This article is about the escalation that began on 7 May 2025. For the diplomatic crisis and border skirmishes immediately preceding this, see 2025 India–Pakistan crisis.
The 2025India–Pakistan conflict was a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan that began on 7 May 2025, after India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, in a military campaign codenamed Operation Sindoor.[a] India said that the operation was in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 in which 26 civilians were killed.[6][7][8] India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, which Pakistan denied.
On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor with missile strikes on terrorism-related infrastructure facilities of Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and said that no Pakistani military or civilian facilities were targeted.[9][10] According to Pakistan, the Indian strikes hit civilian areas, including mosques, and resulted in civilian casualties. Following these strikes, there were border skirmishes and drone strikes between the two countries. Pakistan's army retaliated on 7 May, by launching a blitz of mortar shells on Jammu, particularly Poonch, killing civilians,[11] and damaging homes and religious sites.[12] This conflict marked the first drone battle between the two nuclear-armed nations.[13]
After the four-day military conflict, both India and Pakistan announced that a ceasefire had been agreed after a hotline communication between their DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) on 10 May 2025.[22][23] US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held extensive correspondence with both Indian and Pakistani officials during the negotiations. The ceasefire has been holding with resumed commercial flights and normalcy reported from both countries.[24][25]
The Kashmir conflict, ongoing since 1947, has fuelled multiple wars and skirmishes between India and Pakistan over the disputed region.[26]
On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack by five armed terrorists near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists.[27][28]The Resistance Front, a militant faction of the Pakistan-based, UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating in Indian-administered Kashmir,[29][30][31] initially claimed responsibility for the attack,[32] but later denied responsibility, saying that the earlier claim was the result of a coordinated hacking,[33] and attributed the breach to Indian authorities.[34] Pakistan alleged that the Pahalgam attack was a "false flag operation" orchestrated by India.[35][36]
India announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting responsive measures and leading to a diplomatic crisis and border skirmishes.[37][38][39] India and Pakistan also closed their airspaces for each other's airlines.[40] On 30 April, Pakistan claimed that a military strike by India was imminent.[41][42]
On 7 May 2025, India announced that it had launched missile and air strikes, codenamed Operation Sindoor,[a] targeting nine sites across Pakistani-administered Azad Kashmir and Pakistan's Punjab province.[43][44][45] Seven targets, including some in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, were struck by the Indian Army's artillery regiment using precision long-range M982 Excalibur rounds and loitering munitions, while air defence was jointly provided by the Army and the Indian Air Force.[46] The Israeli press mentioned Indo-Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions.[47][48] The attacks on targets in Pakistani Punjab were carried out by the Indian Air Force. According to sources cited by India Today, Rafale jets were employed, equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs.[49] According to a working paper written by Christopher Clary for Stimson Center, BrahMos cruise missiles might have also been used.[50]
The Indian government described the strikes as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory".[51] Indian military spokespeople said that the missile strikes targeted infrastructure linked to the terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM),[10][52] and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted,[53] with the locations selected to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure.[54] The missile strikes targeted locations including Subhan Allah Mosque in Bahawalpur (near Ahmedpur East) and Markaz-e-Taiba in Muridke, part of the headquarters of JeM and the headquarters of LeT respectively and alleged by India to be their terrorist training camps.[55][c] Other sites claimed to have been targetted by India included Abbas Mosque (associated with the JeM) in Kotli District, Shawai Nala camp (associated with the LeT) and Syedna Bilal Mosque (associated with the JeM) in Muzaffarabad,[55][52] a site in Gulpur, Kotli District (alleged by the Indian government to be a LeT and HuM camp);[58][54][59][60] Markaz Ahl-e-Hadith in Barnala, Bhimber District (alleged by the Indian government to be associated with the LeT);[60][59] a site in Mehmona Joya, Kotli Loharan West, Sialkot District (alleged by the Indian government to be a HuM camp);[60][58][59] and a site in Tera Katlan in Sarjal, Shakargarh Tehsil, Sialkot District (alleged by the Indian government to be a JeM camp).[60][54][59][58] India later showed satellite images purportedly showing damage at the targetted sites.[61]
According to a Pakistani security source, approximately 125 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets engaged in the aerial dogfight after the Indian air strikes on 7 May, exchanging long-range missile fire in a confrontation that lasted over an hour.[62] According to The Daily Telegraph, neither Pakistani nor Indian aircraft crossed the border, engaging instead in a "stand-off" conflict at a distance of more than 100km at times.[63] Pakistan claimed that during the dogfight it had downed five Indian aircraft including three Rafales, one MiG-29, one SU-30MKI and a Heronunmanned aerial vehicle.[64] On 15 May, Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, the sixth being a Mirage 2000.[65] On 28 May, he again said that six Indian fighter jets were downed but said that four of these were Rafale, one MiG-29 and one "another plane".[66][67][68] On 6 June, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said that No. 15 Squadron, also known as the Cobras, was responsible for shooting down six Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets. Operating out of PAF Base Minhas in Kamra with J-10C multirole fighters equipped with PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles, the squadron claimed to have downed three Rafales, a MiG-29, a Mirage-2000, and a Su-30MKI. According to Dawn, the Cobras deployed 18 out of the 20 aircraft assigned to the squadron for the intercept operation on 7 May.[69]
A French intelligence official told CNN that an Indian Rafale was downed by Pakistan, though the French military did not comment.[70] Later, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space ForceGénéral d'armée aérienneJérôme Bellanger[fr] stated that he had "seen evidence" of three aircraft being downed including a Rafale, a Mirage 2000 and a Russian Sukhoi.[71]Reuters reported that unnamed Indian government sources said that three fighter jets had crashed in India due to unknown causes.[72] On 8 May, an unnamed US official told Reuters that he assessed with "high confidence" that Pakistani J-10 aircraft had shot down at least two Indian fighter jets; a second official assessed one of the downed jets to be a Dassault Rafale.[73]The Washington Post later said that it had identified 3 crash sites in India from 7 May, identifying two of them as belonging to an Indian Dassault Rafale and Dassault Mirage 2000 at Akalia Kalan in Bathinda and Wuyan in Pampore respectively and another site at Akhnoor (likely an Indian MiG-29).[74][75][50] The Rafale crash in Bathinda also reportedly killed two bystanders.[76][77] On 9 May, local government sources in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir told Reuters that three fighter jets crashed in India on 7 May with three pilots being hospitalized.[78] On 11 May, while responding to a question on whether the force suffered losses, the Indian Airforce said that "losses are a part of combat" but declined to provide information on whether any losses had occurred.[79] According to a working paper written by Christopher Clary for Stimson Center, there was credible evidence that up to four Indian aircraft may indeed have been shot down during the encounter.[50] On 31 May 2025, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan admitted that India lost jets, but dismissed Pakistan's claim of downing six fighter jets.[80] On 18 July 2025, President of the United States Donald Trump said that he believed five aircraft had been shot down during the conflict.[81]
