On May 7, 2025, the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a brief but

On May 7, 2025, the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a brief but intense armed conflict  following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India launched a series of missile and air strikes, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The air strikes were a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where militants killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which Pakistan denied.

The Indian Air Force employed advanced weaponry, including SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer glide bombs, striking camps and infrastructure believed to belong to militant groups. India maintained that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and described the operation as focused and measured to deter future attacks. Pakistan, however, claimed civilian areas were hit, resulting in 31 civilian deaths, and accused India of aggression.

Following the strikes, cross-border skirmishes intensified, including artillery shelling and drone engagements along the Line of Control (LoC). On May 10, Pakistan launched a retaliatory response  operation named Bunyan al-Marsus, targeting Indian military bases and reportedly conducting cyberattacks against Indian government and military online assets. India responded with further strikes on Pakistani military installations, marking the first drone battle between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The conflict lasted for several days, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations after a truce was agreed upon on May 10. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared victory and announced a national holiday to commemorate the event. The clashes resulted in dozens of casualties, including civilians, and heightened security concerns across the region.

Internationally, there have been calls for restraints  and protection of civilians amid the escalating hostilities, with organizations like Amnesty International expressing concern over the loss of innocent lives. The conflict marks one of the most serious escalations in the India-Pakistan dispute in recent years, underscoring the fragile peace in the Kashmir region and the ongoing challenges to regional stability.