Tensions Escalate Between India and Pakistan After Deadly Attack

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and a local Muslim bystander. The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), has reignited fears of escalating violence in the region. The World Embassy Desk (WED) extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and affirm our unwavering support for the people of India in this moment of sorrow.

While the WED unequivocally denounce such acts of violence, we also expresses concern over the subsequent military escalations between India and Pakistan. The retaliatory strikes, including India’s Operation Sindoor, and Pakistan’s countermeasures, have exacerbated tensions and risked further destabilization. The WED expresses concern that military responses directed at a state in the aftermath of attacks perpetrated by non-state actors originating from its territory may give rise to legal questions regarding the principles of necessity and proportionality under international humanitarian law.

In light of these developments, the WED welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement brokered on May 10, 2025, following intensive diplomatic efforts by the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Following high-level talks between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 12, 2025, India and Pakistan have agreed to halt cross-border firing and reduce troop presence along the Line of Control (LoC). This agreement, which aims to de-escalate tensions, marks a significant step toward stabilizing the region after weeks of heightened conflict.

Nevertheless, the WED continues to monitor the situation closely, given credible concerns raised by recent reports indicating potential violations of international humanitarian law and the broader implications for regional stability. We call upon both India and Pakistan to uphold their commitments under the ceasefire agreement and to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at addressing the underlying issues, including the Kashmir dispute and cross-border terrorism.