ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A deadly shooting on April 22 at a popular tourist site in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, bringing the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war. This marks the most significant deterioration in their relations since 2019.
Frequent conflicts between India and Pakistan have occurred since both nations gained independence from British rule in 1947, including wars and skirmishes. This time, however, the situation intensified in both frequency and severity, raising global concerns.
The United States had initially opted not to intervene in the crisis. However, a change occurred when Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Vice President JD Vance, engaged in dialogue with top government and military officials from both nations, successfully brokering a ceasefire agreement, albeit short-lived, as accusations of ceasefire violations arose shortly afterward.
Timeline of the escalation and subsequent events:
April 22
Unidentified gunmen attacked the Pahalgam resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing 26 tourists and injuring 17 others in an attack claimed by the group Kashmir Resistance. India accused Pakistan of supporting the group, while survivors recounted that attackers asked victims about their religion before opening fire.
April 23
Following the attack, India took significant diplomatic actions, including downgrading ties, closing its sole operational land border crossing, and suspending a long-standing water-sharing treaty with Pakistan. India’s hunt for the attackers began, with Pakistan denying any role in the assault.
April 24
Both India and Pakistan revoked each other’s citizens’ visas and set deadlines for departure. Pakistan retaliated by banning Indian aircraft from using its airspace and halting all trade, including that involving third countries. Tensions rose further with ministers hinting at possible military action.
April 25
Sporadic exchanges of fire reportedly took place along the Line of Control, the disputed de facto border in Kashmir. Pakistan warned of possibly suspending the agreement establishing the Line of Control, prompting international calls for restraint.
April 26
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to counter any Indian efforts to divert water flows. Meanwhile, diplomatic interventions were offered, and global leaders commented on the high stakes of the situation.<br
April 30
In response to the violence, Indian authorities closed numerous resorts in Kashmir to tourists. Militants continued firing exchanges, with Pakistan’s Information Minister alleging imminent Indian military action.
May 1
In urgent diplomatic efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio phoned officials from both nations, expressing condolences to India over the killings and reiterating the U.S.’s anti-terrorism stance. Pakistan affirmed the need for continued dialogue for peace.
May 3
Pakistan conducted a missile test away from the conflict zone. In escalating counter-measures, India blocked all mail exchanges with Pakistan, banned importation of Pakistani goods, and restricted maritime activities related to Pakistan.
May 7
The conflict reached a critical stage when India launched missiles into Pakistani territory, killing 31 in regions under Pakistan’s control and accusing those areas of harboring terrorists. Pakistan claimed to have downed Indian jets and vowed retaliation.
May 8
Indian drones targeted Pakistani lands, killing civilians. Accusations flew amid heightened evacuations near conflict zones, with both countries facing the ripple effects of the escalating crisis.
May 9
Increased tensions led to the suspension of India’s largest cricket tournament and Pakistan’s delays in its league matches. Educational institutions shuttered amid looming threats, and sightings of drones across Indian territories were reported.
May 10
Amid reported Indian missiles striking Pakistan, retaliatory strikes occurred. Loud detonations were heard in Kashmir, as both nations expressed willingness to de-escalate if reciprocated. News of a ceasefire from U.S. President Donald Trump was quickly confirmed by senior officials, although allegations of swift truce violations followed.
May 11
With shelling subsiding, residents dared to return to the border areas, and India claimed significant militant casualties from its strikes. Pakistan contested ceasefire initiation claims, with differing reported figures on casualties.
May 12
No further incidents occurred overnight, bringing a momentary peace. Reopening of airports signaled a tentative return to normalcy as both sides paused their direct confrontations.