Relations between India and Pakistan are cratering following a deadly attack in the disputed Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir that left more than two dozen tourists dead.

The killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir has reignited India-Pakistan tensions, with analysts warning of a possible escalation of hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours, which have gone to war twice before.

Twenty-six men were killed and 17 were injured when suspected militants opened fire at tourists in India's Jammu and Kashmir territory, police said.