Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with India accusing Pakistan of moving troops into forward areas, signaling an "offensive intent". This development follows a series of cross-border strikes and accusations, pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbors closer to the brink of war.
Indian officials stated that Pakistan's army used missiles and fighter aircraft against civilian and military targets along India's north and northwestern frontier, resulting in casualties. While the exact number of casualties was not disclosed, the officials described Pakistan's actions as provocative and escalatory. According to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Pakistani troops have been observed moving into forward areas, indicating an intention to further escalate the situation.
In response to Pakistan's actions, India has been targeting Pakistan's military and technical infrastructure, including command centers, weapon depots, and radar systems in various locations such as Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. These strikes were carried out using precision air-launched weapons from fighter aircraft. Additionally, Indian forces targeted Pakistan's Sialkot and Pasrur air bases.
Overnight, more than 26 aerial intrusions using drones were detected from Srinagar to Naliya. Pakistan has been using unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter aircraft to target civilian areas and military infrastructure. Indian armed forces have been working to neutralize these threats, with a majority of the vectors being intercepted. However, limited damage was sustained to equipment and personnel at Indian Air Force stations at Pathankot, Adampur, Udhampur, and Bhuj.
The escalating tensions have led to a temporary closure of 25 segments of Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes within the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions (FIRs) until May 15. Airports have also been shut down, and schools have been closed as cross-border tensions rapidly escalate. Air raid sirens were heard in Chandigarh, Patiala, Ambala, and Panchkula, triggering civilian alerts, and Delhi and NCR also tested air defense protocols.
The United States has urged both sides to avoid further escalation, with Vice President JD Vance stating that the conflict is "none of our business". Despite this, Washington is encouraging de-escalation. Other countries, including China, have also expressed willingness to play a constructive role in ending the conflict.
Both India and Pakistan have indicated that de-escalation is possible if the other country reciprocates. However, the situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and misinformation. India has refuted Pakistan's claims of destroying India's S-400 missile system and damaging airfields.
The current crisis is rooted in decades-old hostilities, particularly over the Kashmir Valley, a region disputed between the two countries since their independence in 1947. The latest escalation was triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting armed groups responsible for the attack, while Pakistan denies these allegations.
