Following a period of heightened tensions, India has issued a firm warning to Pakistan, signaling a potential shift in their relationship. This comes after a series of events that have brought the two countries close to the brink of war. The recent escalation was triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), which India alleges is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for a neutral investigation.
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. Pakistan claims that these strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, including children. Since then, there have been reports of retaliatory measures, including drone attacks on major Pakistani cities and military installations. Both countries have accused each other of launching missiles and drones at their respective cities and military facilities.
Amidst these escalating tensions, a ceasefire was declared between India and Pakistan. However, sources indicate that "Operation Sindoor" remains active, signaling a "new normal" that Pakistan must acknowledge. This suggests that despite the ceasefire, India intends to maintain pressure on Pakistan and will continue to target terrorist infrastructure within its borders. Government sources in India have stated that any future act of terror in India will be considered an "act of war" and will be responded to accordingly.
This situation marks a significant shift in India-Pakistan relations. Until recently, India's response to terror attacks linked to Pakistan primarily involved diplomatic efforts, economic penalties, and pressure on Islamabad to crack down on terror networks. However, the launching of military operations inside Pakistan signifies a more assertive approach. Some analysts believe that India has established a new normal where it directly targets terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan in response to attacks.
The emerging status quo is undoubtedly riskier, and Pakistan could provoke India in the future with more terror attacks. This is a long game that will test the strategic endurance of both nations. The international community is closely watching the situation, with the U.S. Secretary of State calling for methods to de-escalate tensions. However, the path forward remains uncertain, and the relationship between India and Pakistan remains fraught with challenges.
