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| India-Pakistan War 2025: Operation Sindoor |
The India-Pakistan War of 2025 marks a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Triggered by a series of provocative events, including the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military operations, the war has seen intense air engagements, missile strikes, and drone warfare. This article delves into the key events, military strategies, and international implications of the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.(Vox)
The Pahalgam Attack: Catalyst for Conflict
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. India responded by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border, signaling a severe diplomatic rift .(India Blooms, The New Indian Express)
Operation Sindoor: India's Retaliatory Strike
In retaliation, India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting nine alleged terrorist locations in Pakistan. The operation resulted in the claimed death of Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander . Pakistan denied initiating any offensive actions and accused India of unjustified aggression.(The Sun)
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| Operation Sindoor |
2025 India-Pakistan Air Engagements
The conflict saw one of the largest aerial battles since World War II, with over 100 fighter jets from both nations engaging in combat. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft using Chinese-built JF-17 and J-10C jets . India has not confirmed any losses, and both nations have exchanged conflicting assertions, with rampant disinformation clouding the truth.(The US Sun, AP News)
Line of Control Skirmishes
The Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has remained a hotspot of military activity, with periodic skirmishes reported throughout the year. Artillery exchanges and small-arms fire have intensified in sectors like Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara, particularly since early January. Both nations have reported civilian casualties and damage to border villages, with residents on either side of the LoC living in constant fear of escalation .(Worldwide War)
Pakistan-India Missile Strikes
Both India and Pakistan have engaged in missile strikes, targeting military facilities and infrastructure. India launched a ballistic missile at Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase, while Pakistan retaliated with Fatah-II missiles, allegedly targeting Indian military facilities. The exchange of missile fire has escalated tensions and raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict .(AP News)
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India-Pakistan Drone Attacks |
India-Pakistan Drone Attacks
The use of drones has added a new dimension to the conflict. Both nations have accused each other of deploying drones for surveillance and attacks. In March 2025, India shot down a Pakistani drone carrying weapons near the LoC in Jammu, alleging it was intended for terrorist groups operating in Kashmir .(Worldwide War)
Rafale Jet Downed in Pakistan
In one of the most significant incidents, Pakistan claimed to have downed an Indian Rafale jet using Chinese PL-15 missiles. The downing of the French-made Rafale jet marks a significant development in the conflict, highlighting the advanced military capabilities of both nations .(The US Sun)
Pakistan Super League 2025: A Symbol of Normalcy Amidst Conflict
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 continued as scheduled. The tournament served as a symbol of normalcy amidst the escalating tensions, providing a brief respite for the people of Pakistan .(The US Sun)
India-Pakistan Nuclear Tensions
Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear arsenals, with estimates suggesting each country has between 250 to 500 nuclear warheads. Pakistan's doctrine of "full-spectrum deterrence" permits early nuclear use if conventional defenses collapse, while India's "Cold Start" doctrine envisions rapid limited strikes to punish Pakistan without triggering a nuclear response . The risk of nuclear escalation remains a significant concern for the international community.(South Front)
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community has expressed grave concerns over the escalating conflict. Global powers have called for urgent diplomacy to avert a catastrophic outcome. The United States, traditionally a mediator, finds its role diminished due to strained relations with Pakistan and closer ties with India. China, Pakistan's key ally, has urged restraint but maintains strategic infrastructure projects in Kashmir. Russia seeks to mediate via the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, though its leverage is limited by arms sales to both sides .(The US Sun, Vox, South Front)
