India launches 'precision strikes' on Pakistan after Kashmir attack

New Delhi targets alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir amid escalating border tensions.

A flare rises over a hillside near the main town of Poonch district on May 7, 2025. Photo by Punit Paranjpe/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

India launched what it described as “precision strikes” on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the early hours of Wednesday, following a deadly militant attack on April 22 in Indian-controlled Kashmir that left 26 civilians dead. The Indian government alleges that the attack was carried out by militants supported by Pakistan, reigniting decades-old tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

India’s Ministry of Defence announced that the air strikes targeted what it called “terrorist infrastructure,” without disclosing specific locations. However, it emphasized that the military action was limited in scope, saying that “no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted” and characterizing the operation as “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature.”

Pakistan condemns attack, vows strong retaliation

Pakistan responded with fury, accusing India of violating its sovereignty and targeting civilians. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the strikes as an “act of war” and stated on social media platform X that Pakistan has “every right to give a robust response . . . and a strong response is indeed being given.”

Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, claimed that the Indian air force had carried out missile strikes near the Punjab cities of Muridke and Bahawalpur, and in the regions of Bagh, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He reported that 24 strikes had hit six separate areas, killing at least eight people, including five civilians, and injuring 35 others. Among the deceased were two children, aged three and sixteen. The Merapi Times could not independently verify these casualty figures.

Escalating military exchanges

In a further escalation, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed on Wednesday morning that Pakistani forces had downed three Indian fighter jets and one drone in response to the strikes. Although state broadcaster PTV reported that Pakistani forces had launched artillery fire into Indian-administered Kashmir, these claims also remain unverified by independent sources.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that the Indian forces used “stand-off weapons” and did not breach Pakistani airspace during the strikes. The ministry reiterated Pakistan’s right to self-defense and warned of consequences if India continues such actions.

Kashmir: a long-standing flashpoint

The disputed territory of Kashmir remains a volatile region with a history of sparking military conflict between the two nations. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars—two of which were directly over Kashmir. Both nations claim the region in full but control different parts of it, with a heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) dividing the two zones.

The April 22 attack on tourists in the Indian-administered section of Kashmir has reignited concerns over security in the region. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the killings, New Delhi was quick to link the assault to groups allegedly based in Pakistan. Islamabad has firmly denied any involvement.

Diplomatic fallout and regional concerns

Since the attack, diplomatic ties between the two countries have deteriorated. India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank, signaling the severity of the rift. The two countries have also scaled back diplomatic engagement, recalling envoys and freezing bilateral dialogue.

International observers have raised concerns over the escalation. Speaking to reporters, U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “a shame” and expressed hope that it would de-escalate quickly. “I just heard about it,” he said. “Hope it ends very quickly.”

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reportedly briefed his American counterpart Marco Rubio about the air strikes shortly after they were conducted, indicating Washington's close monitoring of developments in South Asia.

Regional instability and global concerns

The international community has repeatedly urged restraint from both sides, fearing that continued tit-for-tat responses could spiral into a larger regional conflict. Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, making any escalation particularly dangerous. The current wave of violence serves as a stark reminder of how quickly tensions in Kashmir can flare into open conflict.

Experts warn that, unless a sustained dialogue is reestablished, the cycle of violence will continue to threaten peace in South Asia. While New Delhi frames its actions as necessary for national security, Islamabad views them as provocations designed to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Outlook uncertain as both sides hold firm

For now, neither India nor Pakistan appears ready to back down. New Delhi has signaled it may take further action if similar attacks occur again, while Pakistan insists that it will retaliate forcefully to any future aggression. The situation remains fluid, and further escalations cannot be ruled out.

Observers say that international mediation may be needed to pull both countries back from the brink. In the meantime, the people of Kashmir—caught in the crossfire—continue to suffer the consequences of an unresolved geopolitical conflict that has lasted over seven decades.