Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply, with reports emerging of heavy engagement over Srinagar and the downing of two Pakistani fighter jets by Indian forces. This recent clash is part of a series of escalating events between the two nations, tracing back to a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where militants killed 28 civilians, mostly tourists, in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a charge Pakistan denies.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor, on May 7, 2025. India stated that the operation targeted militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. However, Pakistan countered that the strikes hit civilian areas, including mosques, resulting in the deaths of 31 Pakistani civilians.
Following these strikes, cross-border skirmishes intensified, including artillery shelling and small arms fire in regions such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation, codenamed Operation Bunyan al-Marsus, on May 10, striking cities in India, including New Delhi.
Amidst these escalating tensions, a significant aerial engagement occurred. Sources indicate intense military engagement between Indian and Pakistani forces over Srinagar, prompting the activation of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems by Indian defense forces to counter potential aerial threats. Initial reports suggest that Indian forces shot down two Pakistani fighter jets near Srinagar.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the aerial engagements. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets during India's aerial assault. These claims include three Dassault Rafales, one MiG-29, one Su-30MKI, and an unmanned aerial vehicle. India has yet to respond to these claims. Conversely, India claims to have shot down several drones and missiles and neutralized Pakistani air defense radars. The Pakistan army also claims to have intercepted and destroyed 77 Israeli-made Harop drones sent by India.
The recent aerial clashes have garnered international attention. A dogfight between Chinese-made Pakistani jets and French-made Indian Rafale fighters is expected to be closely scrutinized by militaries globally. According to U.S. officials, a Chinese-made Pakistani fighter plane shot down at least two Indian military aircraft. These events mark a potential milestone for China's advanced fighter jet technology.
