In a swift and decisive response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The action has triggered sharp responses from Pakistan and drawn international concern, with global powers urging restraint.
Here are the top 10 developments in this escalating situation:
1. India launches Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure
In retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, Indian armed forces executed coordinated strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and PoK. These included terror camps operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes were described as precise and targeted, aimed at dismantling terrorist launch pads and training camps.
2. Pakistan issues a conditional warning to India
Reacting to the Indian strikes, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg, “We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will wrap up this tension.” Asif added he was unaware of any potential diplomatic talks at this stage.
3. India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, closes airspace for Pakistan
Ahead of its military retaliation, India launched a diplomatic and economic offensive:
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty,
- Cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals, and
- Shutting down its airspace and seaports for Pakistani aircraft and ships.
4. Proof of Pakistan’s role in Pahalgam attack revealed
Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, said:
“Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack have brought out the communication nodes of terrorists in and to Pakistan. The claims made by The Resistance Front and their reposting by known social media handles of the Lashkar-e-Taiba speak for themselves.”
5. Strikes were defensive and proportionate, says India
Misri further stated, “Our intelligence indicated that further attacks against India are impending… India exercised its right to respond to deter such more cross-border terrorism.” He reiterated that the strikes were “measured, proportionate, responsible, and non-escalatory.”
6. Attackers identified, Pakistani link established
Indian agencies have identified the attackers using eyewitness accounts and intelligence inputs. “The features of this attack tie in with Pakistan’s long-standing record of perpetrating cross-border attacks on India, which is well documented and beyond question,” Misri asserted.
7. Pakistan Prime Minister calls Indian strikes an ‘act of war’
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes, calling them “an act of war”, and declared that Pakistan had every right to deliver a “befitting reply.”
8. Civilian casualties in border areas
As tensions continue, at least 10 civilians have reportedly died in ceasefire violations by Pakistan targeting border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, according to official sources.
9. Amit Shah recalls paramilitary personnel from leave
To bolster internal security, Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered all paramilitary forces to recall personnel currently on leave, according to a PTI report.
10. International community calls for restraint
The escalating situation has triggered reactions from major global powers:
- Russia expressed “deep concern”, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova quoted by state-run TASS.
- China said, “China expresses regret over India’s military actions… We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained.”
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was “monitoring the situation closely” and hoped it “ends quickly.”
