Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating after a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu pilgrims. India, specifically, has condemned the incident and blamed Pakistan-supported militant groups, as well as, taking the matter to the international level. India has even asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review its loans to Pakistan because of Pakistan’s alleged links to terrorism.
India Turns to International Pressure
The Pahalgam tragedy has not only stunned the country but also set off a series of diplomatic and strategic moves. India’s request to the IMF clearly indicates that India is working to politically and economically isolate Pakistan. The Indian government has argued that countries that provide or shelter terrorist activities should not receive financial assistance from international financial institutions. Even though Pakistan has rebutted the claims that it had any involvement in the attack, India has kept to its position that the world must act.
This development has come at an opportune time for India, since Indian authorities are backing their own international expansion and ambition to be seen as a good global citizen. In seeking action from the IMF, India is using international institutions to put pressure on its neighbour.
Airspace Closure Heightens Hostility
In a notable show of hostility and heightened tensions, India and Pakistan’s decision to effectively ban their respective airlines from flying through each other’s airspace symbolically represents the breaking down of a relationship. With significant implications for regional trade, tourism and diplomacy, both countries’ actions with respect to aviation and air travel demonstrate how rapidly tensions can de-escalate between nuclear-armed nations.
The closure of their respective airspace has caused considerable disruption to multiple flight corridors, which is not only a sign of bilateral strain but also has an impact on international airlines passing through South Asian air corridors. The closure of industry routes indicates deepening mistrust and a strong indication that they would not de-escalate their border tensions, at least for the time being.
Global Concerns and Calls for Restraint
Escalating tensions have heightened worries across the world. “The United States, United Nations, and other international actors have condemned violence and urged both countries to de-escalate and cooperate with each other.” Pakistan has warned of potential military action by India, claiming to have “credible intelligence” regarding an impending attack.
While the region is o the cusp of military confrontation, the world watches to see what diplomatic moves are made by both nations. The call for justice after the Pahalgam attack is justified, but striking the proper balance to ensure that pursuing security does not lead to seeking war will be a challenge. click here for the source