Pakistan confirmed strikes on six of the sites targetted by India, denying the strikes at Barnala and Gulpur in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, but said these were civilian areas including mosques and residential areas and were not terrorist facilities.[43][56][55] The Pakistani government condemned them as an "act of war" that resulted in civilian casualties.[51] Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Security Council to coordinate retaliatory strikes. The NSC declared that Pakistan "reserves the right to respond, in self-defence, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing."[82] Sharif gave the Pakistani army, under Asim Munir, the right to respond in any way needed.[83]
According to India, Pakistani cross-border artillery shelling and small arms firing increased following the Indian attacks,[84] including in the regions of Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.[85][86] Pakistani shelling of Poonch town and its vicinity killed at least 11 people and damaged an Islamic school along with numerous homes. According to The News Minute, the casualties included a Sikh ragi.[87] Pakistan said that the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant had been damaged by Indian shelling following the initial Indian strikes.[88]
8 May
On 8 May, India said that Pakistan had launched drone and missile strikes on several Indian cities, including Amritsar, and that India negated these strikes by the S-400 missile system at Adampur Air Force Station, marking India's first combat use of the missile system.[89] Pakistan denied launching drone and missile strikes on India.[90] Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed that the Indian Army had intentionally carried out a false flag attack on the Indian city of Amritsar, blaming it on Pakistan in order to generate domestic support.[91][92] The Pakistani military spokesperson also claimed that Indian drones headed towards Nankana Sahib were brought down.[91] The claim was denied by India and described as false by Indian media.[93] Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri dismissed these as a "deranged fantasy" and an attempt by Pakistan to hide its own actions.[94]
The Indian Armed Forces said that in response to the Pakistani attack, they had carried out SEAD/DEAD operations, neutralizing Pakistani air defence systems in Lahore. Pakistani authorities said that several Indian drones intruded in Pakistani airspace, and 12 Indian drones were shot down. As per Pakistan, these drones were sent into nine different locations including the cities of Karachi and Lahore, and one of the drones struck a Pakistani military facility near Lahore.[95][96] The Pakistani military later claimed to have shot down 25 Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions in its territory. India admitted to one being taken down.[97][98] A drone also landed near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium complex before the start of a Pakistan Super League match, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to postpone the game.[99][100]
Later that day, India said that Pakistan had launched airstrikes directed in and around Jammu district including the airport and the university. All of the eight Pakistani missiles were claimed to have been intercepted by the S-400 missile system. Reportedly, multiple explosions were heard in Jammu along with an explosion in Jaisalmer,[101][102] where drones and fighter jets were also reported.[103] India later said that, these attacks involved 300–400 Turkish-Asisguard Songar drones targeting 36 sites, including civilian and military infrastructure.[23][104] India also reported cross border firing by heavy calibre artillery guns along the Line of Control (LoC).[23][105]
Reports termed this conflict as the "first drone war" between the "nuclear-armed neighbours" of South Asia;[13]
9 May
The Pakistan Army claimed to have neutralised 77 Indian drones since 6 May.[106]
Exchanges of fire had stopped in the early morning.[107] However, clashes restarted after "13 hours of relative calm". Exchanges of artillery fire began in Kashmir, including in, Kupwara, Poonch, Uri, and Samba along the LoC.[108] According to the Indian Army, drones were reportedly sighted in 26 locations across a wide area from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south, with at least one armed drone in Punjab; however, Pakistani officials dismissed the Indian accusations as "baseless and misleading", denying any offensive actions.[109] India claimed that a Pakistani army post along the LoC was destroyed.[110]
During a press briefing, Pakistan once again denied carrying out missile and drone strikes on Indian military installations and proposed a neutral third-party investigation into the 2025 Pahalgam attack, which it claimed was ignored by India.[111][112] On 9 May, reports indicated that India had repositioned its Western Fleet, including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, frigates and anti-submarine warfare ships, in the northern Arabian Sea. According to an Indian defence source cited by The Daily Telegraph, the fleet was brought within operational range of Karachi, Pakistan's largest port city and the headquarters of the Pakistan Navy.[113]
At 1:45 am, Pakistan Army spokesman made a unscheduled broadcast claiming that India fired ballistic missiles from Adampur that fell into its own territory,[50][114] saying that they struck Adampur and Amritsar, and later (around 3:20 am) added that India had targeted Afghanistan with missile and drone strikes.[115][116][117][50] India denied the allegations, calling the claims "ludicrous" and "frivolous".[118][119][120] The Taliban government of Afghanistan also denied Pakistani claims of Indian attacks on Afghanistan.[121][120] It was termed a "bizarre and unsubstantiated claim" by Clary.[50]
Around 3:20 am, Pakistan denied initiating hostilities, instead alleging that India had first fired air-to-surface missiles using fighter jets at military bases — Nur Khan, Rafiqui, and Murid.[14][17] Pakistan said that all Pakistan Air Force (PAF) assets at targeted bases remained safe. Pakistani media reported that Sheikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan was targeted and suffered structural damage.[127] The airport was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is regarded as a symbol of Pak-UAE friendship. Although commercial flights have been suspended since 2023, the airport was occasionally used by members of the House of Nahyan via the Royal Lounge, which was among the facilities destroyed in the attack.[128] The Pakistan military later confirmed that six of its airmen were killed during the Indian air strikes including 5 deaths at Bholari and one at Sargodha;[124]Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, also later said that nine personnel injured in Indian attacks [129]
Shortly after the Indian missile strikes, Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation, codenamed Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.[14][b] It claimed to have struck and caused major damage to 26 military targets, including 15 air bases of Suratgarh, Sirsa, Naliya, Adampur, Bhatinda, Barnala, Halwara, Awantipur, Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, Mamoon, Ambala and Pathankot.[130][131] It further said that the BrahMos storage facilities at Beas and Nagrota were destroyed, and that two S-400 systems at Adampur and Bhuj were neutralised by the Pakistan Air Force.[131][132] Pakistan said that military logistics and support sites such as the Field Supply Depot in Uri and Radar Station in Poonch were targeted, and command headquarters such as 10 Brigade and 80 Brigade at KG Top and Nowshera, as well as proxy training and intelligence fusion facilities in Rajouri and Nowshera, were destroyed.[132] Pakistan further said that Indian military elements across the LoC, including headquarters, logistic bases, artillery positions, and posts, were heavily damaged. It said that its drones flew over major Indian cities and sensitive political and military sites, including New Delhi.[131][132] Additionally, Pakistan reported a spike in terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which it claimed was sponsored by India.[132]
Pakistan's military said it launched a cyberattack as part of Operation Bunyun Marsoos, targeting Indian military satellites, government websites, and critical digital infrastructure.[133][134][135] Indian authorities recorded over 1.5 million attempted cyber intrusions.[135] According to reports by Pakistani media, affected entities included the official website of India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Crime Research Investigation Agency, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, and the All India Naval Technical Supervisory Staff Association. The reports said that large volumes of data were erased from these websites, and sensitive information was leaked from key institutions such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Border Security Force, and the Unique Identification Authority of India. The cyberattack was also reported to have compromised databases belonging to the Indian Air Force and the Maharashtra Election Commission. Furthermore, the operation reportedly involved the takeover of more than 2,500 surveillance cameras across India.[133][136]
