The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd triggered a severe escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of diplomatic and military actions and culminating in India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7th. This article details the 15-day period and the responses from both nations.
From Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor: A 15-Day Timeline
The tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, marked a significant turning point in the already strained relationship between India and Pakistan. The following 15 days witnessed a rapid deterioration of diplomatic ties and a series of retaliatory measures, ultimately leading to India’s military operation.
April 22, 2025: Pahalgam Terror Attack
- Five militants attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
- 26 civilians, primarily Indian tourists, were killed.
- This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since 2008.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia to address the crisis.
April 23, 2025: India’s Initial Response
- India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held an emergency meeting.
- India decided to take strong diplomatic and security measures.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
- Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP).
- Revocation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
- Cancellation of all existing visas issued to Pakistani citizens.
- Pakistani military advisors in New Delhi declared persona non grata.
- Withdrawal of Indian defence advisors from Islamabad.
- Plans announced to reduce staff strength at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.
April 24, 2025: Pakistan’s Retaliation
- Pakistan suspended visas for Indian nationals.
- Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.
- Expulsion of Indian diplomats from Pakistan.
- Pakistani military advisors ordered to leave India by April 30th.
- Suspension of the Simla Agreement.
- Halting of all trade with India.
- Cancellation of the ceremonial handshake at the Attari–Wagah border.
- Visa revocations for cross-border families.
- Pakistan denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
- Pakistan’s Defence Minister acknowledged past support for militant groups.
April 26, 2025: Further Visa Restrictions
- India revoked 14 categories of visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including business, journalist, student, and pilgrim visas.
- Only diplomatic and official visas remained valid.
- Pakistani nationals overstaying their visas faced legal action.
April 30, 2025: Airspace Closure
- India closed its airspace to all Pakistani-registered aircraft, effective until May 23, 2025.
- This followed Pakistan’s earlier closure of its airspace to Indian carriers.
- Airlines faced increased operational costs and flight durations due to rerouting.
May 1, 2025: Border Crossing Closure
- The Attari-Wagah border crossing was fully shut down.
- All cross-border movement and trade were halted.
- Pakistani nationals in India were allowed to exit, but no new entries were permitted.
May 3, 2025: Trade Embargo
- India banned all imports from Pakistan, including goods transiting through third countries.
- The ban cited concerns over national security and public policy.
- India also prohibited Pakistani-registered vessels from entering Indian ports, and vice versa.
May 4, 2025: Water Dispute
- India began closing the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
Late April to Early May 2025: Additional Actions
- India imposed bans on numerous Pakistani social media accounts.
- Diplomatic expulsions and staff reductions continued at High Commissions.
- Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) for ten consecutive days.
- International actors, including the United Nations, called for restraint.
May 7, 2025: Operation Sindoor
- India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- The operation targeted infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other militant groups.
- Indian officials emphasized the precision of the strikes, avoiding Pakistani military and civilian targets.
- Pakistan retaliated by shelling civilians in Poonch, resulting in casualties.
10 FAQs on Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Tensions
What was the primary cause of the escalation between India and Pakistan?
The primary cause was the April 22nd terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to significant civilian casualties.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India on May 7th, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam attack.
What were India’s initial diplomatic responses to the Pahalgam attack?
India’s initial responses included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, revoking the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, and cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens.
How did Pakistan respond to India’s actions?
Pakistan retaliated by suspending visas for Indian nationals, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, expelling Indian diplomats, suspending the Simla Agreement, and halting trade with India.
What airspace restrictions were imposed by both countries?
Both India and Pakistan closed their airspace to each other’s aircraft, leading to flight disruptions and increased travel times.
What trade actions did India take against Pakistan?
India banned all imports from Pakistan and prohibited Pakistani vessels from entering Indian ports.
What impact did the conflict have on cross-border movement?
The Attari-Wagah border crossing was completely shut down, halting all cross-border movement and trade.
Did the conflict involve any water disputes?
Yes, India began closing the gates of the Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab River.
What role did international bodies play in the conflict?
International actors, including the United Nations, urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint.
What were the immediate consequences of Operation Sindoor?
India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist camps. Pakistan retaliated by shelling civilians in Poonch.