India, Pakistan Standoff Follows Deadly Terror Attack

A deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people triggered a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, culminating in India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and reportedly resulted in significant casualties and the downing of a Pakistani AWACS aircraft. In response, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered renewed dialogue, insisting that Kashmir be included in talks, but India remains firm that discussions will be limited to terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. International actors, especially the US, played a key role in brokering a ceasefire, yet India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as a punitive measure until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. Both countries accuse each other of fostering instability, with India pointing to Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism and Pakistan denying involvement, calling for impartial investigations. Despite international offers to mediate, India rejects any external involvement in its disputes with Pakistan. Prospects for substantive dialogue remain uncertain amid deep mistrust and ongoing security concerns.