India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against arch-rival Pakistan on Wednesday, accusing Islamabad of supporting “cross-border terrorism” after a deadly attack on civilians in Kashmir.
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The attack has plunged relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours to their worst levels for several years, and some fear New Delhi’s diplomatic salvo may be only the first in a series of steps – with the potential risk still of military action.
India’s measures, including the suspension of a key water-sharing treaty and closure of the main land border crossing, comes a day after gunmen opened fire at tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The gunmen killed 26 men – all Indian except one Nepali – in the deadliest attack on civilians in the Himalayan region for a quarter of a century.
The killings have shocked New Delhi, as they marked a dramatic shift targeting civilians and the area’s vital tourism industry, rather than smaller scale attacks against Indian security forces, which are more common.
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At least 26 killed in ‘heinous’ attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir
At least 26 killed in ‘heinous’ attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged that those responsible for the “heinous act” will be brought to justice.