Tensions Rise Between Pakistan and India After Deadly Cross-Border Strikes

Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated sharply after India launched a large-scale military operation named Operation Sindoor in response to a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including several Nepali citizens. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups for the assault and vowed a firm response, which has now triggered a new cycle of violence in the region.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Military Response

On May 7, 2025, India announced the launch of Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted air and ground strikes on militant training camps and infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian military officials stated that the operation specifically targeted locations known to host groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

According to Indian sources, the operation successfully neutralized around 70 militants within the first 24 hours. Air strikes reportedly hit training camps in Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Kotli. These towns are often cited in Indian intelligence reports as major hubs for anti-India insurgent activities.

Pakistan’s Reaction and Allegations

Pakistan strongly condemned the Indian strikes, calling them an “unprovoked act of war.” The Pakistani military claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets and successfully repelled multiple cross-border incursions. However, Indian defense officials denied any losses.

Pakistan also reported significant civilian casualties, claiming that a mosque in Muzaffarabad was destroyed during one of the air raids. Officials in Islamabad labeled the Indian operation a violation of international law and vowed to retaliate with “full force.”

Water War Threat: Indus Waters Treaty in Jeopardy

In a dramatic move, India suspended its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding agreement that governs the sharing of water between the two countries. India stated that it would be reviewing the release of water into Pakistan-controlled rivers, citing security concerns and Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism.

Pakistan responded by accusing India of weaponizing water and warned that any disruption of the river flow could be seen as an act of war. Reports from Pakistani water authorities indicated a significant drop in water flow—up to 90% in some regions—raising fears of an impending humanitarian crisis.

Global Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts

The international community has expressed deep concern about the escalating hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations called for “maximum restraint” and urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic dialogue.

The United States, China, Russia, and the European Union have all issued statements urging de-escalation. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) issued a stark warning, noting that even a limited nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan could cause tens of millions of deaths and long-term environmental catastrophe.

Despite international pressure, both governments have remained firm in their positions. Indian Prime Minister has insisted that terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil must be eliminated “at its root.” Meanwhile, Pakistan’s leadership has pledged a “complete and crushing” military and diplomatic response if Indian aggression continues.

Civil Defense and Military Drills

In anticipation of further escalation, India launched Operation Abhyaas, a nationwide civil defense drill. The exercise included air-raid sirens, blackout simulations, emergency evacuations, and the preparation of bomb shelters in key urban areas. The drills are being conducted across 244 districts in India, with millions of civilians participating.

Pakistan has also increased the alert level of its armed forces and initiated civilian awareness programs in sensitive border areas. Both countries have started stockpiling food, fuel, and medical supplies in preparation for a prolonged standoff.

Media and Public Sentiment

In both countries, media coverage has taken on a nationalistic tone. Indian television channels have broadcast dramatic footage of the air strikes, showing plumes of smoke rising from militant camps. Pakistani media, on the other hand, have focused on civilian casualties and displayed images of destroyed homes and mosques.

Public sentiment remains highly charged on both sides of the border, with large protests, rallies, and social media campaigns fueling the rhetoric of war. In India, citizens have organized candlelight vigils for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, while in Pakistan, people have rallied in support of their military and against Indian aggression.

What Lies Ahead

With no immediate sign of dialogue and both sides preparing for possible prolonged conflict, the risk of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan looms large. Regional stability hangs in the balance, and the potential for a wider conflict involving other nations cannot be ruled out.

The coming days will be critical as the world watches closely. Diplomats, defense analysts, and global leaders are urging immediate talks to prevent further bloodshed and avert a humanitarian catastrophe in South Asia.