India-Pakistan relations post Pahalgam terror attack: A timeline

Relations between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Timeline The terrorist attack that occurred on April 23, 2025, in Pahalgam was a critical flashpoint in the already tense relations that exist between India and Pakistan. The aftermath has been marked by swift diplomatic fallout, military posturing, and international concern, with dozens of civilians killed and many more injured. Below is a detailed timeline of events following the attack:

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The Attack and Immediate Reactions on April 23, 2025 The Attack:

Gunmen opened fire on a tourist bus near the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths and injuring more than 20 others. The Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan-affiliated Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. India's Response:

The attack was condemned by the Indian government as an act of cross-border terrorism. Swift and strong responses followed:

India ended the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 due to concerns about its own safety. All diplomatic visas for Pakistani citizens were cancelled. India expelled senior Pakistani diplomats, including military attachés, and announced the scaling down of its embassy in Islamabad.

Security forces were placed on high alert across the northern borders.

Pakistan's Refutation: Islamabad denied any involvement in the attack, despite its strong condemnation. The Foreign Office dismissed India’s allegations as “irresponsible and politically motivated.” Pakistani officials urged for an international investigation, warning that tampering with the Indus Waters Treaty would be a “red line.”

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April 24, 2025: Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions

Pakistan's Retaliation:

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan responded by:

Suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, stating that dialogue was no longer viable under the current circumstances.

Halting all bilateral trade and shutting down the Wagah border crossing.

Banning Indian overflights through Pakistani airspace and recalling its envoy from New Delhi.

Armed Conflicts: Reports of cross-border firing emerged from the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides exchanging small arms fire in the Uri and Poonch sectors. Though no casualties were confirmed, the skirmishes heightened fears of broader military escalation.

International Reactions:

The United Nations, United States, and several EU nations called for de-escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement urging both countries to exercise “maximum restraint.” The U.S. issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning citizens against all travel to the region.

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April 25, 2025: Ongoing Diplomatic Crisis

Continued Diplomatic Measures:

India maintained its suspension of diplomatic engagements and reiterated its position that bilateral talks would not resume until Pakistan took verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil.

Protests and Civil Unrest:

Major cities in India and Pakistan saw massive protests. In Delhi and Mumbai, demonstrators demanded justice for the victims and tougher action against Pakistan. In Lahore and Islamabad, crowds rallied against what they called India’s “aggression,” with some demanding military retaliation.

Global Concerns:

Geopolitical observers and analysts around the world warned of the dangers of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Despite the fact that both nations remained steadfastly opposed to outside intervention, calls for third-party mediation increased.

India-Pakistan Relations Post-Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Timeline

The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 23, 2025, marked a critical flashpoint in the already tense relations between India and Pakistan. With dozens of civilians killed and many more injured, the aftermath has been marked by swift diplomatic fallout, military posturing, and international concern. Below is a detailed timeline of events following the attack:


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April 23, 2025: The Attack and Immediate Reactions

The Attack:
Gunmen opened fire on a tourist bus near the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths and injuring more than 20 others. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

India's Response:
The Indian government condemned the attack as an act of cross-border terrorism. Swift and strong responses followed:

India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, citing national security concerns.

All diplomatic visas issued to Pakistani nationals were revoked.

India expelled senior Pakistani diplomats, including military attachés, and announced the scaling down of its embassy in Islamabad.

Security forces were placed on high alert across the northern borders.


Pakistan's Denial:
Islamabad strongly condemned the attack but denied any involvement. The Foreign Office dismissed India’s allegations as “irresponsible and politically motivated.” Pakistani officials urged for an international investigation, warning that tampering with the Indus Waters Treaty would be a “red line.”


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April 24, 2025: Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions

Pakistan's Retaliation:
In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan responded by:

Suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, stating that dialogue was no longer viable under the current circumstances.

Halting all bilateral trade and shutting down the Wagah border crossing.

Banning Indian overflights through Pakistani airspace and recalling its envoy from New Delhi.


Military Clashes:
Reports of cross-border firing emerged from the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides exchanging small arms fire in the Uri and Poonch sectors. Though no casualties were confirmed, the skirmishes heightened fears of broader military escalation.

International Reactions:
The United Nations, United States, and several EU nations called for de-escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement urging both countries to exercise “maximum restraint.” The U.S. issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning citizens against all travel to the region.


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April 25, 2025: Ongoing Diplomatic Crisis

Continued Diplomatic Measures:
India maintained its suspension of diplomatic engagements and reiterated its position that bilateral talks would not resume until Pakistan took verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil.

Protests and Civil Unrest:
Large-scale protests broke out in major Indian and Pakistani cities. In Delhi and Mumbai, demonstrators demanded justice for the victims and tougher action against Pakistan. In Lahore and Islamabad, crowds rallied against what they called India’s “aggression,” with some demanding military retaliation.

Global Concerns:
Geopolitical observers and analysts around the world warned of the dangers of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Calls intensified for third-party mediation, though both nations remained firmly opposed to outside interference.