In Kashmir, India and Pakistan exchanged brief gunfire along their contested border following a deadly terror attack that killed 26 people in a popular tourist area, exacerbating already high tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The attack, which primarily targeted tourists, prompted India to take punitive actions against Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic ties and withdrawing from a critical water-sharing treaty. In response, Pakistan denied involvement and implemented retaliatory measures such as closing its airspace to Indian carriers. Amid political fallout, Indian officials admitted to a security lapse, and opposition leaders questioned the intelligence failures that allowed the attack. The United Nations has urged both nations to exercise restraint as tensions continue to rise in the volatile region, historically a flashpoint for conflict between the two countries.

Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged fire along the Kashmir border just days after a terror attack killed 26 people, raising tensions between the two nations. The attack occurred in Pahalgam, a tourist hotspot in Kashmir, and while India labeled it a terror attack, no specific group was blamed.

India responded to the attack by downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan and withdrawing from a crucial water-sharing treaty, citing 'cross-border linkages' to the attack. These actions are part of a series of punitive measures India has taken against Pakistan in the wake of the attack.

Pakistan has rejected any involvement in the attack, with its defense minister asserting that the country does not support terrorism. In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers and passed a resolution condemning India's accusations, labeling them 'frivolous and baseless'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue and bring to justice those responsible for the attack, amid admissions from his cabinet of a significant security lapse. An emergency meeting with opposition leaders highlighted concerns over intelligence failures that allowed the attack to happen.

International concern is mounting as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, with the United Nations calling for restraint from both sides. The recent developments have raised alarms due to the historical context and the potential for conflict between the two nations, which have previously fought wars over Kashmir.