India and Pakistan have triggered a new round of conflict due to an attack on tourists in the Kashmir region, with the situation escalating sharply. This crisis involves multiple contradictions such as territorial disputes, water resource competition, and geopolitical games, with ongoing military standoffs between both sides.
Terrorist attacks have ignited contradictions.
On April 22, a shooting incident targeting tourists occurred in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-controlled Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths. The Indian government quickly accused Pakistan of supporting the terrorist organization 'Resistance Front' in planning the attack, but did not provide concrete evidence. Pakistan denied any connection and questioned India's self-directed 'false flag operation.'
India has taken extreme retaliatory measures.
India announced on April 23 to suspend the implementation of the Indus River Water Treaty, closing the gates of four upstream dams, cutting off 80% of agricultural irrigation and 60% of drinking water sources for Pakistan, threatening Pakistan's food security and electricity supply. In addition, India closed the only land border, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and revoked visas for Pakistani citizens.
The current conflict between India and Pakistan has surpassed a singular terrorist attack or territorial dispute, and is instead a complex struggle over 'territory, water resources, and geopolitical competition.' Whether the situation can return to institutionalized control depends on whether both sides are willing to make concessions to restore the treaty under international and domestic public opinion pressure, while also preventing the situation from sliding into a deeper 'resource war.'