Regional Power Play: The 2025 Pahalgam attack and India’s changing global position

The peaceful tourist destination of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir became the site of brutal violence on April 22, 2025, when terrorists launched a calculated attack targeting tourists and local civilians. The attackers employed a methodical approach, identifying male victims by religion through questioning, name verification, and demands to recite the "Kalma," and physical examinations for "Sunnat" before executing them at point-blank range. This cold-blooded violence, which claimed multiple innocent lives, provoked immediate outrage across India and around the world.

- BRIGADIER DR VIJAY SAGAR DHEMAN

Intelligence reports indicate the attack was strategically timed to coincide with U.S. Vice President JD Vance's visit to India and the finalization of major trade agreements with both the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Evidence suggests Pakistan carried out this operation under Chinese direction, with operatives connected to the terrorist network of Saifullah, who had been eliminated in Chatroo, Kishtwar just one week earlier. The apparent objective was to undermine India's growing image as a stable global business hub and tourist destination. Vice President Vance's presence in India marked a significant advancement in U.S. India relations, highlighted by the announcement of a substantial $500 billion trade and strategic investment package. This agreement positions India as an essential supply chain partner for the United States. Rather than disrupting these diplomatic efforts, the attack ultimately strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing between the nations, with condolences and statements of solidarity coming from countries worldwide, including Islamic nations. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was negotiating a historic trade partnership with the UAE, encompassing investments in technology, infrastructure, and tourism with special focus on Jammu and Kashmir. This agreement underscores the UAE's confidence in India's stability and highlights Kashmir's ongoing transformation into a center of econom