Key Points
- China has publicly backed Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling for an “impartial investigation” while emphasizing support for Pakistan’s security concerns.
- The attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead and has sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
- India has responded with strong diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing border crossings.
- The UK and other Western nations have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India, while the US has called for a “responsible solution” between India and Pakistan.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leading a detailed probe, using crucial video evidence and eyewitness accounts to track the perpetrators.
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people-mostly tourists-China has stepped forward to back its longtime ally Pakistan, even as much of the world rallies behind India and demands justice.
China’s Dual Approach: Support and Caution
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, expressed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and security interests. Wang described China as a “hardcore friend and all-weather strategic partner” of Pakistan, reiterating Beijing’s understanding of Pakistan’s security concerns. At the same time, Wang called for an “impartial investigation” into the April 22 attack, which was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Wang emphasized that escalating conflict between India and Pakistan serves neither country’s interests and poses a threat to regional peace. He urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek de-escalation, stating, “China supports an impartial investigation as soon as possible, as the conflict is not in the fundamental interests of India and Pakistan, nor is it conducive to regional peace and stability”.
India’s Strong Response
India has responded to the attack and subsequent tensions with a series of tough diplomatic and economic measures. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty-a key water-sharing agreement-and closing the only operational land border crossing with Pakistan. The Indian government has also issued orders for Pakistani nationals to leave the country by set deadlines, threatening arrest and prosecution for overstaying.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the probe, relying on crucial evidence such as a tree-top video recorded by a local photographer and eyewitness testimony from an Indian Army officer present during the attack. These have provided vital leads in reconstructing the sequence of events and identifying the perpetrators.
Pakistan Welcomes China’s Backing, Accuses India
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed China’s support, reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to strategic cooperation with Beijing. At the same time, Pakistan accused India of “unilateral and illegal steps” and rejected what it called India’s “determined propaganda” regarding the attack.
Global Condemnation and Western Support for India
The Pahalgam attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. The United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka have all expressed solidarity with India, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally calling Prime Minister Modi to extend condolences and support. The United States has called for a “responsible solution” and reaffirmed its support for India, while urging both countries to avoid further escalation.
Ongoing Tensions and Security Operations
As ceasefire violations continue along the Line of Control, Indian security forces have intensified search operations in Jammu and Kashmir, coming close to cornering the attackers multiple times in the past week. The NIA’s investigation, bolstered by forensic experts and eyewitness accounts, aims to uncover the full extent of the terror conspiracy.
China’s decision to back Pakistan while calling for an impartial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack highlights the complex geopolitics at play in South Asia. While Beijing urges restraint and dialogue, India pushes forward with a tough response and a high-profile investigation, even as Western nations rally in support of New Delhi. The situation remains tense, with both diplomatic maneuvering and security operations ongoing in the region.
