New Delhi: In a significant escalation of hostilities, India has closed its airspace to all Pakistani-owned and operated aircraft, including military flights, effective until 11:59 PM UTC on May 23 (5:29 AM IST on May 24). This move mirrors Pakistan’s earlier decision to shut its airspace to Indian carriers, resulting in a reciprocal airspace blockade between the two nations .
The airspace closure follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 28 people, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed by militants using AK-47s and M4 carbines. The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted the statement . India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a claim Islamabad denies.
In retaliation, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed land borders, and canceled visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has responded by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace and borders . Border skirmishes have intensified, with nightly exchanges of gunfire along the Line of Control .
The United States has urged both nations to de-escalate tensions, affirming India’s right to self-defense while calling for restraint from all parties .
