Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with India accusing Pakistan of using civilian aircraft as shields during a recent drone attack. This accusation comes in the wake of heightened military activity, including "Operation Sindoor" launched by India, and cross-border firing. The situation has raised concerns about a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's actions, stating that Pakistan did not close its airspace on Thursday, May 8, and instead allowed civilian aircraft to operate while launching Turkish-made drones at Indian cities. According to the Indian government, this "irresponsible" behavior endangered unsuspecting civilian aircraft, including international flights, flying near the India-Pakistan border. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh reported that the Pakistani military carried out multiple violations of Indian airspace along the western border, with intentions to target military infrastructure.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, during a joint press conference with the external affairs and defense ministries on May 9, stated that the Pakistani army had violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. She added that the Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control (LoC). Approximately 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations, many of which were shot down by Indian armed forces. Initial reports suggest that these drones were Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described Pakistan's actions as provocative and escalatory, targeting Indian cities and civilian infrastructure in addition to military establishments. He affirmed that the Indian armed forces responded proportionately and responsibly.
The current crisis was triggered by a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the death of 26 people, mostly civilian tourists. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, alleging that the armed group responsible, The Resistance Front (TRF), is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pakistan has denied these allegations and called for a neutral investigation.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 6, targeting locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir that it claimed were used to plan the attacks. This operation and the subsequent accusations have further strained the already tense relationship between the two countries.
The situation has led to a new normal in India-Pakistan relations, with India directly targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan in response to attacks. This carries significant risks and could lead to further escalation. Following a strike, Pakistan scrambled its fighter jets, leading to aerial dogfights. India has made it clear that it is ready to take military actions, even if it risks full-scale escalation.
International reactions have been swift, with the United States and China calling for de-escalation. China has also advocated for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack and its suspects. The conflict between India and Pakistan has a long history, arising from the Partition of British India in 1947. The current situation marks the most significant bilateral confrontation since 2019, raising concerns about regional stability.
