Indian Military Says Pakistani Troops Opened Fire Along Kashmir Border Amid Rising Tensions
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate After Deadly Kashmir Attack and Cross-Border Fire
Srinagar/New Delhi – April 26, 2025 —
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire for two consecutive nights along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region, prompting international concern over the possibility of a wider military confrontation.
The exchange of gunfire follows a deadly attack earlier this week in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead—many of them Indian tourists. India has blamed the assault on Pakistan-backed militants, a charge Islamabad has strongly denied. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country is ready to defend its sovereignty but remains open to a “neutral” international investigation into the incident.
According to Indian defence officials, Pakistani troops resorted to “unprovoked firing” on the night of April 25 and 26 from various posts across the LoC in the Kashmir Valley. “Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms,” the officials said. The confrontation marked the second consecutive night of hostilities, suggesting a sharp breakdown of the 2021 ceasefire agreement that had held relatively firm in recent years.
“The situation is tense. This is not just a ceasefire violation—it’s a message,” said a senior Indian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Troops have been put on high alert across the border regions, and additional deployments are being made.
The United Nations has called for “maximum restraint” from both nuclear-armed nations, warning that continued skirmishes could spiral into a broader military conflict. “We urge both parties to refrain from actions that further escalate the situation,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Back in Kashmir, Indian security forces have launched a large-scale search operation in and around Pahalgam, combing through homes and nearby forests in search of militants. India’s Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited the region on Friday to assess the ground situation and review counterinsurgency strategies.
In a significant diplomatic move, India has suspended its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial agreement that governs water sharing from rivers flowing from India into Pakistan. “We will ensure not a single drop of water meant for India goes to Pakistan,” an Indian government official said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines, suspending bilateral trade, and halting the issuance of visas to Indian nationals. The steps mark a severe downturn in relations that were already fraught with historical mistrust and unresolved territorial disputes.
The region of Kashmir has remained a flashpoint between the two countries since their independence in 1947, with both nations claiming it in full but administering separate parts. While the area has seen periods of relative calm, this week’s developments have reignited fears of a renewed conflict.
Analysts warn that unless diplomatic dialogue resumes quickly, the current escalation could have far-reaching consequences. “This is a critical moment,” said geopolitical expert Dr. Naila Ahmed. “One misstep could trigger a much larger crisis.”
As of Saturday evening, no casualties have been reported in the recent border skirmishes. However, with tensions high and both armies on edge, the situation remains fluid and volatile.
