Terror Response or Escalation? India and Pakistan Trade Blows in Kashmir

Early Wednesday, India said it launched precision strikes on terror sites in Pakistan-administered areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes came in retaliation for a recent deadly terror attack, according to the Ministry of Defence.

India stressed the operation was controlled and avoided hitting any Pakistani military facilities. The attack, named “Operation Sindoor,” was limited to locations identified as harboring terrorist activities, the ministry noted.

This move follows a militant attack last month in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 dead. The Defence Ministry stated it was acting on its promise to hold those responsible accountable, all while demonstrating considerable restraint.

Pakistan reacted sharply. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called it an act of war and promised a powerful response. He insisted Pakistan would not tolerate aggression and would retaliate firmly.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Indian missiles had landed in both Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Punjab province. He added that Pakistan’s response was in motion and would become apparent shortly.

There were unconfirmed reports that three Indian fighter jets were downed, as claimed by Pakistani state media. However, India reiterated its position that the operation focused exclusively on terror-related infrastructure.

Global air travel was affected as multiple airlines diverted flights out of Pakistani airspace. Meanwhile, calls for de-escalation came from international figures, including President Trump and UN Secretary-General Guterres, who warned that further military confrontation could spiral out of control.