Tensions Boil Over as India and Pakistan Trade Blows in Kashmir

A sharp surge in hostilities between India and Pakistan has intensified fears of a broader conflict, following India’s recent attacks on Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Cross-border fire has escalated dramatically, placing both nuclear-armed neighbors in a perilous standoff.

Islamabad vowed retaliation after India launched early Wednesday strikes that killed 31 people, including a toddler, and wounded 46 more, as reported by a Pakistani military spokesperson. Meanwhile, India accused Pakistan of shelling that led to the deaths of 16 Indian civilians near the Line of Control (LoC).

India justified its operations as a direct response to the April massacre of 26 Indian tourists in Kashmir, a region long disputed by both nations. New Delhi squarely blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim Islamabad strongly denied.

On Thursday, Pakistani officials reported ongoing drone strikes from India and claimed they had shot down dozens of Israeli-made drones. Conversely, India accused Pakistan of launching drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military sites in Kashmir and Punjab.

India’s “Operation Sindoor,” initiated just after midnight on Wednesday, focused on militant camps believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian officials insisted no Pakistani civilian or economic targets were hit.

Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Vinay Kwatra stated the strikes were meant to deliver a decisive message, claiming India had “completed” its mission. However, he accused Pakistan of escalating the situation instead of backing down.

Pakistan, however, disputes India’s narrative, alleging civilian casualties and damage to mosques in six different locations. Pakistan’s military noted these were the deepest strikes by India since the 1971 war, escalating regional tensions further.