The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan intensified overnight as Pakistan’s armed forces launched “multiple attacks” along India’s western border using drones and other munitions, according to a statement from the Indian army on Friday.

The latest hostilities come just days after India launched strikes on alleged terrorist camps within Pakistani territory — an operation that New Delhi claims was in retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month. Islamabad has denied any involvement in that attack and has dismissed India’s military response as “politically motivated” and “unfounded.”

Cross-Border Violence Escalates

According to Indian military officials, Pakistani forces have committed “numerous ceasefire violations” along the Line of Control (LoC), the de-facto border in the disputed region of Kashmir. In addition to artillery shelling, India says drones were used in attempts to strike targets across Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan.

“The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given,” said an Indian army spokesperson, emphasizing that all “nefarious designs” would be countered with “force.”

There has been no immediate response from Pakistan regarding the Indian army’s latest claims. However, Islamabad previously denied attacks on Pathankot, Srinagar, and Jaisalmer, accusing India of fabricating evidence to justify escalation

An Indian security personnel stands guard on a street, following clashes between India and Pakistan, in Srinagar, Kashmir May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali

Civilian Impact and Infiltration Attempts

In Kashmir’s Samba region, Indian forces said they foiled a “major infiltration bid” on Thursday night. Heavy shelling continued into Friday in the Uri sector, where a woman was killed and another injured when multiple homes caught fire during overnight bombardment.

According to Reuters, in the city of Amritsar, which borders Pakistan and houses the revered Golden Temple, sirens blared for over two hours, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors due to potential threats.

Rising Casualties and Global Concern

Nearly four dozen people have died since the latest round of hostilities began earlier this week. With drone strikes, artillery exchanges, and infiltration attempts continuing, the humanitarian toll is mounting on both sides of the border.

A man uses his mobile phone to film debris of shops damaged by cross-border shelling in Lagama village near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, in Indian Kashmir’s Baramulla district, May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

Global powers have expressed increasing alarm:

  • The United States, through Vice President JD Vance, reiterated calls for de-escalation on Thursday, saying: “We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can’t control these countries, though.”
  • China, also a neighbor to both nations, has urged restraint and dialogue, echoing calls from international observers who fear the conflict could spiral out of control.

India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since their independence in 1947, primarily over the disputed Kashmir region. Despite various ceasefire agreements, tensions have remained high, and episodes of cross-border violence are not uncommon. However, the scale and coordination of the recent military actions mark one of the most serious escalations in years.