Kota, Rajasthan – 11:50 PM IST, Thursday, May 8, 2025 – The already strained relationship between India and Pakistan has deteriorated sharply in the past few weeks, reaching a critical juncture following a series of escalating events. Tensions soared after a deadly terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists and injured over 20 others. India has squarely blamed Pakistan for supporting the militants responsible for the attack, a charge vehemently denied by Islamabad.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, diplomatic ties have been severely impacted. India initiated the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, recalled its own diplomatic staff from Islamabad, and suspended all visa services. In a significant move, New Delhi also announced the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement between the two nations, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan retaliated by imposing trade restrictions, closing its airspace, and shutting down border crossings, including the symbolic Attari-Wagah border.
The situation took a dangerous turn on May 7, 2025, when India launched missile strikes inside Pakistani territory, codenamed “Operation Sindoor.” According to Indian authorities, the strikes targeted militant groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, believed to be responsible for the Pahalgam attack and other acts of terrorism. However, Pakistan has strongly condemned the strikes, claiming that they hit civilian areas, including mosques, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 Pakistani civilians. These claims are yet to be independently verified.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Pakistan’s military claimed to have intercepted Indian drones and missiles targeting several cities, including Amritsar. While Indian authorities confirmed a drone and missile attack, they stated that it was successfully neutralized by India’s S-400 missile defense system, resulting in no damage or casualties.
Heavy exchanges of artillery fire have been reported along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the firing, leading to casualties and further escalating the already volatile situation. Several northern Indian states, including Punjab and Rajasthan, have announced emergency measures such as blackouts and school closures as a precautionary response to the heightened tensions.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, with many nations calling for restraint and urging both sides to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation. However, as of late Thursday night, there are no immediate signs of de-escalation. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that while Pakistan had shown “restraint” in its initial responses, the country reserves the right to retaliate against India at a time and place of its choosing.
The coming hours and days are expected to be critical as the world watches to see if these nuclear-armed neighbors can pull back from the brink of further conflict. The potential ramifications of a full-blown conflict in the region are immense, raising serious concerns globally.