India and Pakistan, nuclear-armed rivals that both claim Kashmir, are now at a dangerous crossroad after years of diplomatic stagnation.

At least 26 people were killed and 17 others wounded when gunmen opened fire on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the worst assault in years targeting civilians in a restive region that has seen an anti-India rebellion for more than three decades.

Kashmir Resistance, also known as The Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, the deadliest incident of its kind in India since the 2008 shootings in Mumbai.