India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates Amid Ceasefire Violations and Military Engagements
The fragile peace between India and Pakistan has deteriorated following multiple ceasefire violations and military confrontations, despite recent agreements to halt hostilities. Pakistan Breaches Ceasefire Again Despite Recent Agreement with India.
Operation Sindoor and Retaliatory Strikes
Tensions reignited after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 28 lives, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to the Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan-administered regions. The operation involved Rafale jets deploying SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs over a 23-minute period, striking nine locations including Bahawalpur and Muridke. India TV News+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5The Indian Express+8India TV News+8Wikipedia+8
Pakistan condemned the strikes as attacks on civilians and vowed retaliation. Subsequently, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian cities, including Amritsar, which India claims were intercepted by its S-400 missile defense system .Wikipedia+1India TV News+1
Air Engagements and Military Movements
The conflict escalated into one of the most significant air engagements in recent history. On May 7, approximately 125 fighter jets from both nations were involved in aerial combat. India reportedly lost several aircraft, including three Rafale jets, marking the first combat loss of this model. Pakistan claimed to have downed these jets using Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 aircraft .WikipediaWikipedia
Both countries have mobilized troops to forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC), with increased artillery shelling reported. India has enforced blackouts in border regions, and sirens have been heard in cities like Jammu, indicating heightened alert levels .India TV News+1Wikipedia+1India TV News
Ceasefire Attempts and Violations
Despite international calls for de-escalation, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced that both nations agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, violations persist. Hours after the ceasefire announcement, Pakistan reportedly violated the agreement, leading to further casualties and destruction .The Indian Express+1Al Arabiya English+1Hindustan Times+1Wikipedia+1
Humanitarian Impact and Civilian Casualties
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides. In Pakistan, Indian missile attacks have reportedly killed 31 people, including children, and injured at least 35 others. In India, Pakistani artillery fire has killed 15 civilians and injured 43 in regions like Poonch District .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Conclusion
The recent escalation underscores the volatility of India-Pakistan relations and the challenges in maintaining long-term peace. As both nations continue to engage in military actions despite ceasefire agreements, the international community remains concerned about the potential for a broader conflict.