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif later said in his speech on the Independence Day of Azerbaijan that the operation had already been initially planned for 4:30 am in the morning but India attacked before that time.[68] In an earlier speech, he had said that the Army Chief called him at 2:30 am to inform him about the Indian airstrikes and sought permission to strike back. The Army Chief is said to have called back later in the night informing him about "befitting response" and adding, "we are being requested for a ceasefire". PM Sharif said he told him to go ahead and accept the offer.[137]
India denied damage to its airbases, including Sirsa and Suratgarh Air Force Stations, and rejected claims regarding the destruction of its S-400 and BrahMos systems calling it a "malicious misinformation campaign".[138] It released time-stamped images of the targets as evidence, and reported minor damage to its airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj; the death of an Indian Air Force soldier at Udhampur was also confirmed.[139][140][141][118] That the extent of damage to the Indian airstrips was minimal was further confirmed through commercial imagery obtained by The New York Times.[139] The Indian Army released images of what it said were debris of a BaykarYIHA IIIloitering munition destroyed by the air defence units. It said the drones were used to target civilians areas in Amritsar at around 5am.[142][143] India later said that over 600 Pakistani loitering munitions, the Baykar YIHA, and UCAVs, the Asisguard Songar, were shot down and several missiles were intercepted.[144]
Concurrently with the missile strikes, heavy fighting took place at the LoC near Sialkot and Rajouri.[145] India's military said that Pakistan's retaliatory shelling targeted civilian areas killing at least five people, with drones targeting a Hindu temple in Jammu.[146][147] Analyst Michael Kugelman posited that the two countries were now "effectively at war";[148] but neither side had mobilized ground forces, according to a former Indian diplomat.[149]
At 6:55 am, PTV News reported that prime minister Shehbaz Sharif had called a meeting of the National Command Authority, responsible for the country's nuclear weapons command and control through its secretariat – the Strategic Plans Division.[150][151] Pakistan's Minister of Defence Khwaja Asif later denied that such a meeting took place or was scheduled.[150][152]
A ceasefire began at 17:00 (IST)/16:30 (PKT).[23] It was first announced by US PresidentDonald Trump on social media,[153][115] prior to the official statements by the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.[22][154] After the ceasefire, there were reports of explosions in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu according to authorities, residents and Reuters witnesses.[155] Both sides claimed victory after the ceasefire.[156] Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif designated 16 May to be celebrated as Youm-e-Tashakur ('Day of Gratitude') in honour of its armed forces.[157]
Ceasefire
A fragile ceasefire was achieved around midday on Saturday, 10 May, with the intervention of the United States. The US administration grew concerned with the possibility of nuclear weapon involvement, and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio started making calls from 4:00 PKT. He spoke to Pakistan's Army chief Asim Munir, National Security Advisor Asim Malik and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif. United States Vice President J. D. Vance was in touch with the Indian authorities, including prime minister Narendra Modi. Interventions were also made by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE and the UK. The Indian and Pakistani heads of military operations spoke on phone at 2:30pm for the first time since the conflict broke out.[158]
Agreement
Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri and the Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar[22][154] stated that both militaries agreed to a full ceasefire and that hostilities would end as of 5:00p.m. IST/4:30pm PKT (11:30GMT).[159][160]
Dar stated that 36countries helped broker the truce.[161] However, an Indian official told Agence France Presse that the ceasefire was negotiated bilaterally in the sense that "stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan was worked out directly between the two countries".[162] United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that both nations would discuss "a broad set of issues at a neutral site" and that he and Vice President JD Vance had extensively corresponded with senior officials on both sides.[163] Hours later, following ceasefire violations, Indian officials had not yet voiced readiness for talks.[164] US president Donald Trump made a post on social media about the ceasefire soon after it came into effect, prior to the official announcements by the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.[165] Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif stated that Trump had played a "pivotal and paramount role" in facilitating the truce along with representatives of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UK, UN, and China,[166] while India's foreign secretary later said that ceasefire talks were held "directly between India and Pakistan under the existing channels established between both militaries."[167] Thanking the heads of India and Pakistan, President Trump vowed to enhance trade "substantially" with both nations.[168] On 29 July, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh rejected Trump's claim that he had ended the conflict, describing it as "baseless".[169]
10 May: Minutes after the ceasefire announcement, loud explosions were heard and projectiles were seen in the sky over the cities of Srinagar and Jammu in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.[173][155][174] Late on 10 May, Misri stated that there had been violations of the ceasefire agreement, citing cross-border firing and sightings of Pakistani drones over Srinagar and Punjab, and called on Pakistani authorities to "address [the] violations".[155] Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also reported explosions in Srinagar, expressing concern over the apparent collapse of the ceasefire.[175][176][177] Pakistani Information Minister Atta Tarar denied Indian claims that Pakistan had violated the ceasefire, calling reports by the Indian media as "baseless".[178] Pakistan later also accused India of committing ceasefire violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.[23] By 11 May, reports suggested that "serious violations" of the truce had ceased,[179] and that the situation had stabilized in many cities on the Indian side of the LoC.[180] Businesses reopened in Srinagar as calm returned.[181][182] In India, Gujarat Minister of State Harsh Sanghavi announced that a blackout would be implemented in the Kutch district after drones were spotted in the sky.[183] In Pakistan, civilians in Peshawar heard anti-aircraft gunfire after drones were spotted in the sky.[184]
12 May: Indian media claimed that "suspected Pakistani drones" were detected and engaged in the Samba district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Blackouts were imposed in several border towns including Amritsar as a precautionary measure.[185][186] After midnight, the Indian Army said, "no drone activity has been detected recently, and the ceasefire situation prevails."[187]
Aerial strikes and skirmishes
Initial strikes
On 7 May 2025, India launched missile and air strikes on nine alleged "militant camps" in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes, lasted just 25 minutes between 01:05 and 01:30 India time (19:35 and 20:00 GMT on Tuesday).[188][189]
Satellite images released after launching the strikes showed the extent of damage in Pakistan.[190] Indian jets have previously bombed Pakistani territory following militant attacks on its soil but Wednesday's operation is the deepest India has struck inside its neighbor since the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, the biggest of several wars between the two countries.[191]
Aerial skirmishes
On 7 May, Pakistani security sources said that Indian and Pakistani fighter jets exchanged long-range beyond-visual-range missiles for over an hour, in what they described as one of the largest aerial dogfights in recent history.[62] Pakistan claimed that three Dassault Rafales, one MiG-29, one Su-30MKI fighter jet, and one Israeli-manufactured IAI Heron UAV belonging to the Indian Air Force were shot down.[111][192][191][193] If true, would first time that a French-origin Dassault Rafale has been lost in combat, reportedly having been shot down by the Chinese-origin Chengdu J-10.[194][73] This, along with the performance of Chinese-origin PL-15E missiles in the combat, reportedly gained global attention.[195][196][194][73]
