Tensions between India and Pakistan have erupted into the worst military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in over two decades, with India launching coordinated strikes on Pakistani territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Wednesday morning. The escalation follows a deadly April 22 attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blames on Pakistan-based militants.

India Launches “Operation Sindoor”

India’s military said it struck nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir under the operation code-named “Sindoor” — a symbolic reference to the widows of those killed in the recent Kashmir attack. The Indian government said the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” used to coordinate cross-border violence.

Pakistan’s military confirmed that six areas were hit, with 24 separate impacts reported across various regions. In retaliation, Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale, one Su-30, and one MiG-29. India has not confirmed these claims.

Metal debris lies on the ground in Wuyan in India-administered Kashmir’s Pulwama district May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Civilian Death Toll Mounts

The fighting has already taken a severe humanitarian toll:

  • Pakistan reported 26 civilians killed and 46 injured due to Indian strikes.
  • In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a mosque in Muzaffarabad was hit, killing at least one person.
  • India said three civilians died in Pakistani shelling in its Kashmir region.
  • An Indian police officer reported 10 people killed and 48 injured in Pakistani attacks.

Schools have been shut down in both countries’ Kashmir regions, and Pakistan’s Punjab province has declared a state of emergency, with hospitals and emergency services placed on high alert.

People who, according to their relatives, were injured in a cross border shelling in Uri sector receive treatment in a hospital in India-administered Kashmir’s Uri, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

Airspace Chaos and Global Flight Disruptions

The conflict has severely impacted international aviation:

  • India closed multiple airports, and major airlines like Indigo, SpiceJet, and Air India canceled or rerouted flights.
  • Qatar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, and Thai Airways all diverted flights away from the conflict zone.
  • More than 52 flights to and from Pakistan were canceled, and over two dozen commercial flights diverted.
  • Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air suspended key routes to Europe via Pakistan, citing safety concerns.

Global Reactions and Calls for Restraint

  • China’s Foreign Ministry called the Indian strike “regrettable” and urged both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize regional peace.
  • US President Donald Trump called the escalating tensions tension a shame.
  • The United Arab Emirates also appealed for calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue to avoid destabilizing South Asia.
  • The United States has also issued a statement urging both parties to “avoid escalation” and return to diplomatic engagement.

Strategic and Military Implications

India’s strikes reportedly included targeting the headquarters of Islamist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Muridke. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by India, the United States, and the United Nations. India accuses them of orchestrating deadly attacks in Kashmir and other parts of the country.

The current flare-up follows India’s recent purchase of 26 additional Rafale fighter jets from France, indicating a long-term military modernization strategy amid tensions with both Pakistan and China.

Economic Fallout

Markets reacted quickly to the conflict:

  • The Indian rupee weakened in the non-deliverable forward market, signaling investor uncertainty.
  • Shares of several Asian airlines, including Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air, dropped more than 2% amid rerouting concerns.
  • Diplomatic Brinkmanship

Pakistan has informed the United Nations Security Council of the strikes, saying it “reserves the right to respond appropriately.” The country maintains that its air force only engaged Indian aircraft after they crossed into Pakistani territory and initiated attacks.