Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply since India issued air strikes on Pakistan in a so-called retaliation against a militant attack which took place in Kashmir last month.
This is obviously worrying news if you’re planning on travelling to the region soon. That’s why we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about what’s going on between India and Pakistan, and how it might affect your travel plans. Read on for all the latest information.
Is it safe to travel to India and Pakistan?
Two weeks ago, a militant attack took place in India-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people, and India has since launched a series of air strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in a reported retaliation on ‘terrorist infrastructure’.
Relations have severely broken down, and both countries have now announced a range of retaliatory measures against each other, according to the BBC. These include closing borders, suspending a river water treaty, and the exchange of small arms fire between troops on either side.
So far, it’s been reported by Delhi that 15 people have been killed and 43 injured in the crossfire. Islamabad says 26 have been killed and 46 injured in Indian air strikes and firing along the countries’ borders.
Have flights been cancelled?
If you have a flight booked to or due to travel through the region, check its status directly with your operator. There are lots of reports of flights being delayed or rerouted to avoid both Pakistani and Indian air space right now, according to Al Jazeera.
At time of writing, 550 flights have been cancelled and at least 18 airports are closed.
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
The travel advice page on the FCDO’s website for India reads: ‘On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control. We are aware of potential disruption to flights to/from India and are monitoring closely. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information. According to media reports on 6 May, the Indian Government announced a Civil Defence mock drill on 7 May in several states across India. The drill may include temporary power cuts or blackouts, loud air raid sirens, suspension of mobile signals, or traffic diversions. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. British nationals should stay up to date with our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.’
You can head to the Foreign Office website to keep an eye on travel advice for India and Pakistan.
When was the most recent conflict between India and Pakistan?
This is the deadliest exchange of fire between the two countries in the last 20 years, but the two countries have been entering into conflict over Kashmir since partition back in 1947, most prominently that year, and then again in 1965, 1971 and 1999.
According to a detailed timeline produced by the New York Times, the last major flare-up was back in 2019. A bombing in Kashmir killed at least 40 Indian soldiers, and while Indian warplanes then conducted airstrikes on Pakistan to retaliate, the situation calmed before war broke out. You can read more about the history of the tensions here.
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