Indian military claimed that Pakistan jets were prevented from entering the Indian airspace and that "a few" of their fighter jets have been intercepted and the wreckages were outside Indian borders. The exact numbers were not revealed.[197] Pakistani military claimed one of its aircraft suffered minor damage in a confrontation with India.[198] On 12 May 2025, the Indian military showed the supposed wreckage of what it claimed to be a Mirage III or Mirage 5, claiming its interception.[199][200]
On claimed jet losses, the Indian Air Force said "losses are a part of combat" without additional details, adding that all pilots were back home.[79] According to France 24, India's refusal to confirm or deny the loss of the jets gave further credence to the downing claims.[201] Defence analyst Michael Clarke told Al Jazeera that if India had lost a Rafale jet, "that would certainly be embarrassing."[202] He added that if the aircraft had come down within Indian territory, India would likely try to keep it as an unconfirmed rumour for as long as possible, and that its general statement on "inevitable losses" might be the closest it comes to confirmation.[202] On 31 May 2025, India's Chief of Defence Staff GeneralAnil Chauhan admitted that India lost jets, but dismissed Pakistan's claim of downing six fighter jets.[203][204] According to him, this resulted in corrections in India's warfighting tactics during the Armed Forces' further strikes on 7, 8 and 10 May.[205][80]
According to Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force intercepted and destroyed 84 Israeli-made Harop drones, sent by India.[131][206] The Pakistan Air Force reiterated its earlier claims of downing five Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, and added purported crash locations, a description of interception of combat formations and flight data, as well as what they said was a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) transcript of the pilot's final communications.[111][116][192]
In press releases by Press Information Bureau, the Indian government claimed that during the first strikes on terror camps the Indian Air Force had "bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems" and the operation was conducted without the loss of any Indian asset.[207] Additionally, India said its air defense systems successfully intercepted and shot down hundreds of drones and loitering munitions launched by Pakistan.[208][209]
Strikes on Pakistani air bases
On 8 May 2025, in response to a series of drone incursions and missile attacks, which India attributed to Pakistan despite its denials of involvement, India carried out strikes and claimed to have damaged air defence radars and systems at multiple locations in Pakistan. In particular, Indian assessments indicated that an air defence system in Lahore was neutralised. Pakistan reported drone incursions or intercepts at 11 sites that morning, and officially acknowledged that four soldiers were injured and military equipment was partially damaged.[90][50][210][211]
Local media in India reported a barrage of drone and missile strikes on the night of 9 May.[90][212] Hours later, the Indian Armed Forces conducted multiple airstrike operations targeting Pakistani military installations.[90][213] As per Indian media reports, the air strikes were planned by India's Chief of the Air Staff Amar Preet Singh while National Security Advisor Ajit Doval granted the final clearance.[214][215] These strikes were reportedly conducted by Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets armed with BrahMos missiles.[216] The use of BrahMos was later confirmed by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.[217]The New York Times and The Washington Post analysed before and after satellite images of six military airbases of Pakistan that showed major damages that were inflicted during the air strikes.[139][124] India managed to cause damage deep inside the Pakistani side, targeting airfields and more defense systems, and also striking near one of Pakistan's crucial strategic headquarters. Indian missiles and drones barraged on six major Pakistani Air Bases and other facilities.[90][122]
PAF Base Nur Khan, which is just 10 kilometers away from capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, was a strategic target in the air strikes.[218] According to an eye-witness and two Pakistani security officials, the attack on Nur Khan air base saw at least two missile strikes as well as drone attacks. The barrage took out two roofs and hit the hangar of a refueling plane, according to one of the officials, who visited the base the next day.[122][90] According to William Goodhind, a geospatial analyst at Contested Ground, two mobile control centers at the Nur Khan airbase were damaged. Videos recorded from a parking lot nearby which "showed smoke billowing from the damaged area".[124]
PAF Base Bholari, located less than 100 miles (160km) from Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, and host of a Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&CS squadron, was also a target of India's Air Strikes. An apparent missile strike resulted in 60ft (18m)-wide hole on an aircraft hangar. Debris was scattered around the hangar in the pavement while the wall appeared to have collapsed on a nearby building.[139][124]
At PAF Base Mushaf, formerly known as Sargodha airbase, located in Punjab Province, the Indian military claimed to have used precision weapons to strike two sections of the runway. Later satellite imagery showed a crater on the runway.[139]
On 10 May, Pakistan issued a NOTAM declaring the runway at Rahim Yar Khan Airport non-operational for a week until 18 May due to a "Work in Progress" (WIP).[219][220] Satellite imagery taken after the Indian strike showed a crater on the runway that was not present in earlier images.[139][221] As per Pakistani sources, the airport's Royal Lounge was damaged in the attack and a 100ft (30m)-wide crater was created in the apron area.[222]
Sukkur Airport was also affected in the strikes as a hangar collapsed and an apparent radar site was destroyed.[124]
The New York Times commented that India appeared to have had a clear edge is in its targeting of Pakistan's military facilities and airfields.[139]
India's Chief of Defence StaffGeneralAnil Chauhan said during an interview with Reuters that IAF "flew all types of aircraft with all types of ordinances on the 10th". He also said that all most of the strikes had achieved pinpoint accuracy with "some even to a metre to whatever was our selected mean point of impact".[205][80]
Alleged nuclear escalation
Some reports claimed that India's missile-drone strikes on several Pakistani airbases, especially Nur Khan,[223][224] prompted US intervention for ceasefire agreement. The base is reportedly a strategic asset for PAF as "one of the central transport hubs" and "home to the air refueling capability" (No. 10 Squadron). The facility was also just over a mile from the headquarters of Strategic Plans Division responsible for Pakistan's nuclear arsenal which includes over 170 warheads. The New York Times also cited a former American official who stated, "Pakistan's deepest fear is of its nuclear command authority being decapitated" and that the Indian missile strikes were interpreted to be a warning for India's capability to do the same.[218][225][226] According to Christopher Clary, an associate professor at the University at Albany, "So, an attack on the facility may have been perceived as more dangerous than India intended– and the two sides should not conclude that it is possible to have a conflict without it going nuclear".[122] On 14 May, Reuters reported that Indian strikes on Nur Khan Airbase had alarmed US officials, due to the bases proximity to Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division.[122] Clary also says that reports of a National Command Authority meeting called by prime minister Sharif, which oversees the Strategic Plans Division directly spurred US involvement. Though Pakistan's Minister of DefenceKhwaja Asif has denied that such a meeting had been planned.[50]
However, unlike the claims of multiple reports, India denied that it had struck the Kirana Hills Site (part of PAF Base Mushaf).[227][228] The International Atomic Energy Agency also affirmed after investigations, following social media rumours, that there had been no radiation leak or release from any nuclear facility in Pakistan.[229] False reports of a radiation leak notice by the Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, after Pakistan claimed to have destroyed BrahMos storage facilities at Beas, were also shared on social media.[230][231]
