India may close airspace to Pakistan following terrorist attack, media reports

India is considering closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people.

Such a move could significantly disrupt flight operations for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), forcing them to reroute flights to Southeast Asia via China or Sri Lanka.

Sources also inform that India may ban Pakistani ships from entering its ports. The government in New Delhi has already initiated several retaliatory steps in response to what it views as a Pakistan-linked terrorist attack.Among the measures are the cancellation of visas for Pakistani citizens, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a reduction in the number of diplomats at both countries' High Commissions.

India's Cabinet Committee on Security has reportedly ordered the closure of the Attari border crossing and the cancellation of SAARC visa exemptions. Pakistanis who entered India under this scheme have been instructed to leave the country by May 1.

Furthermore, India has declared Pakistani military advisors persona non grata and plans to recall its own representatives from Islamabad. The total staff at the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions will be cut to 30 people.

Islamabad officially denies any involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Meanwhile, China has urged both countries to exercise restraint.

India–Pakistan conflict

Recently, militants attacked a group of tourists in the Kashmir region. Eyewitnesses claim the terrorists targeted individuals based on their Hindu faith.

India has blamed Pakistan for organizing the attack and has temporarily suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty with Islamabad.

For more details on the conflict between these two nuclear-armed nations, read our article on the topic.