India revoked Celebi Aviation’s security clearance, citing national security concerns stemming from Turkey’s support of Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The decision impacts Celebi’s ground handling services at nine major Indian airports, necessitating immediate interim arrangements and future retendering. Celebi, while refuting allegations of Turkish government ties and political connections, had its security clearance granted in November 2022. The move follows public anger in India over Turkey’s actions and increased calls for boycotts of Turkish goods and tourism.
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Following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan formally requested that India reconsider its decision. Pakistan’s letter to India’s Jal Shakti Ministry deemed the suspension “unilateral and illegal,” highlighting the treaty’s importance to Pakistan’s population and economy. However, India, citing the principle that “blood and water cannot flow together,” remained unmoved, asserting that Pakistan’s support for terrorism violated the treaty’s foundational principles of goodwill. The resulting irregular water flow is currently impacting Pakistani farmers.
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India firmly rejected US President Trump’s claim to have mediated a ceasefire and his assertion of threatening trade sanctions. The government reiterated its long-held position that the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, and that India’s military actions were purely conventional, countering Pakistan’s nuclear posturing. India’s response to the April 22 terrorist attack targeted terrorist infrastructure, with any subsequent military engagement ceasing only after Pakistan’s cessation of hostilities. The government further clarified that the ceasefire agreement was reached directly between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations.
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India firmly rejected US President Trump’s offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute, asserting that Pakistan’s illegal occupation of territory must be addressed first. The Indian government stated that dialogue with Pakistan would only occur through military channels to discuss this issue. While the US claimed mediation in a recent ceasefire, India clarified that the de-escalation was initiated by Pakistan. India reiterated its longstanding position that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter to be resolved according to the Simla Agreement, excluding third-party intervention.
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During a press conference, Pakistan’s Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed publicly acknowledged the Pakistani military’s role in the 2019 Pulwama attack, referring to it as a display of “tactical brilliance.” This admission contradicts years of official denials and follows a similar statement by a former Pakistani minister. The statement, made alongside other high-ranking military officials, effectively dismantles Pakistan’s previous claims of innocence and its requests for evidence from India. The admission highlights the military’s significant influence over Pakistan’s government and its willingness to openly claim responsibility for the attack.
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Following cross-border attacks, a US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi subsequently reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, praising Pakistan’s restrained approach. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Dar also spoke with UAE and Turkish counterparts, updating them on the situation. The ceasefire, welcomed by the UAE, followed heightened tensions and military actions by both nations.
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The IMF approved $2.4 billion in financing for Pakistan, comprised of a $1 billion disbursement under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $1.4 billion from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). This follows a successful first review of Pakistan’s EFF program, demonstrating progress in macroeconomic stability despite ongoing challenges. India abstained from the vote, expressing concerns about Pakistan’s track record of implementing IMF programs and the potential misuse of funds for terrorism. The EFF will support continued fiscal reforms and private sector growth, while the RSF focuses on bolstering climate resilience.
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Following a recent terrorist attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to seek World Bank intervention. World Bank President Ajay Banga clarified the institution’s role is solely that of a facilitator in this bilateral dispute, rejecting speculation of direct intervention. India maintains that Pakistan has repeatedly violated the treaty, necessitating the suspension. The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of Indus River waters between the two nations.
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Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both nations to de-escalate and engage in direct dialogue. While expressing condolences for the Pahalgam attack and supporting India’s counterterrorism efforts, Rubio also pressed Pakistan to cease support for terrorist groups. India reiterated its commitment to a measured response to cross-border terrorism, while also receiving calls for restraint from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the EU. These global actors emphasized the need for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further conflict and protect civilian lives.
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Amidst heightened India-Pakistan tensions, High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami presented evidence to Sky News allegedly showing Pakistani military personnel with sanctioned terrorist Hafiz Abdul Rauf, further escalating the conflict. Doraiswami dismissed recent reports of Pakistan using Chinese J-10 fighter jets against India, citing a lack of evidence and questioning Pakistan’s contradictory claims of retaliation against terror infrastructure. He highlighted Pakistan’s history of unfulfilled promises of international investigations, referencing the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks. Doraiswami’s statements underscore India’s deep concern over Pakistan’s alleged duplicity and failure to address terrorism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker