In a woeful escalation into hostilities, these airstrikes constituted India’s first synchronized ground assaults across the disputed border since 1971. They aimed for nine sites that they hailed as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistani administered Kashmir. The strikes struck within minutes of 1 AM local time. At least eight people, including a 3-year-old child, died, and 35 were injured. Note that according to news reports last week, a very recent terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed at least 26 Hindu pilgrims. In return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi justified military action as necessary to protect national security.
In response, the Indian government undertook a punitive, counterinsurgency operation dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” To make legal sense for the strikes, they claimed the sites were specifically linked to terrorist operations that targeted India. An official statement from the Indian government emphasized, “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.”
Pakistan’s response was swift and resolute. As such, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks, calling them a “heinous provocation” and an “act of war.” He emphasized that Pakistan possesses the right to respond forcefully, stating, “Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given.” He further assured the nation, “The Pakistani nation and the Pakistan armed forces know very well how to deal with the enemy.”
News accounts say the clash led to the loss of at least two Indian Air Force fighter jets. This has been affirmed by Pakistan’s own military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. According to the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry, Indian forces carried out missile attacks without crossing into Pakistani airspace. This action has raised serious concerns about our compliance with international norms.
This violence has further exacerbated already high tensions between the two nuclear-armed states, leading many in the international community to call for de-escalation and restraint. A spokesperson from the UN called on both sides to show the highest level of military restraint. The authors cautioned that the world cannot bear the costs of an Indo-Pak military confrontation. The increase follows a period of almost nightly exchanges of fire across the Line of Control starting April 24th. Both countries are blaming one another for violations of ceasefire terms.
These strikes were against both military installations and civilian population centers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, leading to massive civilian casualties. Eyewitness accounts from neighborhoods under attack paint a scene of mayhem and devastation. Local resident Haji Sanaullah recounted, “We are hearing constant loud bangs and some shells have landed near civilian areas.” This emphasizes the urgent humanitarian consequences of the military operations.
In denying India’s claims of harboring terrorism, Pakistani officials have demanded international investigation be taken upon the targeted areas. Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, stated, “I invite international and national media to see these sites if they had any terrorists. All targeted sites were civilian sites.” These misconceptions reveal Pakistan’s desperate plea for vindication, that it not be blamed for nurturing terrorism, and its call for accountability.
The current crisis has captivated the world’s leaders and political watchers. The international community has understandably raised alarms over the prospect of an all-out war between two countries that are both nuclear-armed. Each state boasts a deeply rooted legacy of government-sanctioned violence in Kashmir. This territory, long ethnically mixed, is officially claimed entirely by both, but each only really controls half.
As anti-war sentiment rises, both governments will come under increased pressure to prevent further escalation and return to the negotiating table. The Indus Waters Treaty, a 65-year-old agreement, regulates critical water resources for Pakistan’s agriculture and drinking needs. It is now under grave threat as India has recently announced its suspension of obligations under the treaty. Pakistan has made a clear threat. Manipulating the flow of the much-needed rivers would be seen as an “act of war,” complicating an already over-stressed diplomatic arena.