Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir. India responded with military strikes on May 7, 2025, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," targeting what it claimed were terrorist infrastructures within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India has presented proof of the damage inflicted on Pakistani military bases during Operation Sindoor. Satellite imagery, some of which was released by a Chinese firm, MIZARVISION, showed significant damage to Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase following a precision airstrike by the Indian Air Force. The imagery included before-and-after visuals, highlighting the destruction of critical infrastructure and ground support vehicles. The focused strike on a specific area of the airbase showed considerable damage to the facility, with structures heavily impacted and debris scattered across the site. At least two trucks, likely military support vehicles, were destroyed. The precision of the strike suggested a deliberate effort to cripple the airbase's operational capabilities by targeting key infrastructure and vehicles essential for ground support. While the targeted area sustained heavy damage, surrounding structures, including aircraft visible on the tarmac, were largely unaffected, indicating the use of precision-guided munitions.
In addition to the Nur Khan Airbase, India carried out precision strikes on Pakistani military bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, as well as radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation bases, using air-launched weapons from Indian fighter aircraft. These strikes were in response to Pakistan's shelling along the border and drone attacks.
Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes across several Indian cities, including Amritsar. India claimed to have negated these strikes using its S-400 missile system. Pakistan also claimed to have downed a number of Indian jets and damaged Indian infrastructure. However, India released time-stamped images and videos showing airbases in full operational condition to counter these claims. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Pakistan's claims of destroying various military assets were false and urged everyone not to be misled by these lies. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh outlined India's calibrated military response and debunked Pakistan's false claims of having destroyed key Indian defense installations.
Following three days of conflict, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, effective from 5:00 pm IST/4:30 pm PKT (11:30 UTC) on May 10, with talks set for May 12. However, both countries accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement shortly after the deadline.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) stated that it had successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision and professionalism. Operations were conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with national objectives. The IAF also urged everyone to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information, as operations were still ongoing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the armed forces that the response to every action by Pakistan should be more forceful. Government sources stated that the turning point was the attacks on the air bases. The Indian Army has warned that any violation of the ceasefire would be responded to fiercely.
The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides. The Indian Army reported the loss of 5 soldiers in Operation Sindoor. The Pakistan Army reportedly lost approximately 35 to 40 personnel in artillery and small arms fire on the Line of Control between May 7 and May 10. At least 31 civilians were killed and 57 injured in Pakistan. Cross-border firing and shelling have caused civilian casualties, injuries, infrastructure damage, service disruptions, and school closures. Dozens of families have been displaced from villages near the Line of Control (LoC) due to escalating tensions.
The ongoing hostilities have provoked calls for restraint and fact-checking, as the risk of escalation between the two nuclear powers grows.