Following a terrorist attack in Pulwama on April 22, 2025, resulting in the death of 26 tourists, India is preparing to take b action against Pakistan. The Indian government is considering closing its airspace to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and barring Pakistani ships from Indian ports.
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan are once again escalating sharply. Sources indicate that India is preparing to take significant action against Pakistan. India is considering closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft and its seaports to Pakistani vessels.
Such a move would severely impact Pakistan's aviation services. Pakistani flights would be forced to take significantly longer routes via China or Sri Lanka to reach destinations like Kuala Lumpur and other South-East Asian cities, resulting in substantial losses of time and fuel.
This action follows the Pulwama terrorist attack on April 22nd, which killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. Following the attack, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights. In response, India has begun to take several strategic decisions, including imposing economic and transport sanctions to increase pressure on Pakistan.
Planned Air and Sea Restrictions
The Indian government has indicated it may close its airspace to PIA. If this happens, PIA would have to take a much longer route over China or Sri Lanka to reach countries in South-East Asia like Malaysia and Singapore, significantly increasing its operational costs. Additionally, India is considering preventing Pakistani ships from entering its ports. This move could severely impact Pakistan's maritime trade and negatively affect its economy.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, signed with Pakistan in 1960. This treaty governs water sharing between India and Pakistan. This Indian move could create a water shortage in Pakistan, as it heavily relies on the Indus river system. India has also cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens and closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing.
Furthermore, the number of personnel in both countries' high commissions has been reduced to 30. The defense, army, navy, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared 'persona non grata' and asked to leave India within a week.
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan has described India's actions as tantamount to a 'declaration of war'. Pakistan's defense minister has stated that if India obstructs water supplies, Pakistan may consider a 'nuclear response'. The United States has urged both countries to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution. The US State Department has stated that it is in contact with both India and Pakistan and urges them to work towards a 'responsible solution'.
