Pakistan Closes Airspace to Indian Airlines in Wave of Diplomatic Measures
Following a militant attack in the touristic town of Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, India and Pakistan have unleashed a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures against each other, deepening the rift between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The attack, allegedly claimed by a previously unknown group called Kashmir Resistance, which India claims to be Pakistani-backed, has triggered visa revocations, trade suspensions, and threats over vital water-sharing agreements.
India’s Initial Wave of Diplomatic Measures
Yesterday, India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, effective April 27, including medical visas, valid only until April 29.
The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that all Pakistanis currently in India must leave before their visas expire based on these revised timelines, giving most 72 hours to depart.
Visa services for Pakistanis have been suspended, and Indian nationals are advised against traveling to Pakistan.
India additionally closed the Attari border crossing, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1962, and severely downgraded diplomatic ties, declaring Pakistani military advisors “persona non grata.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue those responsible, stating:
I say to the whole world, India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Countermeasures
Pakistan, denying involvement in the attack, responded today by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending all trade with India, including via third countries. It also closed the Wagah border crossing and canceled visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after chairing a National Security Committee meeting, warned that any suspension of water supplies by India would be an “act of war,” adding Pakistan would respond with “full force.”
The government further announced it may even put bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, on hold.
Rising Stakes in a Volatile Region
With both nations claiming Kashmir and no evidence publicly linking Pakistan to the attack, the escalating measures signal a dangerous new chapter in India-Pakistan relations, threatening regional stability.