India said that 21 civilians and 8 military and paramilitary personnel had died in the conflict.[232][233][234][235] Majority of the deaths and injuries were from mortar shelling by Pakistan in the Jammu region of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir particularly its Poonch district,[236][237][238] where Indian media sources said that a gurudwara, a school and several houses were damaged in the attacks, leaving 14 civilians and 2 Indian soldiers dead.[239][86][11] Pakistani shelling hit in and near the Christ School compound, a Carmelites of Mary Immaculate congregation Catholic school in Poonch, killing two students and damaging the nearby convent of the Congregation of Mother of Carmel.[240][241][242] A Pakistani loitering munition resulted in the death of a civilian in the Firozpur district of Punjab, the only Indian death outside Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.[243] An Indian Air Force soldier was killed following Pakistan's airstrike on Udhampur Air Force Station,[139][140] and a deputy commissioner was killed during Pakistani shelling in Rajouri.[244] Pakistan claimed that around 25–50 Indian soldiers were killed.[245]
Pakistan
Pakistan said that 40 civilians and 13 military personnel were killed during the conflict from Indian air strikes and cross-border shelling (the latter in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir).[246][247][248] The initial Indian airstrikes on 9 May killed at least 21 civilians according to Pakistan. Indian loitering munitions killed a civilian near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, two others in Daharki and Jabbi Kasran and a Pakistan Army soldier in Lahore.[249][250][129][251] The Pakistan military confirmed that six of its airmen were killed during Indian air strikes on 10 May, including 5 deaths at PAF Base Bholari and one at PAF Base Mushaf.[124][129] India claimed that at least 100 militants had been killed in the missile strikes,[252] and that Pakistan lost 35 to 40 personnel in the conflict.[176]
Masjid Syedna Bilal in Muzaffarabad and Masjid-e-Abbas in Kotli (identified by India as Markaz Abbas) both in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir were damaged in the Indian strikes and killed 5 civilians according to Pakistan.[253][55][254] The Markaz-e-Taiba, a complex which includes a school, a college and a medical clinic, was hit in Muridke. It was established by Lashkar-e-Taiba's co-founder Hafiz Saeed and serves as its headquarters, and that of its front organisation the Jamaat-ud-Dawa.[c][255][256]Al-Jazeera noted this site as the most significant among the others hit by India.[257]Dawn reported that that at least 3 civilians were killed in the Indian strike.[258]
Bahawalpur's Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, was also one of the targets in the Indian strikes.[c][55] Indian media reports claimed that Jaish leader Abdul Rauf Azhar was killed in the strike, though this remains unconfirmed and his brother Masood did not name him among the deceased family members.[259]
Analysis
According to The New York Times, India's role was "assertive" and "aggressive", and possibly established a new level of deterrence with Pakistan. The Times noted that in its initial strikes, India struck targets deeper inside enemy territory than it had struck in previous decades and had hit close enough to locations affiliated with "terrorist activities" that India could claim victory against these groups.[260] At the end of the conflict, it published high-resolution before and after satellite images, which showed India's edge in targeting of Pakistan's military facilities and airfields.[139] It reported that India felt frustrated after Donald Trump public claims of mediating a cease-fire, presenting both countries as equals and downplaying the terrorist attack that triggered the conflict, and that India had hoped any US involvement would remain discreet, and Trump's portrayal of both countries on equal terms was seen by Indian officials as politically sensitive and diplomatically frustrating.[261] According to the paper, the result of the conflict was "little more than a draw". Noting that despite India damaging sensitive Pakistani airbases, hangars and runways, it lost aircraft in aerial duels. It opined that the conflict had been a strategic setback for India, which found itself equated with Pakistan, a smaller, weaker country that Indian officials call a rogue sponsor of terrorism. It added that diplomatically, India appeared powerless to resolve the conflict and that the spectre of nuclear war limited what India could achieve militarily.[262]
According to The Washington Post, Pakistan's celebration that "ceasefire with India reestablished deterrence", "may be clouding a clearheaded assessment" and the "regional status quo had been upended" with more aggressive strikes by India, including a strike at Pakistan's military headquarters.[263] The Post said that , according to analysts, the alleged losses of Indian aircraft would constitute a humiliation of the Indian military.[264]
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, this military operation against Pakistan revealed weaknesses in the Indian Air Force, and that the success of the Pakistan Air Force had to do with the superior training and combat experience of most of the pilots as they had been fighting continuous counterterrorism air campaigns in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, whereas India had largely remained at peace.[265] It said that the major military confrontation "produced no winners."[266]
According to Al Jazeera, analysts contend that neither side emerged with a definite upper hand, and both nations made certain strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses.[267] Al Jazeera further reported that analysts noted that Pakistan's gains included internationalising the Kashmir issue and the downing of aircraft, while India's gains involved highlighting alleged Pakistan-based terrorism and demonstrating further military reach across the border.[267]
The Financial Times, noting that both India and Pakistan claimed victory, said the ceasefire gave Islamabad the "diplomatic upper hand", as US intervention bracketed India, the "fifth-biggest economy", with what it sees as a "terrorism-backing rogue state".[268]
According to Manal Fatima of the Atlantic Council, the war appeared to unify fractured Pakistani political forces domestically and resulted in Pakistan having a diplomatic advantage over India regarding Trump's involvement in ceasefire talks. According to Srujan Palkar—global fellow at the Council—Operation Sindoor "exposed an imbalance in US policy toward South Asia". The expert noted that if the United States was to continue building trust with India, it must put "the onus on the Pakistani establishment to play its part in counterterrorism" as well as consider revoking Pakistan's Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status.[269]
According to the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, the reported downing of an Indian Rafale jet (made in France) by a Pakistani air-defense system (made in China) raises concerns for Western military technologies.[270] It mentioned that Operation Sindoor by India appeared to have turned into a disaster.[271] It failed to take out the targets quickly and without detection. The Indian pilots encountered strong resistance, with the operation resulting in heavy losses.[270]
According to The Diplomat magazine's Pakistan correspondent Umair Jamal, Pakistan came out "emboldened" after clashes with India. He said that the conflict unified the country, that the Pakistani military has emerged more popular than earlier, and that the political leadership now see the need to strengthen the armed forces. He believed that Pakistan scored a diplomatic win by acting with "restraint" and found the US intervention to have favoured Pakistan more than India.[272]
Christopher Clary, a University at Albany professor and expert on India–Pakistan relations, stated to The Washington Post that satellite evidence supports the claim that the Indian military inflicted significant, though not devastating, damage on Pakistan's air force at several eastern bases.[124][122]
According to John Spencer and Vincent Viola, writing in the Small Wars Journal, Operation Sindoor was more than just a rapid military reaction — it marked a significant strategic turning point. In just four days, India carried out accurate strikes on fortified positions across the border using only domestically developed or assembled systems such as BrahMos missiles, Akashteer air defense units, and loitering munitions, without relying on US platforms or foreign logistics. India didn't just achieve victory — it demonstrated a clear military advantage over a Chinese-supported opponent. The operation highlighted a shift in national defense doctrine toward self-reliance and indigenous capability. As the journal notes, Pakistan, aligned with China in arms and strategy, was unable to counter India's precision offensive, with its Chinese-made air defenses proving ineffective.[273]
American geopolitical analyst Brandon Weichert writing for the The National Interest described the aerial duel between both countries as an unambiguous victory for Pakistan, insofar as western observers had not expected Chinese-made equipment to be able to shoot down the Rafales.[274][275]
