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Pakistani foreign relations

India Weighs Military Action Against Pakistan After Kashmir Attack

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

India has taken several steps to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the deadliest attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, and is considering military action, including a suspension of the ceasefire agreement on the Line of Control (LoC) or targeting the leadership of terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has directed the forces to maintain high vigil and has vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. India has also declared the Pakistani army, navy and air attachés as persona non grata, reduced the Pakistani High Commission strength from 55 to 30, and cancelled visas for Pakistani nationals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has directed the forces to maintain high vigil and vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
  • India has declared the Pakistani army, navy and air attachés as persona non grata and reduced the Pakistani High Commission strength from 55 to 30.
  • Visas for Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and the Wagah-Attari border has been closed.
  • The government is considering military action, including a suspension of the ceasefire agreement on the Line of Control (LoC) or targeting the leadership of terrorist groups operating from Pakistan.
  • The CCS has been briefed on the cross-border links and noted that the attack has come in the wake of successful elections in the Union Territory.
  • Military options on the table include combined tri-services action against terrorist launch pads, training establishments, and leadership operating across the border.
  • India is considering targeting the headquarters and leadership of terrorist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is suspected to be behind the attack.

Statistics:

  • At least 26 people were killed in the attack on the popular tourist spot near Pahalgam town.
  • The attack has been carried out by four to five terrorists, two of whom are suspected to be Pakistani nationals.
  • The terrorist group behind the attack is suspected to have received arms training in camps across the border.
  • India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty till Islamabad acts on terror organisations on its soil.
  • The defence minister Rajnath Singh vowed a resolute response to the attack, saying that India cannot be intimidated by such terrorist activities.

Sources:

  • Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India
  • Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India

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