Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India has responded with "Operation Sindoor," targeting what it claims are terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation has led to a series of accusations and counter-accusations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides claiming to have inflicted damage on the other.

India's Operation Sindoor

India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian military says the operation targeted nine terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to Indian officials, these strikes aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure used for planning attacks against India. The targeted locations included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad. India's Defense Ministry described the operation as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory", stating that Pakistani military installations were deliberately avoided.

Pakistan's Response

Pakistan has condemned India's actions, calling them an "unprovoked attack targeting innocent people". Pakistani military officials claim that Indian strikes hit six locations, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 civilians, including women and children, and injuring dozens more. They also allege that mosques and residential areas were targeted. Pakistan's Army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said that India launched an attack with at least 13 drones early on May 8, most of which were shot down. However, he stated that one drone managed to hit a military target near Lahore, killing one civilian and wounding four soldiers.

MEA Press Briefing Highlights

In a special joint briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and security forces, India reiterated that the Pahalgam terror attack was the original escalation point of the recent tension. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan opposed the mention of The Resistance Force (TRF) in the United Nations Security Council statement regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, even after the group claimed responsibility. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi noted that while the May 7 press conference clarified that Pakistani military sites were not targeted, Pakistan targeted several military sites in North and Western India on the intervening night of May 7 and 8. These sites included Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana.

Misri also addressed Pakistan's claim of an international impartial investigation, reminding everyone of Pakistan's "not a bright track record" in pursuing justice for the victims of multiple terrorist attacks.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Both sides have accused each other of escalating the situation. India claims it has only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and that its actions are aimed at deterring further attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, accuses India of "serious provocation" and "blatant military act of aggression". India has accused Pakistan of targeting the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir, hitting a Gurdwara in Poonch and killing three individuals. Pakistan claims that Indian strikes damaged infrastructure at a dam in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, which India denies.

Impact and Reactions

The rising tensions have led to debates in the British Parliament, with members appealing for de-escalation efforts. In India, hundreds of traders held a "Tiranga March" in support of the Indian Army's actions. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that Operation Sindoor was not against any country or religion but targeted terrorism. Reliance Industries withdrew its trademark application for 'Operation Sindoor,' stating it was inadvertently filed. The Border Security Force has stopped the daily evening ceremonial retreat ceremonies at border check posts in Punjab.

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan allegedly attempted to attack 15 Indian locations using drones and missiles, but these were neutralized by Indian forces. India claims to have targeted air defense radars and systems in Pakistan, reportedly neutralizing an air defense system in Lahore.

Global Concerns

The recent events have raised concerns internationally, with calls for restraint and de-escalation. The crisis is described as being "at a crossroads," with the need for both countries to take steps to prevent further escalation.