Impact
Pakistani airspace was closed for 48 hours and all flights were cancelled.[276] In Pakistani Punjab, schools and colleges were closed, and CIE examinations were cancelled in most of Pakistan.[277][278][279] In India, at least 25 airports in the north and west were shut down until 10 May.[280] The Indian Air Force took control of Srinagar Airport and civil operations were stopped for an indefinite period.[281]
More than 8,000 Twitter accounts were blocked in India.[284] The Indian government also blocked several Pakistani YouTube channels along with six Bangladeshi channels' YouTube accounts under the section 69(A) of Information Technology Act, 2000 citing "threat to the national security or public discipline". This measure received protests from Bangladeshi government.[285] X accounts of Chinese state-run media Xinhua News Agency and Global Times, and Turkish public broadcaster TRT World were also blocked in India.[286] The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocked 79 Indian YouTube channels and websites citing "anti-Pakistan propaganda" which undermined "national unity".[287][288]
Stock markets in India and Pakistan experienced significant volatility through the week due to escalating geopolitical tensions, but rebounded sharply on 12 May following the ceasefire agreement.[289][290]
In China, a viral parody video mocking India over the reported downing of Rafale jets by Pakistani J-10C aircraft attracted significant attention, amassing millions of likes on Douyin and being reposted by Pakistan's Defence Ministry. The video was widely criticized as "racist and nationalistic", with commentators linking its popularity to rising Chinese nationalist sentiment. While the Chinese public embraced the incident as a win for domestic military tech, the Chinese government maintained diplomatic caution, urging both sides to exercise restraint amid regional tensions.[291][292][293]
Members of the Indian diaspora in France gathered in front of the Eiffel Tower to hold a protest against Pakistan after the strikes.[307] Calls for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan were raised on India social media due to their public support for Pakistan during the conflict.[308][309][310] In Hyderabad, India, the protestors demanded to change the name of the Karachi Bakery,[311] while in Hyderabad, Pakistan, the Bombay Bakery (named after Bombay, now Mumbai) was celebrated.[312]
Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor from Ashoka University in India was arrested on Sunday on charges under laws concerning incitement of communal disharmony, subversive activity, and religious insult,[313] following social media posts about India’s Operation Sindoor. In his posts, he questioned the use of Muslim women officer Sofiya Qureshi for optics and highlighted issues like mob lynching on Muslims in India during the conflict.[314] The incident sparked condemnation from over 1,200 academics and civil society members, who called it a crackdown on free speech and academic freedom.[314][315][313] He was later granted interim bail by the Supreme Court of India.[316] The legal case reached India's highest court, which granted Ali bail but restrained him from further commenting on the 2025 Pahalgam attack as well as Operation Sindoor. A three member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been setup to look at the charges against him.[317]
On 21 June, Pakistan announced it would nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in brokering the ceasefire. Pakistan credited Trump's diplomatic intervention, though India denied any US mediation.[319]
Misinformation
There were a number of misinformation campaigns in both countries during the conflict, particularly on social media platform X.[320][321][322][323] A rise in online hate speech on social media described as misogynistic, sexist, and promoting gender-related violence against women also saw a surge in both countries during the conflict.[324]
Sumitra Badrinathan, an assistant political science professor at the American University, stated that misinformation about the rivalry between India and Pakistan often originated from anonymous online accounts, but during the ongoing conflict, misinformations at least on the Indian side had been put out by "previously credible journalists and major media outlets."[325][326] South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman also noted a "very high volume of particularly egregious fake news" in Indian media outlets aligned with the government.[264][327] Several Indian broadcast outlets reported unverified claims, including supposed strikes on a Pakistani nuclear base,[326][328] downing two Pakistani fighter jets based on AI generated deepfake,[326][329] Indian Army crossing the international border,[328] Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif fleeing to a bunker,[328] Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir being deposed in a coup and arrested,[328][264] capture of Pakistani capital Islamabad,[264] and had also circulated stories such as the Indian Navy attacking Karachi Port, all of which were discredited.[326][328][264]
According to the UK Defence Journal and the Washington Examiner, footage from a video game Arma 3 was shared by the official X (Twitter) handle of the Government of Pakistan, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar praising the military's "timely and nerve-wracking response", as the video showing a jet being targeted went viral on social media during the conflict.[330][331] A Daily Telegraph frontpage showing Pakistani aerial victory in the conflict, shared by Deputy Prime MinisterIshaq Dar in the Senate and by Ikhtiar Wali Khan online, was found to have been AI-generated by fact checkers.[332][333] A CNN infographic purportedly verifying Pakistan's official claims of gains and losses in the conflict was similarly found to have been fabricated.[332][334] False reports of Pakistan capturing Indian pilot Shivangi Singh were also widely circulated on Pakistani social media.[324]
Deutsche Welle fact-checked several false claims on social media during the conflict. A video with over 5 million views, allegedly showing Indian missile strikes, was in fact footage of Iranian missiles hitting Israel published by DD India in October 2024.[335] Another claim by a pro-Pakistan user that a French-made Rafale fighter, used by the Indian Air Force, was shot down in Pakistan, near Bahawalpur. The picture, in fact, was not a Rafale but a Pakistani Mirage 5 that crashed on a training mission in southeastern Pakistan three weeks before the conflict. Another viral video from a June 2024 crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force in Nashik, Maharashtra was falsely shared as that of a Rafale jet shot down by Pakistan near the Line of Control.[335][336]
In The Hindu, legal journalist Aaratrika Bhaumik argued that for military self-defence to be legal under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, military actions have to "immediately" be reported to the UN Security Council (UNSC).[338] Bhaumik interpreted the Indian foreign minister's 8 May briefing of 13 of the 15 UNSC member states to be "apparent adherence" to the Article 51 requirement and stated that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) interpreted Article 51 to only be valid in the case of defence against attacks by non-state actors if a state were responsible for the attacks. O. P. Jindal Global University legal scholar Prabhash Ranjan interpreted the foreign minister to have avoided references to international law and to have attributed the attack to Pakistan as a state. He viewed the foreign minister's legal argument to be based on a contested Indian view of the right to defence against non-state actors presented at a February 2021 Arria formula meeting. Ranjan viewed the Indian military strikes of 7 May 2025 to have satisfied the principles of military necessity and proportionality.[338][neutrality is disputed]
Reactions
India
The Indian government claimed that the operation was a necessary response to terrorism and the Pahalgam attack.[339] Left parties in India urged Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil.[340] Addressing the nation on 11 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed another military victory over Pakistan and warned that further terrorist attacks would elicit a military response.[341] On 9 June, Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Lieutenant GeneralRajiv Ghai was promoted to the additional post of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), following his role in the operation.[342]
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the Indian strikes a "cowardly" attack that killed innocent civilians, Pakistan termed them an "act of war," and the military vowed to respond at a time, place, and by means of its choosing.[343] On 12 May, the National Assembly of Pakistan celebrated what was regarded as a Pakistani victory.[344] The government of Pakistan promoted Chief of Army StaffAsim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal on 20 May 2025 for his leadership during the conflict.[345] The tenure of Air Chief MarshalZaheer Ahmad Babar was also extended.[346]
