India-Pakistan Escalation 2025: Complete Timeline, Operations, and Global Impact
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | By The Dainik News Team
New Delhi/Islamabad: The India-Pakistan border has become the world’s most dangerous flashpoint in 2025, with both countries exchanging missiles, drones, and accusations in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. This post presents a detailed timeline and analysis of the latest escalation, from the first signs of crisis to the present day[1][2][3][4][5][7].
Background: Kashmir’s Enduring Faultline
The roots of the 2025 escalation lie deep in the Kashmir conflict, which has simmered since the late 1980s. The region has seen repeated waves of violence, insurgency, and displacement, with both India and Pakistan claiming the territory in full and fighting multiple wars over it[3][4][7][8].
Timeline: India-Pakistan Escalation 2025
- 22 April 2025: Pahalgam Attack Militants attack tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), killing at least 26 people-25 Hindu tourists, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claims responsibility, then retracts days later[3][4].
- 23–24 April: India blames Pakistan for the attack. Both nations expel diplomats, suspend visas, close borders, and recall their diplomatic staff. India withdraws from the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan denies involvement and imposes its own trade and border restrictions[3][4].
- 24 April – 6 May: Heavy skirmishes erupt along the Line of Control (LoC), including cross-border firing and artillery shelling. Civilian casualties mount on both sides[4].
- 7 May: Operation Sindoor India launches a series of 14 missile and drone strikes, targeting nine locations in Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Punjab province. India claims the strikes hit terrorist camps (Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba), while Pakistan says civilian areas and mosques were struck, killing 31 civilians[4][5].
- 8 May: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, warns of “full force” retaliation. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari calls the Indian strikes “an act of war” and urges international intervention. Pakistan claims to shoot down 12 Indian drones; India claims to intercept Pakistani drones and missiles using the S-400 missile system[4][5].
- 9 May: Reports of airstrikes and drone attacks in Jammu, Amritsar, and Jaisalmer. Explosions heard in multiple Indian and Pakistani cities. Dogfights and missile interceptions reported. Both sides claim to have downed enemy aircraft[1][2][5].
- 10 May: Operation Bunyan al-Marsus Pakistan officially launches a retaliatory operation, striking several Indian cities and military bases. Pakistan claims cyberattacks on Indian government and military domains. India launches further counter-strikes, including five missiles from Srinagar targeting Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi[5].
Key Operations and Military Technology
- Operation Sindoor: India’s missile and drone strikes on alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, BrahMos cruise missiles, and Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions[5].
- Operation Bunyan al-Marsus: Pakistan’s retaliatory campaign, involving drone and missile strikes on Indian cities and military targets, as well as cyberattacks on Indian government and military networks[5].
- S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra”: India’s first combat use of its advanced S-400 air defense system to intercept incoming drones and missiles[4].
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
The fighting has resulted in at least 33 Pakistani civilian deaths (per Pakistan), 58 wounded, and dozens of Indian casualties, including losses among defense personnel[4][5]. Blackouts, air raid warnings, and mass displacements have been reported in border regions, with schools and businesses closed and civilians urged to seek shelter[1][2][4].
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Response
The crisis has triggered a diplomatic standoff, with both countries recalling ambassadors and suspending key treaties. The United States, United Nations, and China have called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both addressed their nations, vowing to protect sovereignty and security[4][5][7].
“We will respond with full force if provoked,” declared Pakistan’s Army Chief. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated, “Our approach remains measured and responsible, but we will not tolerate attacks on our people.”
Information Warfare and Misinformation
Both sides have accused each other of spreading misinformation and propaganda. Social media has been flooded with unverified reports, fake images, and conflicting casualty figures. Authorities urge citizens to rely on official sources and avoid sharing rumors[4][5].
What’s Next?
As of May 10, 2025, the situation remains tense, with both militaries on high alert and further escalation possible. Cross-border drone and missile strikes continue, and diplomatic channels are under severe strain. The world watches anxiously, hoping for a return to dialogue and peace.
The Dainik will continue to provide timely, fact-checked updates on this developing story. For in-depth analysis or to share information, contact us at dainikpulsenews@gmail.com.