India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: Operation Sindoor, Drone Attacks, and Global Calls for Restraint
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025
New Delhi/Islamabad: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached their highest point in years, with both sides exchanging missile and drone strikes across the border following a deadly attack in Kashmir last month. The situation has sparked global concern, with international leaders urging both nuclear-armed nations to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
What Triggered the Latest Escalation?
The current crisis was ignited by a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim Islamabad strongly denies. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting what it described as militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir[1][3][5].
Missile and Drone Strikes Across the Border
Over the past 48 hours, both countries have reported intense military activity:
- India fired 24 missiles at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in less than half an hour[3][5].
- Pakistan retaliated with coordinated drone and missile attacks on Indian military installations, targeting areas from Leh to Sir Creek[2][3][7].
- Explosions were reported in Indian-administered Kashmir, Amritsar, and even near major Pakistani cities, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad[1][2][3][7].
- Indian authorities confirmed that all drone incursions were successfully repelled, and no major damage was reported at key sites like Bathinda Airfield[3].
Ceasefire Violations and Civilian Impact
The Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has witnessed numerous ceasefire violations, with both sides blaming each other for initiating hostilities. Nearly 40 people have been killed, mostly in Pakistan, as a result of the recent violence[1][7]. Civilians in border districts such as Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan have been placed on high alert[3][4].
Global Response and Calls for De-escalation
The international community, including the United States and China, has called for immediate de-escalation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in direct contact with both Indian and Pakistani officials, offering to mediate and urging both sides to re-establish communication channels[1][2][3]. President Donald Trump and other global leaders have echoed these calls, emphasizing the risks of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed neighbors[1][5].
Disinformation and Fact-Checking
Amid the heightened tensions, misinformation has spread rapidly on social media. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports, such as the widely circulated but false claim of damage at Bathinda Airfield[1][3].
What Lies Ahead?
Despite the intense military exchanges, both governments have signaled a preference for measured responses. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India's approach remains "measured and responsible"[3]. However, with diplomatic efforts struggling to keep pace with events on the ground, the risk of further escalation remains high.
"It would be foolish for either nation to initiate a nuclear strike against the other... The likelihood of nuclear arms being deployed is low, but that does not render it impossible." – Dan Smith, Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute[5]
As the world watches closely, the hope is that dialogue and restraint will prevail over confrontation.