The relationship between India and Pakistan has entered a critical and dangerous phase, with the most severe military escalation seen in decades. As of early May 2025, the region is witnessing sustained cross-border hostilities involving air strikes, drone warfare, and artillery exchanges, prompting grave concern from the international community. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict, and fears of a larger regional war, possibly even a nuclear confrontation, are mounting.
The latest round of hostilities was triggered by a deadly terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including 25 Hindu tourists. India swiftly attributed responsibility to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, groups that have historically been involved in cross-border militancy.
In response, India launched a large-scale retaliatory military campaign on May 6, named “Operation Sindoor”. The operation targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir identified as terrorist training and logistical hubs. India used precision airstrikes involving advanced Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. Indian authorities described these strikes as “pre-emptive and defensive”, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure.
Pakistan responded swiftly and forcefully, claiming to have downed five Indian aircraft during the Indian air operation. Additionally, heavy artillery exchanges erupted along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between the two nations in the disputed Kashmir region. Pakistan’s military launched coordinated shelling campaigns targeting civilian and military areas in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in dozens of casualties.
India, in turn, reported significant damage caused by Pakistani artillery in border towns such as Poonch, where 15 civilians were killed. The Indian Army retaliated with its own artillery barrage and air patrols, vowing to prevent further attacks. The situation along the LoC remains extremely volatile, with daily reports of skirmishes and targeted attacks.
In a new and alarming development, both sides have increasingly turned to drone warfare. India accused Pakistan of deploying nearly 400 drones to conduct reconnaissance and attack missions across key northern Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and even parts of Haryana. Indian defense systems intercepted many of these drones, but some managed to strike military outposts and civilian areas.
In retaliation, India used armed drones to strike Pakistani infrastructure, including suspected terror launchpads and supply lines. The digital battleground has also seen action, with Indian authorities ordering the removal of over 8,000 social media accounts believed to be spreading misinformation or inciting violence. These actions point to both nations’ expanding hybrid warfare strategy involving digital disinformation and cyber disruptions.
The ongoing hostilities have deeply affected civilian life on both sides of the border. Evacuations have been ordered in several towns and villages near the LoC, and numerous schools, public offices, and transport routes have been shut down indefinitely. The Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s premier cricket tournament, was suspended due to security threats, underscoring the gravity of the conflict.
According to reports, at least 48 people have died in total since the conflict escalated, including civilians, soldiers, and militants. Hospitals in border towns are overwhelmed, and power and communication lines have been intermittently disrupted by the fighting. Humanitarian concerns are mounting, with both nations urged to prioritize civilian protection and adhere to international conflict laws.
The international community has reacted with concern to the growing conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint and a return to dialogue. Neighboring countries, as well as global powers, are closely monitoring the situation due to the nuclear capabilities of both India and Pakistan.
Notably, U.S. Vice President JD Vance remarked that while the U.S. is watching developments closely, the conflict is “none of our business,” indicating limited direct involvement from Washington. However, Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, have taken a proactive stance in offering to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. With strong economic ties to both New Delhi and Islamabad, these countries could play a critical role in brokering peace.
The path ahead remains uncertain. With both countries refusing to back down and domestic political pressures fueling nationalistic rhetoric, the situation could deteriorate further. The possibility of a full-scale war, even involving nuclear assets, is not out of the question, making de-escalation all the more urgent.
Experts warn that unless meaningful dialogue is initiated soon, and third-party mediation is accepted, the region risks being plunged into a conflict with catastrophic consequences, not just for South Asia, but for global peace and security