict none of their business.
As Indian missiles targeting terror sites deep within Pakistan left 31 civilians dead, the retaliation seemed to take a more violent turn. Pakistan engaged its drones, killing at least two civilians according to the Pakistani military. Amidst the chaos, the cricket tournament in India was suspended for a week, schools and other educational institutions shut down in parts of India and Pakistan, and flights remained suspended in northern and western regions of India.
In an unprecedented turn, both countries agreed to a ceasefire. The truce was first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, with senior officials from both sides confirming the deal. The hope, though tenuous, was that the ceasefire would bring a swift end to the military escalation and pave the way for peace talks between the two neighboring nations.
- The assault on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, fueled by the militant group Kashmir Resistance, allegedly backed by Pakistan, led to a significant deterioration in the already strained relations between India and Pakistan.
- As the matter escalated, the Indian government downgraded diplomatic ties, closed a major border crossing, and suspended a water-sharing treaty, among other measures, as tensions mounted.
- The business sector was also affected, with cancelled visas, shutdown airspace, suspended trade, and disrupted flights between the two countries.
- The political arena witnessed a frenzy of activities, with both countries hinting at military action, prompting concern from global bodies like the United Nations.
- Amidst the war-and-conflicts, educational institutions, such as schools, were shut down in parts of India and Pakistan, disrupting the education system.
- In the midst of the crises, the general-news was dominated by the escalating conflict and its impact on the people, with the car-accidents and crime-and-justice taking a backseat.
- The situation took a violent turn when the retaliation between the two nations left a total of 34 civilians dead, with both sides engaging in activities such as missile attacks and drone strikes.
- Despite the severity of the conflict, a ceasefire was eventually agreed upon by both countries, providing a glimmer of hope for peace talks and a return to normalcy.