Supranational bodies
European Union: European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that "The announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan is a vital step toward de-escalation. All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected.[347] The EU remains committed to peace, stability, and counter-terrorism in the region."[348][349]
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called for military restraint and said that "the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan".[350][351]
International
Afghanistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA–MoFA) released a statement expressing their concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, additionally reaffirming their belief that security and stability serve the collective interests of all countries in the region. Afghanistan urges both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy.[352][non-primary source needed]
Algeria: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern about the recent escalation of armed exchanges between India and Pakistan, urged both sides to maintain self‑restraint and calm, to return immediately to dialogue in a spirit of responsibility, and warned that political and diplomatic means must prevail over the use of force.[353][non-primary source needed] Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf said Algeria welcomed the ceasefire deal and commended the mediation efforts that made it possible by putting communication and diplomacy ahead of conflict and stress.[354]
Armenia: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan stated that Armenia appreciates India and Pakistan's ceasefire deal. She hoped that the ceasefire would last and that regional peace could be attained, adding that communication is essential.[355]
Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing the significance of de-escalation and counter-terrorism operations for regional peace and stability. She called on Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to uphold the terms of the truce.[356]
Azerbaijan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the announcement of the ceasefire, expressing optimism that it would help bring about long-term peace and stability in the area by lowering tensions. It urged the parties to have fruitful discussions in order to settle unresolved matters and foster trust between them.[357] On 1 September 2025, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Pakistan over "victory" against India in the military conflict.[358][359]
Bahrain: In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain welcomed the ceasefire and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting communication and understanding between parties as crucial means of settling disputes and preserving stability, peace, and prosperity in the region and the larger international community.[360]
Bangladesh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an official statement, said it is closely observing the situation. Additionally, it has urged both nations to exercise restraint and maintain calm.[361] Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said "I most sincerely commend Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks.[362][363][364] Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy."[363][365]
Brazil: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire and urged both India and Pakistan to work towards lasting peace through dialogue and mutual confidence.[366][non-primary source needed] The Government also welcomed the ceasefire agreement and says it is committed to promoting peace, stability, and dialogue as the only way to resolve conflicts. It also encourages the parties to keep up their diplomatic efforts in order to achieve lasting peace and the welfare of their peoples, South Asia, and the world.[367]
China: A Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that China found India's military operation early in the morning regrettable. The spokesperson expressed concern about the ongoing situation and urged both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking actions that might further complicate the situation.[368][369][370]
Egypt: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the ceasefire accord as a step in the right direction toward South Asian stability. Cairo conveyed optimism that all parties would uphold the agreement, foster trust between them, and strive for their respective peoples' peace and prosperity.[371]
France: Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Twitter that he welcomes India and Pakistan's ceasefire, calling it a prudent move. "France emphasizes the need to continue the fight against terrorist groups and encourages the parties to ensure a lasting ceasefire," he added.[372]
Germany: The foreign office issued a statement online, urging that "Escalation must be prevented and civilians protected."[373] It also hailed the ceasefire accord, calling it a first, critical step toward ending the spiral of escalation as well as stressing the importance of discussion.[374]
Greece: Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis praised the ceasefire deal and emphasized the significance of sustaining the momentum toward de-escalation through measures aimed at fostering confidence. He emphasized the pressing need for moderation and communication in light of the region's increased instability.[375]
Guyana: President Irfaan Ali praised the ceasefire agreement, urging all parties concerned to honor it and let peace to grow in the region.[376]
Indonesia: The Minister of Foreign Affairs promptly released a statement stating that Jakarta would closely monitor the course of the crisis between India and Pakistan. The ministry's statement said, "We urge both parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue in resolving the crisis."[377]
Iran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi during a visit to Islamabad urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.[378] Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baqaei praised the ceasefire announcement. He emphasized how crucial it is that both nations make use of this chance to guarantee a lowering of tensions and the long-term viability of regional peace.[379]
Iraq: The Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a positive gesture that represents both parties' commitment to communication and diplomacy as a way of conflict resolution.[380]
Israel: Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said that Israel supports India's right for self-defence. He added that "terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent."[368][369]
Italy: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the cease-fire and urged it to be a "lasting accord." He reaffirmed Italy's commitment to promoting peace and development in Asia by fighting terrorism and any escalation on the front lines.[381]
Japan: Foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya released a statement declaring that the country is "deeply concerned that the recent series of events could lead to further reprisals and escalate into a full-scale military conflict."[373] Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba praised the ceasefire accord, describing it as "a model case."[382]
Jordan: The Foreign Ministry has hailed the ceasefire agreement, citing it as an important step toward improving regional peace and stability. Spokesman Sufyan Qudah praised the two nations for coming to the agreement, emphasizing their emphasis on conversation and moderation, and reiterated Jordan's commitment to supporting all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving problems peacefully.[383]
Kuwait: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the ceasefire accord, believing it will assist restore regional security and stability. It further stated that Kuwait reiterates its steadfast support for diplomatic ties and dialogue as a means of resolving regional and global conflicts.[384]
Maldives: Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel welcomed the "immediate ceasefire" between India and Pakistan, while urging peace and dialogue to ensure regional stability.[385]
Nepal: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli thanked both India and Pakistan for the cessation of hostilities, called for lasting peace between both nations and highlighted the teachings of Buddha and the message of non-violence of Buddhism.[386]
Oman: The Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire agreement and said it hoped it would be the first step in a positive dialogue between the two nations, which would lead to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in a way that benefits both peoples and advances efforts to achieve sustainable development and peace.[387]
