Background on Key Figures and Context
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, authorized the Indian military to conduct a counter-military operation in response to a deadly April 22 attack in Kashmir, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan. The tension between India and Pakistan escalated significantly following the April 22 attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities in Pahalgam, a popular tourist town under Indian control in the Kashmir region.
Who’s Who
- Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India, who granted the military freedom to decide on targets, timing, and type of response.
- Shehbaz Sharif: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, who urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to advise India to act responsibly and maintain restraint. He also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity with all available forces if India takes any misstep.
- António Guterres: The UN Secretary-General, who reiterated his “firm condemnation” of the April 22 attack and called on India and Pakistan to avoid a confrontation that could lead to tragic consequences.
Key Events and Developments
- April 22: A deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, kills 26 people.
- New Delhi blames Pakistan for the attack, which is the deadliest against civilians in the predominantly Muslim region in over two decades.
- India downgrades diplomatic relations, revokes visas for Pakistanis, and announces the closure of the main land border crossing between the two countries.
- Pakistan responds by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisors, canceling visas for Indians, and banning Indian aircraft from its airspace.
- Light arms fire exchanges between Pakistani and Indian soldiers have occurred along the control line separating Kashmir between the two nations since the attack.
Historical Context of Kashmir
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since its independence in 1947. Both claim sovereignty over the entire territory but govern separate regions. Since 1989, insurgent groups have waged an uprising in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, advocating for independence or merger with Pakistan.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is responsible for the April 22 attack? New Delhi attributes the attack to Pakistan, while Islamabad denies involvement and calls for a neutral investigation.
- What actions have India and Pakistan taken in response? Both countries have downgraded diplomatic relations, revoked visas, and closed border crossings. Pakistan has also expelled Indian diplomats and banned Indian aircraft from its airspace.
- What is the historical background of Kashmir? Kashmir has been contested between India and Pakistan since 1947, with both claiming soberainty over the entire region. An insurgency has been ongoing in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir since 1989, seeking either independence or merger with Pakistan.
