Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged after India conducted missile and aerial strikes on nine locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians India claims the strikes targeted "terrorist infrastructure" linked to the attack, insisting the operations were "measured" and not aimed at Pakistani military sites
Indian officials have suggested that two of the attackers were Pakistani nationals and accuse Islamabad of supporting militants-a charge Pakistan strongly denies, calling the strikes "unprovoked aggression" Pakistan reports civilian casualties and claims to have shot down Indian aircraft, vowing to retaliate
This escalation fits a familiar pattern in the region: major attacks in Kashmir, followed by Indian strikes across the border, and heightened diplomatic and military tensions Experts warn that while both sides may seek to avoid all-out war, the risk of further escalation remains high as each country balances public outrage, deterrence, and international pressure
The world is now watching to see if this latest crisis will spiral or if back-channel diplomacy can once again pull the nuclear-armed neighbors back from the brink.
