India, Pakistan Trade Fire Following Kashmir Killings

Tensions between India and Pakistan continued to escalate Monday, roughly a week after militants killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, with both countries exchanging fire across their de facto border, prompting both China and the United States to urge de-escalation, Reuters reported. 

On Monday, Indian officials said the country’s forces responded to “unprovoked” small arms attacks from various Pakistani army posts around midnight Sunday, though no casualties were reported. Pakistan’s military has not commented on the matter.  

The cross-border clashes began days after the April 22 attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam region: Indian officials and survivors said the gunmen targeted Hindu civilians before shooting them at close range. 

The attack sparked outrage in Hindu-majority India and calls for action against Muslim-majority Pakistan. New Delhi has repeatedly accused Islamabad of funding and sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir – a region both nations claim and have fought two wars over. 

Indian officials identified two of the three suspected militants as Pakistani nationals, but Islamabad has denied any involvement and called for a “neutral, transparent probe.”  

Kashmir Resistance – a group Indian authorities link to the Pakistan-based jihadist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba – initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement, citing a “cyber intrusion.” 

The killings sparked a spate of diplomatic tit-for-tat between the neighbors, with India suspending visas for Pakistani visitors, expelling diplomats, and halting the Indus Waters Treaty regulating water-sharing between the two nations. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines and suspending cross-border trade.  

Meanwhile, Indian authorities have detained more than 1,500 people and demolished the homes of suspected militants, with political leaders urging restraint to avoid harming innocents, NPR noted. 

Amid concerns of a broader conflict breaking out, China called on both countries to exercise restraint. 

The US also urged both sides to work towards a “responsible resolution,” while publicly condemning the Pahalgam attack but refraining from criticizing Pakistan, Reuters wrote separately. 

Even so, analysts noted that India has become significantly closer to Washington than Pakistan, especially as the US seeks to counter China’s regional influence. They warned that the US’ strong support for India could embolden New Delhi and further inflame tensions.