Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a boiling point following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India swiftly blamed Pakistan for harboring the responsible militant groups, leading to a severe escalation in the already strained relationship between the two nuclear-armed nations.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025. This operation involved coordinated strikes on what India claimed were nine high-value terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India's military reported inflicting significant damage on Pakistan's military forces during the confrontation. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, stated that 35-40 Pakistani military personnel were killed in the combat operations.
A key element of Operation Sindoor was the precision strikes on Pakistani airbases. India's armed forces reportedly destroyed Nur Khan Airbase, a vital hub for Pakistan's air power, located in Rawalpindi. Visual evidence of the extensive damage was presented during a joint press briefing by top Indian defence officials. Videos released by India showed the Nur Khan airbase on fire following a huge explosion and extensive damage to the runway of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Pakistan’s Punjab. In addition to Nur Khan Airbase, strikes affected other Pakistani air bases, including Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skardu, Bholari and Jacobabad. India’s precision strikes reportedly destroyed nearly 20% of Pakistan Air Force infrastructure. Bholari Air Base was particularly hard-hit, with over 50 fatalities, including squadron leader Usman Yousuf.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out strikes against targets near Karachi, including a surface-to-air missile site at Malir Cantonment. Indian forces used Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, which effectively bypassed Pakistan's air defence systems during a precise 23-minute operation. India also showcased the wreckage of a Pakistani Mirage fighter jet, allegedly shot down during Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan responded to Operation Sindoor with a barrage of drones and missiles, all of which India claimed were intercepted and destroyed by its air defence systems. However, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said that Islamabad and New Delhi had agreed to a ceasefire understanding following a recent escalation in tensions and blamed Indian forces for initiating the ceasefire violation.
The confrontation led to a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, May 10, after mediation efforts involving nearly 30 countries, including the United States. Despite the ceasefire, India accused Pakistan of violating the agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India had "only paused" its military action against Pakistan and would retaliate on its own terms if there was any future terror attack on the country. Modi also linked the Indus Waters Treaty to the conflict, stating, "Terror and trade cannot go together, water and blood cannot flow together".
