NEW DELHI :  In the wake of a deadly assault that left 26 dead at a popular Himalayan tourist site in Indian-administered Kashmir, India has enacted a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, intensifying tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Among the steps taken is the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing — the primary land link between the two countries — alongside the suspension of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani diplomatic personnel, and a directive for certain Pakistani visa holders to exit India within 48 hours.

The Indian government has blamed Pakistan for indirectly facilitating the attack, which occurred in the Pahalgam area, branding it one of the deadliest in recent memory in Kashmir. Though Islamabad has denied any involvement, Pakistan’s foreign minister stated that officials would convene a high-level meeting on Thursday to formulate a response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing justice and reaffirming India's tough stance on terrorism. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will only grow stronger,” he posted on social media platform X.

India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty — a key water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 — marks a significant diplomatic escalation. The treaty has, until now, withstood decades of strained relations. It allocates control over the eastern tributaries of the Indus River to India, while granting Pakistan rights to the western rivers, with India obligated to allow their unimpeded flow.

Indian intelligence agencies have attributed the attack to a group known as the Kashmir Resistance, although this claim has yet to be independently verified.

Authorities continued their manhunt for the assailants as of Wednesday evening. The chaos and bloodshed at the scene have shocked the nation, with eyewitnesses recounting scenes of panic as families fled for safety. While some witnesses claimed non-Muslim tourists were specifically targeted, others suggested the attack was indiscriminate. The victims include mostly Hindu men and at least one local Muslim resident.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives, particularly tourists, and extended its condolences. Meanwhile, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hinted at a broader retaliation, stating: “We will not only reach those who have perpetrated this incident but also those who, from behind the scenes, have conspired to harm India.”

The Indian government also announced that Pakistani military attaches stationed in New Delhi have been ordered to leave immediately, with further diplomatic expulsions scheduled in the coming days.

As both nations trade accusations and escalate actions, the fallout from the Pahalgam attack threatens to reignite long-standing hostilities over Kashmir — a territory claimed in full by both sides but administered in parts.

“This place has been a symbol of peace for decades,” said Akib Chaya, a hotelier and member of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce. “Tourists have come here for years without fear. This changes everything.”