India Pakistan War 2025: Operation Sindoor and the Escalation of Tensions

India Pakistan War 2025: Operation Sindoor and the Escalation of Tensions

The long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan has once again erupted into full-scale confrontation following India's Operation Sindoor, a military campaign launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025. Tensions, already high due to the recent massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, escalated rapidly as India struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, citing them as terrorist infrastructure.

Why Are India and Pakistan at War Again?

The current India Pakistan conflict stems from the massacre of 26 civilians in Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan has denied all involvement. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking key locations in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Muridke.

The operation marked one of the most severe escalations in India-Pakistan relations since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. According to India news today, the operation was limited in duration lasting only 25 minutes but highly impactful. India bombing Pakistan is now a headline dominating not only Indian news channels but also global outlets like Sky News, BBC News Pakistan, NDTV, The Hindu, and Dawn News.

The Aftermath: Pakistan’s Response

Pakistan news today reported that at least 26 civilians were killed in the Indian strikes. Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the action as an unprovoked act of war. Islamabad claimed it retaliated by shooting down five Indian jets, including three Rafale fighter aircraft, and a drone. While India has not confirmed the loss, the Pakistan and India war narrative has gripped both nations.

Scenes of destruction were reported in Kotli Pakistan, Muzaffarabad, and Bahawalpur, where airstrikes allegedly damaged civilian infrastructure, including mosques. A mosque in Muridke was completely destroyed, sparking outrage among Pakistan and India citizens alike.

Operation Sindoor: Strategic or Symbolic?

The naming of Operation Sindoor (or Sindhoor) holds symbolic weight, referencing the red powder used in Indian rituals and often seen as a sign of sacrifice. The choice signals India’s intention to frame this as a moral and patriotic response. According to Indian defense sources, the targets were selected based on intelligence indicating active terrorist infrastructure.

Videos aired by Indian news channels like NDTV showed military strikes and alleged destruction of training camps. This media strategy reinforced public sentiment in India, where nationalism is at a peak. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been under pressure to retaliate following the Kashmir massacre.

Kashmir at the Center Again

Kashmir, a region long contested by India and Pakistan, remains the heart of the conflict. Both countries claim it in full but control different parts. The latest violence has prompted mass evacuations in Indian-administered Kashmir, with residents in Poonch, Kupwara, and Akhnoor fleeing shelling. Pakistan bombing across the Line of Control (LoC) has further intensified fear.

International Reaction

The world has responded with alarm. The United Nations, China, Russia, and France urged restraint. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoed concerns about escalation. Even Sky News UK and BBC India featured breaking updates. Israel, notably, expressed support for India’s right to defend itself.

The Question Now: Are India and Pakistan at War?

While not officially declared, the situation resembles war. There have been military strikes, retaliations, and casualties on both sides. The India attack on Pakistan has been met with equal military response, including Pakistan attack on India with artillery shelling and drone operations. Analysts fear a prolonged India vs Pakistan war unless immediate diplomatic action is taken.

Cities and Sites Hit

• Muzaffarabad: Capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, hit early by missiles.

• Bahawalpur: Known for being a hub of Masood Azhar’s Jaish-e-Mohammed, targeted heavily.

• Kotli and Muridke: Other major targets in the India bombing Pakistan campaign.

• Noseri Dam: Intake structure on the Neelum river hit, raising fears of water war.

Pakistan Shoots Down Indian Jets

One of the most serious developments was the Pakistan military’s claim that it shot down five Indian jets. Photos showed parts of downed aircraft with labels from French manufacturers, suggesting that Indian Rafales were among them. Indian sources have not confirmed the losses. Some residents in Indian-administered Kashmir reported a fighter jet crash in Wuyan, near Srinagar.

Operation Sindoor India: Domestic and Political Repercussions

The India war with Pakistan is a political flashpoint. Modi postponed foreign visits, and high-level emergency meetings were held. Home Minister Amit Shah publicly praised the Indian Army, while Indian news live updates continued to dominate airwaves. Coverage, however, has been criticized for nationalistic overtones.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Protest

Islamabad summoned the Indian envoy, condemning the strikes as violations of international law and Pakistan’s sovereignty. Statements from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry described the India attack as “unprovoked,” and warned of grave consequences. Pakistan also alleged that women and children were among the casualties.

The Bigger Picture: Why Did India Attack Pakistan?

The question “Why did India attack Pakistan?” is central to understanding the narrative. India cites the failure of Pakistan to curb cross-border terrorism, especially after the Kashmir massacre. For many, India strikes Pakistan was a long-anticipated response. But critics warn that this action risks igniting an all-out India Pakistan war.

What’s Next for India and Pakistan?

The fate of India Pakistan news depends on diplomatic engagement. Already, countries like Qatar, UAE, and Japan are calling for dialogue. Still, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing shelling, displacement, and fear of further attacks.

In summary, India and Pakistan stand at the edge of a cliff, with Operation Sindoor symbolizing both a line drawn in blood and a call for global intervention. Whether this leads to sustained India war, or paves the way for long-term peace, will depend on the choices made in the coming days.

This escalation notably coincides with VE Day Victory in Europe Day when the world remembers the end of World War II in Europe and the importance of peace and diplomacy over conflict.

1. What is Operation Sindoor?

   • Operation Sindoor is a military campaign launched by India in May 2025, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

2. Why did India attack Pakistan?

   • India cited the massacre of civilians in Kashmir, allegedly by Pakistan-based militants, as the catalyst for its response.

3. How many casualties were reported?

   • At least 26 civilians were killed in Pakistan and 10 in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to initial reports.

4. What areas were targeted in the strikes?

   • Strikes hit Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and the Noseri Dam infrastructure.

5. Did Pakistan retaliate?

   • Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian jets and conducted artillery shelling across the Line of Control.

6. Has war been officially declared?

   • No formal war has been declared, but the scale of military action suggests de facto wartime conditions.

7. What has been the international response?

   • The UN, US, China, Russia, and other global powers have called for de-escalation and dialogue.

8. Who is Masood Azhar and why is he relevant?

   • Masood Azhar is the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group accused by India of organizing attacks on its soil.

9. What is the history of conflict over Kashmir?

   • India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir since 1947. The region remains a major flashpoint.

10. What role does media play in this conflict?

• Media coverage in both countries has intensified nationalism, with some outlets accused of jingoistic rhetoric.