In a recent development, India has undertaken precision strikes on terrorist training camps across the border in Pakistan in response to a horrific terrorist attack in the Kashmir region on April 22.
The targets were stated to be 9 Terrorist camps. This retaliatory move was focused with the objective of self-defence, and not aimed at civilian areas. The situation is actually not new and has had its bursts of activity over the past many years.
What Happened
On April 22, 2025, a few militants attacked a tourist area in Pahalgam, southern Kashmir, killing 26 people (25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal) and injuring 17. A militant group called the ‘Kashmir Resistance Front’, suspected to be backed by Pakistan-based extremists, claimed responsibility. This was the most severe such attack in Kashmir in years and drew widespread global condemnation.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7th – a series of precision strikes on nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan-administered territory. These strikes were limited in scope, clearly avoiding civilian targets and military facilities. The aim was deterrence and not escalation.
Background: A Longstanding Issue
Kashmir has been a disputed territory between India and Pakistan since 1947. A separatist movement has simmered in Kashmir since the late 1980s. However, these tensions have remained isolated to Kashmir and border areas, with the rest of India, including all major tourist zones, unaffected.
India has previously carried out similar operations (in 2016 and 2019) after similar terror attacks. Those did not result in full-scale conflict. Today’s situation is consistent with that pattern—controlled and localised.
Why There’s No Cause for Panic
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While border tensions always draw attention, it is important to keep perspective:
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The current situation is confined to Kashmir and the India-Pakistan border.
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There is no impact on tourism infrastructure or safety across India.
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Life continues as normal in all other parts of the country.
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There are no new travel warnings for the rest of India.
Neither India nor Pakistan desires escalation. There will be managed military posturing at the frontier. Both India and Pakistan, being nuclear-armed neighbours, are well aware of the need to avoid an all-out confrontation.
Diplomatic channels remain open, and international stakeholders have been briefed to help maintain calm.
Kashmir is Far from India’s Tourist Hubs
To understand the lack of impact on tourism, one must appreciate India’s geography. Kashmir is located in the far north. Most international tourism takes place in regions well removed from the affected zone:
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Delhi (Indian capital & major arrival point) – approximately 650 km south of Kashmir.
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Agra (Taj Mahal) – roughly 825 km from Kashmir.
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Jaipur (Rajasthan’s tourist city) – roughly 800 km from Kashmir.
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Mumbai (financial city in western India) – about 1,600 km from Kashmir.
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Bengaluru (South India metropolis) – over 2,300 km from Kashmir.
For context, 650–800 km is about a 1.5 hour flight or 12-14 hour train ride. Destinations in southern India (Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, etc.) are 2,000+ km away from the Kashmir region – essentially the opposite end of the country.
This means the areas that international tourists typically visit (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur ‘Golden Triangle’ Rajasthan, Goa’s beaches, South India’s backwaters and temples, etc.) are nowhere near the unrest in Kashmir.
The vast distance and India’ regional diversity ensure that an incident in one corner of the country does not impact other regions. Travel routes to popular destinations do not pass through the affected area at all.
Situation on the Ground
We want to emphasise that tourism across India remains unaffected by these recent border events. Outside of the Kashmir Valley, life continues as normal in all Indian cities and tourist spots. There are no disruptions in services or schedules. Indian authorities have increased security in Kashmir as a preventive measure.
To date, no country has issued any new advisory for general travel to India. Standard advisories already recommend avoiding Jammu & Kashmir and the immediate India-Pakistan border region, which has always been the case.
Our Commitment to You
We encourage travellers to stay informed but not to be alarmed. Tourists’ journeys through India’s vibrant destinations will continue to be safe, enjoyable, and memorable as planned.
Should any concern arise affecting your clients’ journeys, we will inform you immediately.
Final Thoughts
India is a vast, diverse, and resilient country. Isolated incidents do not define the safety of travel across its many regions. We encourage you to stay informed but not alarmed. Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring safe, enriching, and memorable journeys for your clients.
Disclaimer: Message from Creative Travel, Jungle Sutra, Away & Co.
