Tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of conflict, rose sharply on Tuesday following an Indian military operation that involved multiple airstrikes on targets within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered territory. The Indian government stated that the strikes were aimed at nine locations used to plan and coordinate terrorist attacks against Indian civilians, according to the BBC.
Pakistan rejected these claims, asserting that the Indian airstrikes struck civilian areas and resulted in casualties, including the deaths of two children. Pakistan’s military released a statement alleging that India’s actions violated international norms and represented an unprovoked act of aggression.
The strikes, referred to as “Operation Sindoor” by India’s embassy to the United States, were reportedly a response to a terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Jammu & Kashmir. The attack left 26 civilians dead and was reportedly carried out by militants who specifically targeted members of the Hindu community. According to Indian officials, some of the individuals involved in the attack were linked to terrorist groups based in Pakistan.
The timing of the terror attack coincided with a visit to India by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a four-day trip. Vice President Vance commented on the situation in an interview with Fox News, expressing hope that India’s response would not escalate into a broader regional conflict. He also called on Pakistan to cooperate in identifying and addressing terrorist networks operating within its borders.
In the aftermath of the terror attack, relations between India and Pakistan further deteriorated. There were reports of cross-border small arms fire and a temporary suspension of a longstanding river water-sharing agreement between the two countries. In a formal statement, the Indian embassy emphasized that the military operation was both “focused and precise,” targeting only locations linked to terrorist activity. The statement also noted that India possessed “credible leads, technical inputs, testimony of the survivors and other evidence” implicating Pakistan-based terrorists in the Jammu & Kashmir attack.
Despite India’s assertion that the operation was limited in scope and designed to avoid broader escalation, Pakistan pledged to retaliate. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes and vowed a strong response, calling the Indian airstrikes a “cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan.” He declared that Pakistan had the “absolute right” to respond and that a “resolute response is already underway.” According to Sharif, Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens are “fully prepared” to respond to any threat.
As part of its response, Pakistan reportedly fired artillery shells into India-administered Kashmir. Additionally, Pakistani officials claimed to have shot down two Indian jets and a drone. These claims have not yet been confirmed by Indian authorities.
President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Tuesday, calling the developments “a shame” and expressing hope that the situation would de-escalate quickly. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio was briefed on the matter by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Rubio stated that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to engaging with both Indian and Pakistani leaders to seek a peaceful resolution.
Trump reacts to the airstrikes by India in Pakistan.
He says that he “hopes it ends very quickly”.
That’s generally my feeling about the situation as well. Obviously all death is bad, but it’s not really our problem or our business.
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) May 6, 2025
The United Nations also weighed in on the escalating situation. A spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed deep concern over the rising tensions and urged both sides to exercise “maximum military restraint.” The international community continues to watch developments closely amid fears that the situation could further destabilize the region.
