The 2025 India–Pakistan conflict stands as one of the most intense military escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in recent decades. Triggered by a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, the crisis rapidly evolved into a series of military confrontations, diplomatic standoffs, and significant regional repercussions.

🔥 Origins of the Conflict: The Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a town in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. The militant group The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, an allegation Pakistan vehemently denied, suggesting instead an international inquiry into the incident.Wikipedia+7AP News+7CSIS+7WikipediaWikipedia+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2

⚔️ Military Escalation: Operation Sindoor and Retaliation

In response, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025, targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation involved missile and air strikes on nine locations, including areas in Bahawalpur and Muridke, believed to be hubs for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India asserted that the strikes were precise and avoided civilian casualties. However, Pakistan reported that the attacks resulted in 31 civilian deaths, including in mosques. The Times of India+5Wikipedia+5Council on Foreign Relations+5Wikipedia+1Reuters+1

Pakistan retaliated with "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos," claiming to target several Indian military bases. The conflict marked the first drone warfare engagement between the two nations, with both sides employing unmanned aerial vehicles for strikes and reconnaissance.Reuters+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

📊 Casualties and Damage

• Indian Claims: India reported eliminating over 100 militants during its operations.

• Pakistani Claims: Pakistan stated that Indian strikes killed 31 civilians and that their forces shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets. However, independent verification of these claims remains inconclusive.

• Overall Impact: The conflict resulted in significant infrastructural damage on both sides, including airbases and civilian areas.Reuters+14Reuters+14Wikipedia+14Reuters+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4

🌐 Diplomatic Fallout

The hostilities led to a severe diplomatic breakdown:@EconomicTimes+1Reuters+1

• India:

  • Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, affecting water flow to Pakistan.

  • Expelled Pakistani diplomats and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals.

  • Closed border crossings and halted trade relations.The Times of India+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+2Wikipedia+2The Times of India+2

• Pakistan:

  • Responded by suspending the Simla Agreement.

  • Closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.

  • Expelled Indian diplomats and imposed trade restrictions. Council on Foreign Relations+3The Times of India+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Reuters

Both nations launched international diplomatic campaigns to garner support, with India emphasizing its counter-terrorism stance and Pakistan highlighting alleged human rights violations by India in Kashmir.Financial Times+1AP News+1

🕊️ Ceasefire and Mediation

A ceasefire was brokered on May 10, 2025, following interventions by international actors, including the United States. Despite the ceasefire, sporadic skirmishes and mutual distrust persist, with both sides accusing each other of violations.AP News+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5Al Jazeera

📉 Economic and Social Impact

• Kashmir Tourism: The region's tourism industry suffered a massive blow, with occupancy rates plummeting and widespread cancellations, severely impacting the local economy .

• Public Sentiment: In Pakistan, support for the military surged, with General Asim Munir being promoted to Field Marshal and receiving widespread public approval for his leadership during the conflict .AP NewsReuters

🔮 Outlook

While active hostilities have ceased, the underlying tensions and unresolved issues between India and Pakistan remain. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent future escalations.