How have tensions mounted?
India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan a day after the attack, including the suspension of a key water-sharing treaty and the closure of the mainland border crossing with Pakistan.
Pakistan responded with a slew of measures as well.
Both sides closed their airspace to each other’s airlines and suspended special South Asian visas that enabled people to travel between them.
They also declared each other’s defence advisors in missions in New Delhi and Islamabad persona non grata.
Pakistan has paused all bilateral agreements and suspended all trade with India, including to and from any third country.
They exchanged nightly gunfire for more than a week along the Line of Control before New Delhi fired missiles at Pakistani territory early on Wednesday.
How has the international community reacted?
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum military restraint between the two countries after India’s missile strikes, adding that the world cannot afford a military confrontation between New Delhi and Islamabad.
“The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border,” his spokesperson said.
US President Donald Trump called the rising tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals a shame.
“I just hope it ends very quickly,” he said.
The White House said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with his counterparts from India and Pakistan, encouraging both sides to engage in discussions to settle an escalating military confrontation.
What’s been the impact on flights?
Several airlines, including India’s largest airline IndiGo, Air India and Qatar Airways, cancelled flights in areas of India and Pakistan due to the closures of airports and airspace.
Pakistan International Airlines said airborne flights had been diverted to Karachi, while those on ground have been put on hold.
The conflict has also affected flight schedules elsewhere.
Taiwan’s EVA Air said that it will adjust its flights to and from Europe to avoid airspace affected by fighting between India and Pakistan for safety reasons.
Korean Air said it had began rerouting its Seoul Incheon-Dubai flights on Wednesday, opting for a southern route that passes over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, instead of the previous path through Pakistani airspace.
Thai Airways said that flights to destinations in Europe and South Asia would be rerouted starting early Wednesday morning, warning this could cause delays to some flights.
Source: CNA