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| India Pakistan drone attacks |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently articulated India's firm stance on the ongoing conflict with Pakistan, particularly following the escalation in April 2025. In a poignant and introspective interaction with renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, PM Modi reflected on the tumultuous relationship between India and Pakistan. He expressed his disappointment that Pakistan chose not to foster a harmonious coexistence, instead waging a proxy war against India. He emphasized that this was not a matter of ideology, but rather a choice that Pakistan had made, and one that had far-reaching consequences for the world. (The New Indian Express)
Despite India's numerous and sincere efforts to establish peace, PM Modi noted that these were met with hostility and betrayal. He recalled inviting then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his 2014 swearing-in ceremony as a gesture of goodwill, hoping to turn over a new leaf in bilateral relations. However, he lamented that every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. PM Modi reiterated that Pakistan had continued to wage a proxy war against India, fueled by an ideology that thrived on bloodshed and terror. (The Statesman, The Week, The New Indian Express)
In light of the recent escalation, including the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military operations, PM Modi has reaffirmed India's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens. He has emphasized that India will not tolerate any acts of terrorism and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
While PM Modi has expressed hope that wisdom will prevail in Pakistan, leading to improved bilateral ties, he has also made it clear that India will not compromise on its security and will respond decisively to any threats. His statements reflect a resolve to address the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism and to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.(The Week)
For more insights into PM Modi's perspectives on the India-Pakistan relationship and the recent conflict, you can watch the full podcast with Lex Fridman here:(The New Indian Express)
PM Modi's Reflection on India-Pakistan Relations
Conclusion
The India-Pakistan War of 2025 represents a dangerous escalation in the longstanding conflict between the two nations. The use of advanced military technologies, including drones and missiles, and the risk of nuclear escalation have heightened global concerns. The international community must intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and work towards a lasting peace in the region.
FAQs
❓What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is India's official military
response to the Pahalgam attack 2025, involving precision strikes on
alleged terror launchpads inside Pakistan. This operation marked a sharp
escalation and brought the spotlight to India Pakistan War 2025
operations across borders.
❓Did Pakistan confirm India's
missile strikes?
Pakistan denied the initial Indian missile strikes,
including the one near Nur Khan Airbase, calling it a "fabrication."
However, satellite data and independent reports suggest multiple Pakistan
India missile strikes occurred in retaliation, triggering concerns of a
wider regional war.
❓Were nuclear weapons used in the
2025 conflict?
No nuclear weapons have been used. However, India
Pakistan nuclear tensions have increased dramatically, with both nations
placing their strategic forces on high alert. Analysts fear even a conventional
war could spiral into a nuclear confrontation.
❓How many casualties have been
reported?
As of now, over 2,100 military and civilian casualties have
been estimated across both sides. Line of Control skirmishes, drone
attacks, and air engagements have been the primary causes.
❓What happened to the Rafale jet
downed by Pakistan?
According to Pakistani military sources, they used a PL-15
missile from a J-10C fighter jet to shoot down a Rafale jet, marking a
significant technological achievement. India has yet to confirm the loss,
calling the claims "propaganda." This event intensified 2025 India
Pakistan air engagements.
❓What is the global response to
the war?
The UN, USA, and China have issued urgent calls for
de-escalation. Russia has offered mediation. With nuclear tension mounting, India
Pakistan War 2025 has become a top concern for global peacekeeping bodies.
❓Are drone attacks still ongoing?
Yes. Both sides are actively engaging in India Pakistan
drone attacks, especially near the Line of Control. Pakistan accused
India of targeting communication towers, while India claims Pakistan has been
dropping arms to insurgents.
❓How is the Pakistan Super League
2025 affected?
Surprisingly, the Pakistan Super League 2025 has
continued under tight security. While matches were relocated, the tournament
became a symbol of defiance and unity during the war.
❓Is the conflict localized only
to Kashmir?
While Line of Control skirmishes are concentrated in
Kashmir, missile strikes and air engagements have occurred in
Punjab, Rajasthan, and even near major urban centers, indicating a broader
military theater.
❓What are the chances of a
ceasefire?
Diplomatic talks are underway behind closed doors. A
ceasefire could be declared under international pressure, but trust deficits
remain high following the events like Operation Sindoor and alleged missile
strikes on civilian infrastructure.
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