India denies entry to Sikh pilgrims by shutting Kartarpur Corridor

India has closed the Kartarpur Corridor, barring Sikh pilgrims from entering the sacred site, following an escalation with Pakistan, Indian media reported on Wednesday.

The decision comes after India launched a series of missile strikes on more than 20 locations across six Pakistani cities during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the martyrdom of nearly 30 civilians and injuries to over 45 others, according to official sources.

Pakistan responded forcefully to the aggression, downing five Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, and destroying seven drones, military officials confirmed.

Indian outlets reported that the Modi government suspended operations at the Kartarpur Corridor until further notice, effectively halting all cross-border pilgrimage.

Read more: Indian airlines suffer daily losses in millions after Pakistan's airspace closure

Sikh devotees were reportedly stopped from entering the corridor, which connects Indian pilgrims to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Pakistan.

This comes despite Pakistan having earlier exempted Sikh pilgrims from its broader diplomatic retaliation, which included asking Indian nationals to leave the country, following India’s order for Pakistanis to exit Indian territory post-Pahalgam attack.