Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply increased following a series of airstrikes conducted by India on Pakistani territory. The Indian military reported that it targeted nine locations believed to be involved in planning terrorist attacks against India. Pakistan, however, disputed this claim, asserting that the strikes hit civilian areas and resulted in the deaths of two children.
The airstrikes, part of what India called Operation Sindoor, were a response to a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. India alleges that some of the attackers were from Pakistan and had specifically targeted Hindus. This incident coincided with a visit to India by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the wake of the attack, Vance expressed hope that India would respond in a measured way to avoid escalating the conflict further. He also urged Pakistan to cooperate in addressing the terrorists believed to operate from its territory.
Following the airstrikes, cross-border skirmishes intensified, including small arms fire and the suspension of a river water-sharing agreement. India claimed it had credible evidence linking Pakistan-based terrorists to the recent attack, describing its military action as focused and precise. Despite this, Pakistan accused India of fabricating the situation and claimed that its response would be decisive.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian strikes as a cowardly act and promised that Pakistan would retaliate. He stated that the nation’s military and people are ready to face any threat. Pakistan also claimed to have shot down two Indian jets and a drone, although India has not confirmed these reports.
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern, calling the strikes “a shame” and hoping for a quick resolution. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been briefed on the conflict and is monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
The United Nations has also weighed in, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for maximum restraint from both sides. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.