India strikes Pakistan in Kashmir in worst border clash in decades

Indian airstrikes target alleged militant camps after Kashmir attack as Pakistan vows to respond to what it calls an act of war.

Rescuers transport a recovered body to an ambulance after a building was struck by an Indian attack in Muridke near Lahore, Pakistan, on May 7, 2025. Photo by Mohsin Raza/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

India struck targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir early Wednesday, triggering the deadliest confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in more than two decades. The operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor” by Indian defense forces, was launched in retaliation for a deadly attack last month in Indian Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed by suspected Islamist militants.

According to Indian officials, nine sites allegedly linked to terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were targeted across the border. A defense ministry source said the airstrikes hit what India described as “terrorist infrastructure,” including headquarters used by these militant groups.

The air raids mark a significant escalation of the long-simmering conflict over Kashmir, a disputed region that has sparked multiple wars since the two countries gained independence in 1947.

Pakistan claims civilian deaths, downing of Indian jets

In response, Pakistan said its military shot down five Indian fighter jets, though Indian authorities have yet to confirm the claim. Pakistani military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Indian missiles hit at least six different sites, none of which were active militant camps, he insisted.

At least 26 civilians were killed and 46 injured during the strikes, according to Pakistani officials. “Pakistan remains a responsible state, but we will take all necessary steps to protect our sovereignty,” Chaudhry said in a televised briefing.

Reuters reported that local government sources in Indian Kashmir confirmed three separate jet crashes in the region. All three pilots involved were hospitalized, though the Indian Ministry of Defence has not yet commented publicly.

Images and damage in Pakistani Kashmir

In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, images showed damage to buildings and religious sites. One mosque’s minaret had collapsed after being struck by what Pakistani authorities said was an Indian missile. The surrounding residential neighborhood was sealed off by security forces.

Officials in the Pakistani-administered town of Forward Kahuta reported that two mortars struck a house, killing two men and injuring several women and children. In a nearby village, another civilian was reported killed in cross-border firing.

As a precautionary measure, all schools in Pakistani Kashmir, Islamabad, much of Indian Kashmir, and the populous Pakistani province of Punjab were closed.

Fierce shelling and historic context

The intense shelling and gunfire exchanged across the de facto border — known as the Line of Control — prompted fears of a broader conflict. Witnesses and police described hours of bombardment, the likes of which haven’t been seen since the Kargil War in 1999.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence, two of which were over Kashmir. A ceasefire agreed in 2003 was reaffirmed in 2021, but Wednesday’s airstrikes mark a dramatic break from recent efforts to maintain peace.

Operation Sindoor: A new phase in Indo-Pak conflict?

The Indian military named its strike “Operation Sindoor,” after the red vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women. Analysts say the symbolic name hints at a deep emotional and cultural response to the attack on Hindu pilgrims.

Defense ministry officials claimed that considerable restraint was used in choosing targets to minimize civilian casualties. Nonetheless, the scale and scope of the attack suggest a new phase in Indian military strategy toward Pakistan.

“This strike is far beyond what we saw in 2019,” said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert with the Wilson Center. “It signals a willingness to strike deeper and harder into Pakistani territory.”

Global response and diplomatic efforts

U.S. President Donald Trump called the situation “a shame” and expressed hope that it would end quickly. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly spoke to the national security advisors of both countries, urging restraint and continued communication.

The United Nations also intervened. Secretary-General António Guterres called for both nations to exercise maximum military restraint. China, which maintains diplomatic ties with both nations and shares borders with each, echoed similar sentiments.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval contacted foreign counterparts in the U.S., Britain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to explain New Delhi’s position, according to Indian sources.

Pakistan denies link to Kashmir attack

India maintains that the April attack on Hindu tourists was orchestrated by Pakistan-based militants. According to Indian security officials, two of the three main suspects were Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement in the incident and said that India has failed to provide concrete evidence. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News that all the locations struck were civilian and included two mosques, denying any presence of militant camps.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the strikes were necessary to “serve justice,” referencing the April killings. On social media platform X, the Indian Army stated: “Justice is served.”

Domestic impact and airspace disruptions

The cross-border strikes also impacted domestic affairs in both countries. Indian stock futures slipped slightly following news of the escalation. The GIFT NIFTY was down 0.3% at 24,311, compared to the NIFTY 50’s previous close.

Flights across northern India and parts of Pakistan were canceled by multiple airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Qatar Airways, due to temporary closures of airports and airspace.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government of Punjab declared an emergency. Hospitals and emergency services were placed on high alert, with resources reallocated to accommodate an expected rise in casualties.

What comes next?

The strikes mark a turning point in India’s counterterrorism policy and risk triggering a wider conflict. Observers warn that Pakistan may retaliate militarily, potentially escalating into a broader regional war.

“All eyes are on India’s next move,” said Kugelman. “We’ve had a strike and a counter-claim of aircraft being downed. What comes next will determine how serious this crisis becomes.”

With tensions still high and borders on alert, the international community is closely watching for signs of de-escalation — or further military confrontation.