India Lifts Ban on Pakistani Artists, YouTube Channels After Pahalgam Attack; Pakistan Hockey Team to Visit Amid Inconsistent Policy

India has lifted bans on Pakistani artists and YouTube channels amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. The decision follows a period of restricted cultural exchanges, including the Pahalgam terror attack episode, which had led to bans on Pakistani content. Indian officials and commentators have expressed differing views on the move, with some questioning the rationale behind initially imposing the bans and others highlighting the need for interaction and cultural sharing between India and Pakistan. The government has been described as softening its approach, citing a return to a stage of normalcy. However, the policy remains inconsistent, with some Pakistani YouTube channels being blocked and unblocked intermittently. Additionally, Pakistan's hockey team is scheduled to visit India, raising questions about India's official stance of no talks with Pakistan. The unblocking of Pakistani digital content has been attributed to a 'technical glitch' by authorities, even as operations against terrorism continue. The developments have sparked debates on how India should balance countering hostile narratives and maintaining open cultural exchanges with Pakistan.