Palestine: The State of Palestine has voiced its support for the ceasefire agreement agreed by India and Pakistan, hailing this momentous move as a positive step toward improving regional security and stability.[388]
Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs called for the situation to be resolved peacefully. "The Department is closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan. We call for a peaceful resolution to the current issues," DFA Spokesperson Maria Teresita Daza said.[389]
Qatar: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged diplomacy and restraint.[390] Later, it praised the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, affirming that it reflects both nations' wisdom and their commitment to peace and the resolution of all unresolved issues through constructive dialogue that opens the door to comprehensive, mutually agreeable, and long-lasting solutions that will improve regional security and stability.[391]
Russia: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called both involved parties to exercise restraint and expressed the country is "deeply concerned about the intensifying military confrontation between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack near the city of Pahalgam".[392] It later said in a formal statement that Moscow strongly supports the ceasefire deal that the two South Asian neighbors achieved to lessen tensions and encourage communication. The ministry expressed hope that the steps made to restore relations will be long-lasting and sustainable, calling the accord "an important step forward."[393]
Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it "welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, optimistic that it will restore security and peace in the region".[394][395] It also commended "both parties for prioritising wisdom and self-restraint and reaffirms its support for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means."[396][397]
Singapore: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced alarm about the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to use diplomacy to reduce tensions and protect civilians.[398]
Sri Lanka: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it vital for regional stability. President Dissanayake also said that Sri Lanka is ready to make whatever contribution to achieve regional peace.[399]
Turkey: The Foreign Ministry praised the ceasefire declaration and said it was a great chance to reduce tensions and advance enduring peace in South Asia. It called on both parties to have "direct and healthy dialogue."[400]
Ukraine: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for both parties to pursue diplomatic engagement and avoid escalation.[401] It later hailed the ceasefire deal, expressing confidence that its proper implementation will be a key step towards de-escalation of tensions and the strengthening of peace and security in South Asia.[402]
United Arab Emirates: Foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for both sides to show restraint and avoid an escalation.[403] He later praised the ceasefire announcement between the two nations and said he hopes it will help to improve security and stability in South Asia.[404]
United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on both sides "to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward."[405][23] He later said that "Today's ceasefire between India and Pakistan is hugely welcome.[406] I urge both parties to sustain this.[407][408] De-escalation is in everybody's interest."[409][410]
United States: President Donald Trump remarked that "It's a shame" and said "I just hope it ends very quickly."[411]US Secretary of StateMarco Rubio spoke to the national security advisers from India and Pakistan and urged both to keep lines of communication open and avoid escalation.[412][411][115] Vice President JD Vance said that, a potential war between India and Pakistan is "none of our business." Furthermore, he said that, "We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible."[322] Later president Donald Trump and Rubio announced that the US had mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.[413]
Uzbekistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and prevent the escalation of hostilities. Uzberkistan also said that it closely monitoring the situation and offered to support efforts aimed at de-escalation between both nations.[414]
1 2 Sindoor is a reddish pigment used by Hindu women on their foreheads to indicate their married status.[3] This was due to Hindu men being selectively targeted in the earlier Pahalgam attack, leaving their wives widowed.[4][5]
1 2 Bunyan-un-Marsoos[18] is an Arabic term meaning "Unbreakable Wall". The operation's name is derived from a verse in the Quran, etched in the mihrab of the attacked mosque in Muzaffarabad.[19] It states: "Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall."[Quran61:4(Translated byShakir)]) The entire 2025 India–Pakistan crisis was termed "Marka-i-Haq" ("The Battle of Truth") by the Pakistan military.[20]
↑ Narayanan, Vasudha (29 May 2018). "Tilaka and Other Forehead Marks". Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
1 2 "India says it has launched strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir". BBC News. 6 May 2025. A dramatic overnight operation on Tuesday, in which India said it launched missile and air strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan said only six locations were hit and claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone – a claim India has not confirmed.
1 2 3 Shahid, Kunwar Khuldune (31 May 2025). "Pakistan and the Latest Reincarnation of Lashkar-e-Taiba". The Diplomat. Retrieved 1 June 2025. However, mosques and madrassas associated with the LeT, JeM, and HM, openly function, which include some of the buildings hit by Indian strikes this month. Masjid Abbas in Kotli and Masjid Bilal in Muzaffarabad are both affiliated with the JeM, while the LeT-linked Shawai Nalla camp was also targeted. ... The LeT's Shawai Nalla camp was one of the few sites dedicated to militant training in the region.
↑ Gillani, Waqar (11 May 2025). "On ground". The News International. The strikes, described by Islamabad as unwarranted, unprovoked and a blatant violation of international boundaries without any evidence and intimation, mainly hit mosques and seminaries associated with the accused groups. ... The deadliest attacks targeted mosques and seminaries linked to Jaish-i-Muhammad once led by Masood Azhar, Jamaat-ud-Dawah once led by Hafiz Saeed and the Harkat-ul Mujahdeen.
↑ Sampson, Eve (7 May 2025). "The Indian Aircraft Pakistan Says It Shot Down". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 June 2025. Pakistan, for its part, claims it shot down five planes and at least one drone: three Rafale fighter jets, one MIG-29 fighter aircraft, one Su-30 fighter jet and one Heron drone.
1 2 Zeynalova, Laman (28 May 2025). "Presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Prime Minister of Pakistan attend concert dedicated to Independence Day in Lachin". Trend.az. Retrieved 31 May 2025. Ladies and gentlemen, we had to respond in defence of Pakistan and within no time our formidable Air Force downed six Indian planes, four Rafale French-made planes, one MiG-29 and another plane and then a drone and we conveyed a message to India that Pakistan is a very peace-loving country, wants to promote peace and prosperity in the region but if come to the point of attacking Pakistan then we will respond with fullest might.
↑ "French official says Pakistan downed Rafale jet as officials examine possible further losses". CNN News. 7 May 2025. Archived from the original on 6 May 2025. A high-ranking French intelligence official told CNN today that one Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force was downed by Pakistan, in what would mark the first time that one of the sophisticated French-made warplanes has been lost in combat. Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of the jet, has not responded to CNN's requests for comment. The French military has not officially commented on the incident.
↑ Baloch, Shah Meer; Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (10 May 2025), "Pakistan says retaliatory strikes under way after accusing India of targeting military bases", The Guardian (online), ProQuest3202247251, India's alleged strikes on Pakistan came hours after Indian [Army] said Pakistan had launched yet another wave of drone attacks across 26 locations over the state of Punjab and Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday night.
1 2 "What did India and Pakistan gained in latest clash". Al Jazeera. However, analysts say neither side can truly claim to have emerged from the post-April 22 crisis with a definite upper hand. Instead, they say, both India and Pakistan can claim strategic gains even as they each also suffered losses.
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