Pahalgam Attack Was 'Original Escalation'; De-escalation Choice With Pakistan: India
India firmly stated that the Pahalgam terror attack, killing 26 tourists, was the "original escalation" by Pakistan, compelling India's response via 'Operation Sindoor'. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that India's actions were "controlled, precise, measured, and non-escalatory". External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that any future military attack on India would receive a firm response. India asserted that the choice for de-escalation now rests with Pakistan, which initiated the hostilities.
Unpacked:
The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, when five armed terrorists targeted tourists, resulting in 26 deaths and 20 injuries. The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility but later retracted; Indian authorities attribute the attack to Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist groups.
'Operation Sindoor' was India's military response to the Pahalgam attack, involving precision airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The targets were terror camps and launchpads, specifically avoiding Pakistani military facilities to keep the response controlled and focused on terrorist infrastructure.
As of now, Pakistan has issued NOTAMs (notices to airmen) about disrupted airbase operations due to the strikes but has not publicly acknowledged direct responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Official statements focus on the impact of India's actions rather than accepting involvement in the initial event.
The incident marks a shift toward a 'new normal,' where India signals it will directly target terror infrastructure in Pakistan if provoked, rather than limiting itself to diplomatic responses. This increases the risks of rapid escalation but also puts the onus on Pakistan to prevent cross-border attacks if it wants to avoid further military conflicts.