Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following a series of military actions launched by the Indian government on 7 May 2025. The escalation follows a terrorist attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir in April, with the situation now drawing international concern and disrupting regional air traffic.
The Indian military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeted multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to Indian officials, the strikes were a direct response to the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians—most of them Hindu pilgrims—were killed. The attack was attributed to The Resistance Front, a group linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs. The strikes reportedly lasted 23 minutes and focused on militant infrastructure in locations such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. Indian authorities stated that the operation resulted in the deaths of approximately 70 militants and emphasised that no Pakistani military installations were targeted.
Pakistan, however, condemned the operation as an act of aggression and claimed that several civilian areas, including mosques, were struck. Islamabad reported at least 26 civilian fatalities and 46 injuries, including women and children. In response, the Pakistani military launched retaliatory action, including artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), reportedly killing at least three Indian civilians. Pakistan also claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft, although this claim has not been independently verified.
The situation has led to widespread disruption in air travel across South Asia. Several Asian carriers, including EVA Air, Korean Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines, rerouted or cancelled flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Over 50 commercial flights have been affected as of 7 May, with further disruptions anticipated should the standoff continue.
International responses have focused on de-escalation and restraint. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to refrain from further military action and called for calm. China, a regional power with ties to both India and Pakistan, expressed concern and appealed for both sides to prioritise regional peace and stability. Similar messages were issued by the United States, the European Union, and Japan, all advocating for a diplomatic resolution to avoid a broader conflict.
The developments mark the most serious confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since the Pulwama-Balakot episode in 2019. India and Pakistan each possess an estimated 160 to 170 nuclear warheads, and any military escalation is viewed with particular concern by the international community.
The contested Kashmir region remains the central issue between the two countries. Since the partition of British India in 1947, Kashmir has been the cause of three wars and numerous skirmishes. Despite the 2003 ceasefire agreement, regular violations along the LoC and continued militant activity have prevented lasting peace.
This latest episode highlights the fragile security environment in the region. The April attack in Pahalgam has reignited Indian concerns about cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan has accused India of undermining civilian safety and sovereignty through unilateral military action.
Both nations have placed their armed forces on high alert, particularly in forward areas along the LoC. Authorities have accelerated the construction of bunkers along the Jammu and Kashmir border, and precautionary measures, including the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas, have been initiated amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.
With neither side appearing ready to compromise in the immediate term, the risk of miscalculation remains significant. While both New Delhi and Islamabad claim to be acting defensively, the potential for escalation into a broader conflict is considerable, particularly given the political pressure faced by leadership in both capitals.
As of 7 May, there have been no confirmed plans for bilateral talks. The focus of international actors remains on urging both sides to avoid further violence and to re-engage through diplomatic channels.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with further military action, diplomatic manoeuvring, or international mediation all possible in the coming days. For the moment, the subcontinent remains on edge, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
