Pakistan open fires across LoC ahead of Army chief’s Srinagar visit, India retaliates
On Friday, April 25, 2025, Pakistan Army troops opened fire at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, just hours before Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s scheduled visit to Srinagar and Udhampur. The firing, which involved small arms, was seen as an apparent attempt to breach the existing ceasefire agreement between the two countries. The Indian Army responded effectively to the provocation, with no casualties reported on the Indian side.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack three days earlier, in which 26 people—mostly civilians—were killed by militants. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed groups, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to identify and punish those responsible and their supporters.
In response to the Pahalgam attack and what it sees as Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, India has taken several strong diplomatic and strategic measures:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has placed the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan permanently withdraws support for cross-border terror activities.
Diplomatic Actions: India has expelled Pakistani diplomats, cancelled all existing visas for Pakistani nationals effective April 27, and suspended visa services.
Travel Advisories: Indian nationals have been advised to avoid traveling to Pakistan, and those currently there have been asked to return.
Pakistan, in turn, has condemned India’s actions, especially the suspension of the water treaty, warning that any attempt to restrict or divert water would be considered an “act of war”. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspended all trade with India.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s visit to Srinagar and Udhampur is aimed at assessing the prevailing security situation, reviewing the recent ceasefire violations, and holding discussions with senior Army commanders and other security officials in the Kashmir Valley. His visit underlines the seriousness with which the Indian military is treating the latest developments on the LoC.
Security Operations: Indian security forces have intensified counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, launching manhunts for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack and releasing details of suspects believed to be involved.
Public Response: The attacks have led to widespread protests and solidarity marches across India, with significant economic and social disruptions such as the closure of over 900 markets in Delhi.
The exchange of fire across the LoC, coming on the heels of a major terror attack and significant diplomatic escalations, marks a dangerous uptick in India-Pakistan tensions. Both sides have issued strong warnings and taken retaliatory steps, raising concerns about further escalation in the region. The situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic channels being closely watched for further developments.
