Indian and Pakistani troops have reportedly exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir for the second consecutive night as tensions between the two nations escalated following the recent massacre of 26 civilians at a tourist hotspot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
The Indian Army stated that multiple Pakistani posts across the LoC initiated “unprovoked” small arms fire, prompting Indian forces to retaliate. No casualties were reported in the exchange.
“On the night of Apr 25-26, 2025, unprovoked small firing was carried out by multiple Pakistan Army posts all across the Line of Control in Kashmir. Indian troops responded appropriately with small arms. No casualties reported,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
Speculative firing had also been reported the previous night. Military sources suggest that Pakistani forces may be testing the readiness of Indian soldiers amid increasing calls within India for a strong response against terror hubs across the border.
This flare-up at the LoC follows India’s swift measures after the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday, in which five gunmen killed at least 26 civilians at the Baisaran meadow, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland”. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Sources indicate that Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, directed the operation.
In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing Pakistan of “sustained cross-border terrorism”. Water Minister CR Patil vowed that “not a drop” of Indus water would flow to Pakistan, according to NDTV.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vowing a harsh response, stated that Indian forces would hunt down every terrorist involved and promised a punishment “bigger than they can imagine”.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been severed. Both nations have recalled their diplomatic staff, halted visa services for each other’s citizens, and instructed visitors to return home swiftly. Cross-border travel is unlikely to resume until tensions ease.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has suspended all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement. The Wagah Border crossing, once a major tourist attraction known for its daily flag-lowering ceremony, has been shut down.
