India has closed the only operational border crossing in Kashmir following a deadly attack on Tuesday that claimed the lives of 26 people in the disputed region. The attack, which occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, has significantly heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, both of which claim sovereignty over the territory.

The Indian government has labelled the incident a “terror attack” and accused Pakistan of providing support to the perpetrators. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have further deteriorated in the aftermath, with both sides taking reciprocal measures. India has revoked visas previously granted to Pakistani nationals, while Pakistan has responded by cancelling visas of Indian citizens and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.

Military tensions have also escalated. Indian army officials reported that Pakistani soldiers fired on an Indian position on the night following the attack. This exchange of fire underscored the fragile and volatile situation along the contested border in Kashmir.

India has additionally suspended a longstanding water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, a move that prompted Islamabad to caution that any interference with water flows would be viewed as an “act of war.” The water-sharing agreement has historically been an important element of cooperation between the two nations despite other disputes.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, conveyed his horror at the attack during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Sir Keir expressed his “deep condolences on behalf of the British people to all those affected, their loved ones and the people of India.” The discussion came amid increasing international concern over the potential for further conflict.

The United Nations has called on both India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint” and has urged both sides to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Since their independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir, and the region remains a sensitive flashpoint given that both countries possess nuclear weapons.

The closure of the border crossing, along with the suspension of key agreements and visa restrictions, marks a significant escalation in the longstanding dispute. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely as efforts to de-escalate tensions face ongoing challenges.

Source: Noah Wire Services