Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, has firmly stated that India is at war with Pakistan-backed terrorists. This declaration comes in the wake of heightened cross-border strikes and accusations of Pakistan's support for terrorist activities. The situation intensified following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor," conducting precision missile strikes on nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Kwatra, in an interview with CNN, asserted that these strikes were a direct response to the terror attack and were carefully calibrated to avoid military and economic targets, focusing solely on dismantling terror networks. He emphasized that the operation aimed to bring accountability and justice to those responsible for the heinous attacks.

Kwatra has been vocal in his criticism of Pakistan, accusing the nation of siding with terrorists and providing them support. He urged the United States to tell Pakistan to cease its support for terrorist organizations. Following India's strikes, the US urged both India and Pakistan to avoid escalation. President Trump offered to mediate between the two nations but New Delhi politely declined, instead requesting that the US administration in Washington, D.C., implore Islamabad to stop supporting terrorist organizations.

The recent events have triggered international concern, with the US Consulate in Lahore issuing a shelter-in-place order for its staff. Officials from the United States, Russia, and China have all called for restraint as tensions escalate. These nations are urging both sides to de-escalate to prevent further conflict.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports have emerged of missile and drone attacks exchanged between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's Ministry of Defence claimed that military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles. While Pakistan has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and maintains that the Indian strikes hit civilian areas, India has asserted that its actions were a measured response to the April 22 massacre.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has been historically fraught with tension since their independence in 1947. The two countries have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir, and have clashed numerous times. Both nations possess nuclear weapons, further amplifying the stakes of any potential conflict.