India and Pakistan closer to conflict over Kashmir attack as tit-for-tat moves mount

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Kashmir, raising fears of a broader conflict. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

### **What Happened?**  

- **Kashmir Attack (Feb 14, 2019):** A suicide bombing in Pulwama, Indian-administered Kashmir, killed 40 Indian security personnel. The attack was claimed by **Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)**, a Pakistan-based militant group.  

- **Indian Response (Feb 26, 2019):** India conducted **airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistan**, targeting what it claimed was a JeM training camp—the first such cross-border raid since 1971.  

- **Pakistani Retaliation (Feb 27, 2019):** Pakistan shot down an Indian fighter jet and captured its pilot (later released as a "gesture of peace").  

### **Why Is This Dangerous?**  

- **Nuclear Risks:** Both nations possess nuclear weapons and have fought multiple wars over Kashmir.  

- **Domestic Pressures:** Indian PM **Narendra Modi** faced elections in 2019, while Pakistan’s military sought to assert dominance.  

- **International Concern:** The U.S., China, and others urged restraint, fearing a wider war.  

### **Current Status**  

While direct conflict was temporarily averted, Kashmir remains a flashpoint:  

- India revoked **Article 370** (Aug 2019), stripping Kashmir’s autonomy, further angering Pakistan.  

- Cross-border skirmishes and militant attacks persist, keeping tensions high.  

### **What’s Next?**  

- Diplomatic efforts (e.g., backchannel talks) have stalled.  

- Any major attack in Kashmir could reignite hostilities.  

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