Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically following a reported attack by Pakistan on 26 locations within India. This action has triggered a strong response from India, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further conflict.
The recent escalation can be traced back to an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, alleging that the perpetrators were linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist group, a charge Pakistan denies.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, conducting missile strikes on multiple targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India claimed these strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure, while Pakistan insisted that civilians were killed. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an "act of war" and warned of retaliation.
On May 8, Pakistan reportedly launched a coordinated wave of drone attacks targeting military infrastructure across 26 locations in India, ranging from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the south. The targeted sites included key airfields, forward military bases, and civil aviation facilities. India claims to have successfully repelled each attack. Multiple explosions were heard over Srinagar on May 10, with reports of explosions at three Pakistani air bases.
India has maintained that its actions are a response to Pakistan's initial aggression, referring to the Pahalgam attack. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has conveyed that India will firmly respond to any escalation by Pakistan.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. G7 Foreign Ministers have condemned the "egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam" and urged maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan. They called for immediate de-escalation and encouraged both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome. US Vice President JD Vance stated that the conflict is "none of our business" while urging de-escalation.
Amid the heightened tensions, several precautionary measures have been taken. Air raid sirens were heard in several Indian cities, and authorities have asked people to remain indoors. Thirty-two airports in India were shut for civilian flights until May 15. The Airports Authority of India has extended the temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions. Blackouts have been enforced in several border cities in India.
Both India and Pakistan have a long history of conflict, particularly over the Kashmir region. The two countries have fought multiple wars, and tensions have remained high. The recent escalation has raised fears of a full-blown war, with potentially devastating consequences for the region.
