Missile testing conducted by Pakistan amid rising tension with India.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have skyrocketed, with a string of incidents escalating the situation significantly. Here's the lowdown on recent developments:
Initial Tensions and the Pahalgam Attack
- Pahalgam Massacre: On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack at the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir left 28 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, dead. The initial culprit claimed responsibility was The Resistance Front, an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, but the group later denounced any involvement[1][2].
- Diplomatic Showdown: In the wake of the attack, India accused Pakistan of being behind it, triggering a diplomatic standoff. Consequences included the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, the suspension of visa services, border closures, and even India's decision to withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan, on the other hand, denied any involvement and called for an international investigation[1].
Military Escalations
- Operation Sindoor: On May 7, 2025, India launched military strikes codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting infractions of militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in nine locations across Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and Punjab[2].
- Pakistani Counterattack: Pakistan reported that the strikes harmed civilian areas, resulting in 31 civilian casualties. In retaliation, they claimed to have downed Indian jets and inflicted damage on Indian infrastructure[1].
Current State of Affairs
- Ceasefire Announcement: A truce was called on May 10 following alleged U.S-mediated talks, with both parties agreeing to cease hostilities[1].
- Ceasefire Violations: Despite the truce, both nations have accused each other of violating the agreement as of May 11, 2025[1].
The situation remains volatile and brimming with suspicion, with the potential for further escalation looming between these two nuclear-armed nations. While tensions persist, trade between the two has plummeted recently.
Trade between the two countries has dwindled over the last few years. According to data from India's commerce ministry, India imported a mere $420,000 worth of goods from Pakistan between April 2024 and January 2025, a drastic drop from the $2.86 million worth of imports over the same period the previous year[3]. Similarly, Indian exports to Pakistan dropped from $1.1 billion in the same period to $447.7 million[3].
Despite calls for de-escalation from U.S. officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, India's foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has maintained that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice[3].
- The recent political tension between India and Pakistan has led to a decline in their economic ties, with the industry of trade and finance severely affected.
- In the realm of war-and-conflicts, the aftermath of the Pahalgam Massacre has prompted military actions such as Operation Sindoor by India and Pakistan's counterattack, causing casualties and damage in both countries.
- As the sports sector continues to unfold its events, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket series are on hold due to the ongoing tensions.
- General news sources have reported an increase in crime-and-justice cases within India and Pakistan, with some suspecting the tensions could be fueling domestic unrest, both politically and socially.
