The recent conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 was triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where militants killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India accused Pakistan of supporting the militants, which Pakistan denied
. In response, India launched missile strikes on May 7, targeting what it called terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in an operation named Operation Sindoor. India claimed it targeted militant camps of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Pakistan alleged the strikes hit civilian areas including mosques
. Following India's strikes, Pakistan retaliated with its own missile and drone strikes (Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos) targeting Indian military bases and border areas. Both sides engaged in aerial combat involving fighter jets, drones, and missiles, marking the deadliest military confrontation between the two nations in decades and the first drone battle between them
. The conflict lasted four days, ending with a ceasefire agreement on May 10 after communications between military officials from both countries. Both India and Pakistan declared themselves victorious, but the clash resulted in losses on both sides, including aircraft and damage to military installations
. Strategically, the conflict highlighted the enduring and unresolved hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with India facing setbacks despite its larger size and ambitions. The situation remains complex, fueled by longstanding disputes over Kashmir and mutual accusations of supporting terrorism
. In summary, the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict was a rapid escalation following a terrorist attack in Kashmir, involving missile and drone strikes, aerial combat, and ended in a ceasefire without a decisive military victory, underscoring the persistent and deep-rooted tensions between the two countries
