cross-border

The suspension is among several steps India has taken against Pakistan, accusing it of backing cross-border terrorism - a charge Islamabad flatly denies.

"We are likely to see a strong response – one that signals resolve to both domestic audiences and actors in Pakistan. Since 2016 and especially after 2019, the threshold for retaliation has been set at cross-border or air strikes," military historian Srinath Raghavan told the BBC.

First, the 2021 LoC ceasefire has been fraying, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could greenlight a return to cross-border firing.

India has also cancelled some visas held by Pakistanis and ordered holders to leave within two days, while demanding Pakistan renounces "support for cross-border terrorism" - something Islamabad denies.

But after previous attacks it launched cross-border strikes, blaming militant groups it says are supported by Pakistan, which denies the accusation.