India, Pakistan Cut Ties After Kashmir Attack

Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically on Tuesday following a deadly attack in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir that killed 26 civilians.

In response, both countries have imposed a series of retaliatory measures, including the closure of borders and airspace, expulsion of nationals, and suspension of visa services.

The attack, which took place in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, about 90 kilometers from Srinagar, was carried out by at least three armed assailants.

Among the victims were both Indian and Nepali citizens, making it the deadliest assault in the region since 2000.

Although Indian authorities have not officially blamed Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strongly worded statement vowing to hunt down those responsible and their collaborators, promising justice "to the ends of the earth."

In a swift reaction, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines and rejected New Delhi’s suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty. Islamabad also took several additional steps following a rare emergency meeting of its National Security Committee.

Pakistan announced the expulsion of Indian defense advisers based in Islamabad, canceled all existing Indian visas—with limited exceptions—and ordered the immediate closure of land borders and termination of bilateral trade with India.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office declared Indian naval and air defense advisers in Islamabad "persona non grata," requiring them to leave the country immediately. In a further escalation, Pakistan’s government also downgraded diplomatic relations and suspended new visa issuance to Indian citizens.

India, in turn, instructed all Pakistani nationals within its borders to leave by April 27, the expiration date of their current visas. New Delhi also announced a reduction in staff at the Pakistani High Commission, cutting it from 55 to 30 personnel.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the suspension of all visa services for Pakistani nationals effective immediately, and emphasized that no extensions would be granted.