The India Pakistan Kashmir conflict escalated sharply on May 7, as India launched air strikes on Pakistani territory following the killing of 26 Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The military confrontation, the worst in over two decades between the nuclear-armed rivals, has raised global alarm over the potential for further escalation.
🔥 Strikes Mark Major Escalation in India Pakistan Kashmir Conflict
India conducted air strikes against what it called terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The action comes in response to last month’s deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian Kashmir, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan-based Islamist militants.
This marks the first major Indian offensive deep into Pakistani territory since the full-scale war more than 50 years ago, highlighting the volatile nature of the India Pakistan Kashmir conflict.
Targeted Strikes and Military Claims
Indian officials stated they struck nine “terror infrastructure” sites linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba—both accused of orchestrating cross-border attacks in Kashmir. These sites were allegedly used for militant recruitment, training, and weapon storage.
Indian forces reportedly used precision-guided munitions and advanced targeting systems to avoid civilian casualties.
💥 Pakistan Responds: Airspace Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout
Pakistan responded by claiming it shot down five Indian fighter jets. While India hasn’t confirmed this, sources in Kashmir reported multiple aircraft crashes and injuries to pilots.
Pakistani military officials called the Indian strikes an “act of war,” adding that they have informed the U.N. Security Council and reserve the right to retaliate “at a time and place of our choosing.”
The Pakistan defense spokesperson said none of the targeted locations were militant camps and reported over two dozen civilian casualties.
🌍 International Response: Global Powers Call for Restraint
The United Nations, United States, China, and Russia have all urged India and Pakistan to exercise military restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both sides to keep communication channels open.
U.N. officials arrived in Pakistani Kashmir to assess damage and gather facts on the ground.
🏞 Shelling Along the LoC and Civilian Casualties
Cross-border shelling resumed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, with both Indian and Pakistani officials confirming civilian deaths and injuries. In Indian-administered Kashmir, 10 civilians were reportedly killed, while six were confirmed dead on the Pakistani side.
Residents reported intense gunfire and explosions overnight, with videos showing fireballs lighting up the night sky—though these have not been independently verified.
🧨 Operation Sindoor: India’s Strategic Response
The Indian government has named the operation “Operation Sindoor”, symbolizing a strong nationalist sentiment. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the strikes were “pre-emptive and necessary” based on intelligence suggesting imminent terror attacks.
Analysts warn the bold move could trigger a larger retaliation from Pakistan, especially since these strikes went deeper into Pakistani territory than previous responses.
💬 Public and Market Reactions
Indian citizens expressed support for the strikes. “India is taking a stand against terrorism,” said Delhi resident Kumar Ravi Shankar. Financial analyst Tejas Patel added, “This is a strong and appropriate response.”
India’s stock markets opened lower but rebounded later in the day. Pakistan’s markets also dipped initially before recovering slightly.
The rupee weakened, and several airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Qatar Airways canceled flights due to airspace closures.
🔁 Historical Context: Recurring Tensions Over Kashmir
India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of which were directly related to Kashmir. Since the 2003 ceasefire—reaffirmed in 2021—cross-border operations have been rare.
However, the recent India Pakistan Kashmir conflict marks the most significant military engagement since India’s 2019 airstrike following the Pulwama attack, where 40 Indian soldiers were killed.
🔮 What Happens Next?
Experts fear a new cycle of military retaliation could begin, depending on how Pakistan responds. Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, warned that the scale of this strike means Pakistan is unlikely to let it go unanswered.
“We’ve had a strike and a counter-strike. What comes next will show how serious this crisis is,” Kugelman stated.