How the Pulwama Attack Changed India-Pakistan Relations

The Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The suicide bombing, carried out by a member of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), sent shockwaves across the nation and drastically impacted India-Pakistan relations. The aftermath of the attack saw heightened tensions, retaliatory military actions, diplomatic confrontations, and shifts in policy. This article explores how the Pulwama attack altered the dynamics between the two neighboring countries.

The Immediate Aftermath

Following the attack, India strongly condemned Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorist groups like JeM. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vowed to retaliate. In response, India withdrew Pakistan’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and imposed a 200% tariff on Pakistani goods, tightening economic restrictions. Diplomatic efforts were also intensified, as India launched a global campaign to expose Pakistan’s alleged role in harboring terrorism.

The Balakot Air Strikes

The most significant military response came on February 26, 2019, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an air strike in Balakot, Pakistan. The strikes targeted a JeM training camp and marked a shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. This was the first time India carried out air strikes deep within Pakistani territory since the 1971 war, signaling a more aggressive stance against cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan retaliated the next day with air strikes along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to an aerial dogfight. The conflict escalated further when Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s aircraft was shot down, and he was captured by Pakistan. However, in a diplomatic move, Pakistan released him on March 1, de-escalating tensions temporarily.

Diplomatic Fallout

The Pulwama attack led to severe diplomatic strain between India and Pakistan. India mounted pressure on the international community to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Several countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, condemned the attack and supported India's stance against terrorism. India also pushed for JeM chief Masood Azhar to be designated as a global terrorist, a move that was later successful at the United Nations Security Council in May 2019.

Pakistan, on the other hand, denied any involvement in the Pulwama attack and condemned the act of terrorism. However, its failure to take action against terrorist organizations operating on its soil further strained relations.

Impact on Bilateral Trade

Trade relations between India and Pakistan took a severe hit post-Pulwama. The withdrawal of MFN status and imposition of tariffs resulted in a drastic reduction in imports and exports between the two countries. In August 2019, after India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan completely suspended bilateral trade and downgraded diplomatic ties. The economic disengagement continues to affect businesses and people on both sides of the border.

Shift in India’s Counter-Terrorism Approach

The Pulwama attack changed India’s counter-terrorism policy significantly. The air strikes in Balakot demonstrated a shift from strategic restraint to proactive military action. This set a precedent for future responses to terrorist attacks originating from Pakistani soil. The event also prompted India to strengthen its defense mechanisms, enhance border security, and push for better intelligence-sharing with allied nations.

Changes in Regional and Global Politics

The attack also impacted South Asian geopolitics. India’s firm stance against terrorism and its military response reshaped the narrative on counter-terrorism efforts in the region. Pakistan faced increased pressure to take action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. This led to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placing Pakistan on its grey list, further affecting its economy and international reputation.

Additionally, India’s stance on cross-border terrorism gained support from global powers. This increased India’s diplomatic leverage in international forums and strengthened its alliances with countries that advocate for stronger action against terrorism.

Public Sentiment and Political Impact

In India, the Pulwama attack fueled nationalistic sentiment, with widespread public support for strong retaliation against Pakistan. The incident and the government’s response played a crucial role in shaping political narratives during the 2019 general elections. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) capitalized on the issue, emphasizing national security and strong leadership, which contributed to its electoral victory.

In Pakistan, the incident led to discussions on the consequences of harboring terrorist groups. However, internal political challenges and military influence over foreign policy limited any substantial action against such organizations.

Long-Term Impact on India-Pakistan Relations

The Pulwama attack deepened mistrust between India and Pakistan, making diplomatic dialogue more challenging. While previous attacks had led to tensions, the Balakot air strikes and subsequent responses established a new threshold for engagement. The normalization of relations remains unlikely without concrete action against terrorism from Pakistan’s side.

Border skirmishes along the LoC have continued, and formal diplomatic engagements have remained minimal. Confidence-building measures, such as people-to-people interactions and cultural exchanges, have significantly reduced. Both countries have also bolstered their military preparedness, indicating a more security-focused approach to their bilateral relationship.

Conclusion

The Pulwama attack marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations, altering the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. It led to increased military action, diplomatic isolation of Pakistan, economic disengagement, and a shift in counter-terrorism policies. While tensions between the two nations persist, the event reinforced India's commitment to combating terrorism and protecting its national security interests. The road to peace remains uncertain, with trust between the two neighbors at an all-time low. Until concrete measures are taken to eliminate terrorism, India-Pakistan relations will likely remain strained, with little scope for reconciliation in the near future.