In a dramatic escalation of military tensions between India and Pakistan, India conducted a series of precision strikes on May 7, 2025, targeting nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). This operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," was launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22 that left 26 people dead, including tourists.
India's government has framed the strikes as a necessary counter-terrorism measure, asserting that it targeted only terrorist camps and not military installations. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that the operation aimed to dismantle infrastructure used by militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which have been accused of orchestrating attacks against India.
The strikes reportedly resulted in significant casualties, with Pakistani officials claiming at least 26 deaths and injuries to civilians, including women and children. They also alleged that five Indian fighter jets were shot down during the operation, escalating fears of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The international media's coverage of the strikes has been varied. The UK-based The Guardian reported that India's military action killed 26 people, while also highlighting Pakistan's claim of downed Indian jets. Meanwhile, the BBC published an explainer titled "Kashmir: Why India and Pakistan Fight Over It," tracing the historical context of the longstanding conflict between the two nations.
Across the Atlantic, The Washington Post focused on the reactions from Pakistani authorities and civilians affected by the strikes, while The New York Times published a piece titled "India Strikes Pakistan, Which Vows to Respond." The Daily Star, a prominent English-language newspaper in Bangladesh, also reported on the situation, emphasizing the retaliatory stance of Islamabad.
Al Jazeera's coverage leaned towards a sympathetic portrayal of Pakistan, amplifying claims of civilian casualties and characterizing the Indian strikes as provocative. Pakistan’s leading English daily, Dawn, criticized Indian media for what it described as a "hysterical" response to the initial terror attack, alleging that the media had prematurely blamed Pakistan without proper investigation.
International reactions have poured in, with leaders from around the globe expressing concern over the escalating tensions. The Chinese foreign ministry called for both countries to prioritize peace and stability, offering to mediate the situation. UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed readiness to support dialogue between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
Russia's foreign ministry echoed similar sentiments, urging both parties to exercise restraint to prevent further conflict. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the terrorist act in Kashmir and warned that retaliatory exchanges could lead to a full-scale military conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on both nations to show restraint, acknowledging India’s right to defend itself against terrorism while emphasizing the need to protect civilians. US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the incident, labeling it a "shame," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio hoped for engagement towards a peaceful resolution.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both countries to exercise "maximum military restraint," emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
As the dust settles on Operation Sindoor, the situation remains volatile, with both countries maintaining a high state of military readiness. The Indian armed forces utilized advanced weaponry, including Rafale fighters armed with SCALP cruise missiles, in what they described as a focused and non-escalatory mission.
The targets of the strikes spanned from Bahawalpur in the south to Muzaffarabad in the north, including known hubs of cross-border terrorism. Indian officials claimed that the targets were carefully selected based on intelligence assessments to minimize civilian casualties.
However, the Pakistani military has denied the existence of active militant camps at the targeted sites and reported civilian infrastructure damage, which has yet to be independently verified. The two militaries have exchanged fire along the Line of Control, the de facto border in Kashmir, further complicating the already tense situation.
Operation Sindoor marks the most extensive military action by India against Pakistan since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, which were also in response to a militant attack. This latest operation underscores the persistent volatility in the region, where both nations have a history of conflict and a complex relationship shaped by territorial disputes and religious tensions.
As the international community watches closely, the hope remains that dialogue and diplomacy can prevail over military confrontation, ensuring stability in a region that has seen too much bloodshed.
