It has been exactly one month since the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, that claimed 26 lives of Hindu tourists.

What Happened in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025):

On April 22, five armed terrorists entered the Baisaran Valley meadow near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. This popular tourist spot, surrounded by dense pine forests, became the scene of a brutal massacre. The militants, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, selectively targeted non-Muslims, asking for their names and religions, and in some cases, demanding they recite the Islamic kalima.

Of the 26 people killed, 25 were tourists, and one was a local Muslim pony ride operator who bravely tried to disarm an attacker. The attack, which included newlywed couples being shot point-blank in front of their spouses, is considered the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. While the Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility, they later retracted their claim. India has consistently pointed to Pakistan's involvement in sponsoring such militant groups.

In the month since, India has taken a series of decisive and significant actions against Pakistan, signaling a hardened stance against cross-border terrorism.

India's 5 Biggest Moves Against Pakistan:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (April 23, 2025):
A day after the Pahalgam attack, India announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement established in 1960. This strategic move was intended to exert pressure on Pakistan, which is heavily reliant on the Indus River system for its agriculture and water supply, to cease its support for cross-border terrorism. The suspension signals India's willingness to leverage strategic resources in response to security threats, marking a major departure from past policy.
Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisers and Diplomatic Downsizing (April 23, 2025, and ongoing):
Immediately following the attack, India expelled Pakistani military advisers stationed at the High Commission in New Delhi and recalled its military personnel from Islamabad. Furthermore, India significantly reduced the staff strength of its High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30 members.
This was a clear diplomatic downgrading, aiming to minimize interactions and convey India's strong disapproval of Pakistan's alleged role in the attack. This trend of diplomatic expulsions has continued, as seen with the recent expulsion of another Pakistani diplomat on May 21st, leading to reciprocal actions from Pakistan.
Revocation of Visas and Travel Bans (April 27, 2025):
India swiftly revoked all existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals with effect from April 27 and imposed a comprehensive travel ban under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. This measure aimed to prevent potential threats from entering India and underscored New Delhi's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, while also serving as a strong message of condemnation.
Closure of Attari-Wagah Border Crossing (May 1, 2025):
In a move to further sever direct land connectivity and disrupt bilateral engagements, India closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing. This is the primary overland trade and travel route between the two nations, and its closure aimed to signal India's firm stance against Pakistan's alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack and the continued presence of terror infrastructure on its soil.
Launch of "Operation Sindoor" and Targeted Strikes (May 7-10, 2025):
In a swift and strong retaliation, India launched "Operation Sindoor," conducting air and ground-launched missile strikes against alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On May 7, India announced that it had hit nine different locations, targeting major terror launchpads of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, and claiming to have killed over 100 terrorists.
While India maintained these were "focused, measured and non-escalatory" strikes on "terrorist infrastructure," Pakistan disputed the claims, asserting that civilians were targeted and retaliating with its strikes. This period saw a significant military confrontation, including the widespread use of drones and missiles by both sides, before a ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10.

These actions collectively demonstrate India's resolute response to the Pahalgam attack, employing a multi-pronged approach encompassing military action, diplomatic pressure, and economic leverage to hold Pakistan accountable for cross-border terrorism. The situation remains tense, with both countries maintaining heightened vigilance.

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