Tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically following a series of cross-border strikes and retaliatory attacks, sparking international concern over the potential for wider conflict.
In a statement posted on Platform X, the Indian Army declared it had conducted “a precise strike” targeting what it described as terrorist camps in Pakistan. The Indian government later confirmed the military had launched an operation aimed at dismantling “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Pakistani military swiftly accused India of violating its sovereignty by firing missiles at three separate locations inside Pakistani territory. A military spokesperson reported the missiles were launched from Indian airspace and targeted sites in Bahawalpur, including a religious school, killing a child and injuring two others. Subsequent reports from Pakistani sources indicated that a total of 13 civilians were killed in a mosque strike, with civilian casualties rising to 26 dead and 46 injured across different regions.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister confirmed the missile attacks and vowed retaliation, stating, “We will respond to India at the time, place, and method of our choosing.” Pakistani authorities also reported shooting down five Indian fighter jets—three Rafales, one Su-30, and one MiG-29—and claimed another Indian aircraft crashed in Indian-administered Kashmir under unclear circumstances. India has not officially confirmed all the aircraft losses but acknowledged at least one crash and multiple injuries due to Pakistani shelling in Kashmir.
As the situation intensified, air travel across the region faced severe disruption. Pakistan International Airlines rerouted flights to Karachi and delayed departures. Meanwhile, Indian airports in Srinagar and parts of northern India were shut down, with all commercial flights canceled.
The violence along the Line of Control (LoC) continued, with heavy artillery exchanges reported. Both sides suffered civilian and military casualties. In Pakistan, eight were confirmed dead and 35 injured in Indian strikes, while Indian sources reported seven dead and 35 wounded in Pakistani shelling.
International actors have expressed growing concern. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum military restraint” and voiced deep concern over India’s operations across the LoC. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Senator Marco Rubio had spoken with Indian and Pakistani counterparts, urging the continuation of open communication lines. China and Russia also called on both countries to prioritize peace and stability.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened an emergency meeting in response to the military escalation, while India’s diplomatic corps reached out to counterparts in Washington, London, and Moscow to provide updates on the situation.
With both nations reaffirming their readiness to respond militarily and civilian casualties mounting, fears of further escalation loom. The United Nations warned that the world “cannot afford” a full-scale conflict between India and Pakistan.
