by 
International Desk
April 27, 2025
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following a deadly militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with China expressing solidarity with Pakistan amid the diplomatic fallout. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, has triggered a series of retaliatory measures between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, raising fears of further escalation in the region.
On Sunday, April 27, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to discuss the deteriorating situation. According to Pakistan’s Geo TV, Dar briefed Wang on the current regional dynamics, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and stability. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and standing united against unilateral actions and hegemony, as per a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The ministry further noted that China assured Pakistan of its support in preserving regional stability and peace. The two nations vowed to continue close cooperation in areas such as security, sustainable development, and fostering peace in South Asia. In addition to China, Pakistan has also reached out to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt to apprise them of the evolving situation.
The crisis stems from a militant attack on Tuesday in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for supporting “cross-border terrorism,” a charge Islamabad has vehemently denied. In response, India announced a series of punitive measures on Wednesday, including the suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing, expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, withdrawal of Indian military advisors from Islamabad, and a reduction in staff at its High Commission.
Pakistan retaliated with mirror measures, with its National Security Committee (NSC) announcing the closure of the Wagah border, suspension of visas for Indian nationals, expulsion of Indian diplomats, and a ban on Indian airlines using its airspace. Islamabad also threatened to suspend the Simla Agreement, a 1972 peace accord, and warned that any interference with the Indus River’s water flow would be considered an “act of war.”
The exchange of small-arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has further heightened tensions, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. The United Nations has called for “maximum restraint,” while the U.S. has issued a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing risks of terrorism and civil unrest.
Analysts warn that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960, could have devastating consequences for Pakistan, which relies on the Indus River system for 90% of its agriculture. However, some experts caution that India’s move may also backfire, potentially prompting China to block the Brahmaputra River, a vital water source for India.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments, with fears of a broader conflict looming over South Asia.
AI/MR
