On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, India launched military attacks against targets in Pakistan, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. The missile strikes, which were aimed at what India described as 'terrorist infrastructure' in the densely populated Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, came just over two weeks after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistan.
According to reports, Pakistan claimed to have shot down at least two Indian Air Force planes in response to the attacks. The Pakistani military asserted that it successfully intercepted five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, and an SU-30 fighter, along with a drone during the incident. However, independent verification of these claims remains elusive.
Since the early hours of Wednesday, both countries have engaged in exchanges of fire across their border, with witnesses in Srinagar, the largest city in Indian-administered Kashmir, reporting loud explosions. The local airport was temporarily closed to civilian traffic due to the escalating violence.
The United States State Department has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation, which has the potential to spiral into a larger conflict. In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Defense emphasized that its actions were targeted and measured, asserting that no Pakistani military installations were attacked. They stated, "Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature."
Pakistan has vehemently rejected this characterization, arguing that the missile strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including at least eight deaths and over 35 injuries, with many of the victims being children. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks as an 'act of war' and affirmed Pakistan's right to respond appropriately.
Military sources from Pakistan reported that five locations were targeted in the attacks, including Kotli, Ahmadpur East, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke. Notably, Ahmadpur East and Muridke are situated in Punjab, representing the deepest incursions by India into Pakistani territory since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
These military actions mark the most significant escalation since 2019, when Indian aircraft conducted airstrikes within Pakistan following a suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. The Indian Army claimed to have hit nine targets in what they called 'Operation Sindoor', declaring that "justice has been served" in a message on X (formerly Twitter).
The backdrop to this latest violence is the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan, which has recently worsened following the massacre of 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in a popular area of Kashmir. This attack has fueled calls within India for a strong response, putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
In reaction to the heightened tensions, India has taken several measures, including ordering its citizens to return from Pakistan, closing a vital border crossing, and suspending its participation in a crucial water-sharing treaty that has been in effect since 1960. Pakistan, in turn, has suspended trade with India and expelled Indian diplomats, with officials warning that any attempts to divert water from rivers flowing into Pakistan would be considered an 'act of war'.
As the situation continues to unfold, both nations have ramped up their military posturing, with exchanges of fire reported along the Line of Control (LoC) and both countries closing their airspaces to each other's airlines. The United Nations has called for restraint, fearing that the conflict could escalate into a broader military confrontation.
In a public address, Indian Prime Minister Modi stated that the water flow from rivers originating in India and passing through Pakistan would be halted, asserting that the water would be redirected to serve India's interests. This declaration has further inflamed tensions, with Pakistani officials accusing India of manipulating water resources.
As the international community watches closely, the potential for a military confrontation between these two nuclear powers raises alarms about regional stability. Experts warn that the situation could deteriorate further, leading to severe consequences not only for India and Pakistan but for the broader South Asian region.
In conclusion, the military actions taken on May 7, 2025, signify a troubling escalation in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, with both sides prepared for further confrontations. The world is now left to ponder the implications of this latest chapter in their fraught relationship.
