As of May 8, 2025, India and Pakistan are embroiled in a significant military escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 27 lives, including 25 Hindu tourists, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim. The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliatory Strikes
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, executing 14 precision strikes over 23 minutes targeting nine locations in Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province. The operation utilized Rafale aircraft equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, as well as Indo-Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions. India asserted that the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
Pakistan’s Response and India’s Countermeasures
On the night of May 8, Pakistan attempted drone and missile strikes across several Indian cities, including Amritsar. Indian authorities reported that these were intercepted by the S-400 missile system, marking its first combat use. Subsequently, India conducted Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD) operations, claiming to have neutralized air defense systems in Lahore.
Ongoing Border Skirmishes
Since April 24, cross-border skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) have intensified, with reports of ceasefire violations and artillery exchanges. India has accused Pakistan of supporting insurgent activities, leading to heightened military alertness.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
In a significant diplomatic move, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, citing national security concerns. Following this, India reduced the flow of water through the Chenab River, which crosses into Pakistan. Pakistan claimed a 90% drop in water supply and warned that any attempt by India to disrupt the flow of water from shared rivers could be considered an act of war.
Civil Defense Measures in India
Anticipating potential escalation, India conducted a nationwide civil defense exercise, “Operation Abhyaas,” on May 7 across 244 districts. Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority, the drill included air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation drills, and public training sessions.
International Concerns
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Global investors are watching with rising anxiety as the situation threatens to spiral into open armed conflict, potentially destabilizing one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations on high alert. The international community continues to urge restraint to prevent further escalation.
