In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, India and Pakistan have launched reciprocal military operations, marking the most severe confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent years.
Operation Sindoor and Retaliation
On May 7, 2025, India initiated “Operation Sindoor,” a series of air and missile strikes targeting nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Indian government stated that the operation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which were allegedly responsible for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians, including Indian and Nepali nationals. India reported the elimination of approximately 70 militants within 24 hours of the strikes.
Pakistan condemned the airstrikes as an unprovoked act of aggression, reporting civilian casualties, including women and children. Pakistani authorities claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft and destroyed a brigade headquarters in retaliation. The Pakistani military vowed to respond further, stating that the strikes would not go unanswered.
Civilian Impact and Border Clashes
The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides. Pakistan reported 26 civilian deaths and 46 injuries, while India confirmed 8 civilian deaths and 47 injuries . The violence has also led to border skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC), with both nations accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for military restraint, emphasizing that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan”. Similarly, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled the Indian airstrikes as a “shame,” urging both countries to de-escalate the situation.
India’s Civil Defense Measures
In response to the heightened threat, India conducted a nationwide civil defense drill, Operation Abhyaas, on May 7, 2025. The exercise involved air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, and evacuation drills across 244 districts, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The drill aimed to bolster civilian preparedness amid the ongoing conflict.
Outlook
As both nations continue to exchange military actions and diplomatic condemnations, the risk of a full-scale war remains a significant concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
