Drone downing heightens tensions in Kashmir conflict
Pakistan claims to have shot down an Indian spy drone, according to the state television station. Meanwhile, India is considering closing its airspace to planes from Pakistan. The conflict between the nuclear powers is escalating.
What do you need to know?
- Shooting down the drone: Pakistan claims to have shot down an Indian spy drone that appeared over the disputed border in the Kashmir region.
- Mutual accusations: India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorist groups operating in Kashmir, which Pakistan strongly denies.
- Possible escalation of the conflict: Tensions between the countries have risen after an attack in Pahalgam, for which the Kashmir Resistance group claimed responsibility.
The Pakistani army claims that the downed Indian drone appeared over the area along the disputed border in the Kashmir region.
Bloomberg notes that both countries have previously shot down small drones as they are often used for border surveillance. However, information about the new incident emerged "at a time when relations are deteriorating rapidly between the two nuclear-armed nations."
History of the Kashmir conflict
Since India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, Kashmir has become one of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world. Both countries lay claim to the entire territory, although they actually control only parts of it. India administers the southern and eastern parts, while Pakistan controls the northwestern part. This region, divided by the Line of Control, has been the site of three wars (1947–1948, 1965, 1971) and numerous skirmishes and attacks.
Kashmir is not only a symbol of national pride but also a strategically important area due to its location in the Himalayas and access to water resources, including the Indus River, crucial for agriculture and the economy of both countries. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which regulated the division of waters, was one of the few examples of cooperation between the feuding neighbours. Its current suspension by India is seen as a serious escalatory step.
Since the 1980s, militant groups have been operating in Indian-administered Kashmir, demanding independence or annexation to Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of supporting these groups, which Pakistan denies. Tensions increased in 2019 when India revoked Kashmir's constitutional autonomy, leading to protests and worsening relations with Pakistan.
What happened in Pahalgam?
On 22 April this year, there was an attack in Pahalgam, for which the Kashmir Resistance group, also known as The Resistance Front (TRF), claimed responsibility. It was one of the bloodiest attacks in the region in recent years. At least four armed assailants opened fire on tourists at the Baisaran meadow, known as "Little Switzerland." TRF, formed in 2019, is considered a splinter group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operating from Pakistan. LeT, recognised as a terrorist organisation by the United States, was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack, which killed 166 people. India indicated that two of the three suspects are Pakistani citizens, escalating the rhetoric.
India reacted swiftly and decisively by cutting diplomatic ties, restricting trade, and suspending the water treaty. In response, Pakistan condemned the actions as "illegal" and "politically motivated," and implemented reciprocal measures, including the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft.
According to foreign media, including the "Economic Times," India is considering closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft.
Both countries remain on high alert, and Indian security forces are conducting operations in Kashmir, searching for the perpetrators of the attack.
