In 2025, there was a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan called the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict or Operation Sindoor, which started on May 7, 2025. India launched missile strikes on Pakistan in response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. India targeted terrorist infrastructure related to Pakistan-based militant groups, while Pakistan claimed the strikes hit civilian areas with casualties. The conflict escalated with cross-border artillery shelling, drone strikes, and missile attacks from both sides, marking the first drone battle between the nuclear- armed neighbors. After four days of fighting, a ceasefire was agreed on May 10, 2025, following diplomatic negotiations, and normalcy gradually returned, though tensions remained high.
Later in September 2025, the two countries faced off in a politically charged cricket match in the Asia Cup, where India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. The sports event was overshadowed by the recent military conflict and ongoing political tension, highlighted by the Indian captain refusing to shake hands with the Pakistani captain at the pre-match toss, symbolizing the strained relations.
This sequence of events shows recent military aggression followed by diplomatic efforts and continued rivalry expressed in sports.
