From Shadows to Shells: The Recent India-Pakistan Conflict Unfolded

The Terrorist Attack that Sparked a Crisis

India responded swiftly and decisively. On May 7, the Indian Air Force launched “Operation Sindoor,” a targeted military campaign designed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the border.

In a series of coordinated airstrikes, Indian jets struck multiple Pakistani airbases including Nur Khan (near Islamabad), Sargodha, Skardu, and Bholari. These bases were believed to be hosting advanced surveillance and drone systems used to support cross-border militancy.

The airstrikes damaged key military assets such as airborne early warning aircraft, refueling tankers, and command centers. Notably, Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defense systems failed to intercept or engage Indian aircraft, raising serious questions about their operational readiness.

Following international pressure and back-channel diplomacy — particularly from the United States — both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. The agreement emphasized mutual restraint and a commitment to de-escalation.

However, the truce barely held. Within hours, reports emerged of Pakistani drones entering Indian airspace, prompting Indian air defenses to activate. Explosions were heard in some border regions, and local authorities imposed power blackouts as a precaution. Artillery exchanges soon resumed along the Line of Control (LoC), undermining the ceasefire’s credibility.

Despite a temporary pause in direct conflict, tensions remain high. Both militaries continue to maintain a state of heightened alert. Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing, but trust is at an all-time low. The world watches anxiously as two nuclear-armed neighbors navigate a perilous moment.

The events of 2025 highlight the fragile nature of peace in South Asia. As long as cross-border terrorism continues, and dialogue remains hostage to acts of violence, the region risks falling back into cycles of retaliation and instability.