India-Pakistan Tensions High Following Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor

Published on May 22, 2025

Why It Matters

Tensions between India and Pakistan have dramatically escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali citizen. This brutal act, which India swiftly attributed to cross-border terrorism, triggered a severe response from New Delhi. The incident has significant political and security relevance, compelling India to adopt a firmer posture against groups operating from Pakistani soil and raising concerns about regional stability. The immediate aftermath saw heightened security alerts, closure of tourist destinations, and strong diplomatic condemnation, indicating the gravity with which India views this latest provocation.

Background & Timeline

The relationship between India and Pakistan has been historically fraught with tension, primarily centered around the disputed region of Kashmir and mutual accusations of supporting terrorism. Significant escalations have occurred periodically, often triggered by terrorist attacks. Following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, India initiated a series of strong reactions. By April 29, India publicly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, labeling it a "rogue state" for its alleged support of terrorism. Heightened security measures were implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, including the closure of numerous tourist sites. India also signalled potential economic measures, considering restrictions on Pakistani airspace and ports and halting routine talks under the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan, in turn, reported moving radar systems and expressed fears of an imminent Indian military strike, while international actors like the UN and US urged de-escalation, setting the stage for a potential military confrontation.

What’s Happening Now

• May 7: India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These targets were linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the operation reportedly resulted in over 80 casualties among terrorists. India briefed 13 countries and the UN Security Council, describing the strikes as precise, restrained, and non-escalatory, targeting only terrorist infrastructure.


• May 8: Pakistan responded by authorizing military action and initiating cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in casualties, including 15 civilian deaths and 43 injuries. Pakistan also reportedly launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian cities and military bases, which India claimed to have repelled using its air defense systems. Airports in northern and western India were temporarily closed, and nationwide civil defense drills were conducted in India.


• May 10: After days of intense exchanges, Pakistan initiated contact, leading to a ceasefire agreement effective at 5 PM IST. Both sides agreed to halt military actions. However, reports of ceasefire violations, including explosions in Srinagar and drone intrusions, surfaced shortly after the truce was announced.


• May 11-15: Despite the ceasefire agreement, sporadic violations and heightened security measures persisted. India maintained its firm stance against terrorism, reiterating that talks are contingent upon Pakistan dismantling its terror infrastructure and addressing the issue of PoK. India also expelled a second Pakistani High Commission official and revoked the security clearance of a Turkish aviation firm, citing national security concerns related to perceived support for Pakistan. Discussions about the fragile ceasefire and the recent escalation continued at diplomatic levels, with the US offering mediation, though India asserted the ceasefire was agreed upon bilaterally.


• May 16-21: India and Pakistan agreed to continue confidence-building measures while maintaining a firm stance against terrorism. A retired Pakistani Air Marshal admitted that Operation Sindoor damaged a Pakistani AWACS aircraft, confirming the precision of Indian strikes. India reportedly banned Pakistani goods transiting through third countries and granted its armed forces emergency procurement powers. Diplomatic outreach continued, with India dispatching all-party delegations globally and Pakistan's Foreign Minister visiting China.

What Could Happen Next

1. Fragile Ceasefire Holds Amidst Lingering Tensions: The current ceasefire, despite initial violations, could potentially hold due to diplomatic pressure and the high cost of escalation for both sides. Low-level incidents along the LoC and continued rhetoric might persist, but large-scale military confrontation is avoided. International efforts to facilitate communication and de-escalation may continue behind the scenes. India maintains its assertive posture on terrorism and keeps economic/diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.
2. Renewed Escalation Triggered by Further Provocation: A significant ceasefire violation or another major terrorist attack could lead to a rapid breakdown of the current truce. India might respond with further targeted strikes or other punitive measures, potentially wider in scope than Operation Sindoor. This scenario carries a high risk of a dangerous military escalation, impacting regional stability and potentially drawing in external powers, particularly given the nuclear dimension.
3. Cautious Steps Towards Limited Engagement and Dialogue: Despite the recent hostilities, the realization of the high costs of conflict, coupled with external mediation efforts, could potentially pave the way for limited, conditional dialogue between India and Pakistan. Discussions might initially focus on strengthening ceasefire mechanisms and addressing immediate security concerns, potentially leading to very gradual confidence-building measures. However, substantial progress would likely remain contingent upon Pakistan demonstrating credible action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

This article is generated using AI-assisted summaries and verified timelines.