Tensions Escalate as India and Pakistan Exchange Cross-Border Strikes Amid Drone and Missile Accusations

A fresh wave of tension has erupted between India and Pakistan, with both countries trading accusations of cross-border attacks involving drones, missiles, and airstrikes. India alleges that Pakistan attempted to target three military bases in Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot. Pakistan has strongly denied the charges, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating, “We deny it, we have not mounted anything so far.”

India responded with a military operation named Operation Sindoor, claiming to have struck air defence systems and “terrorist infrastructure” across Pakistani territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam last month that killed 26 civilians.

Pakistan, in turn, condemned India’s actions as acts of aggression, reporting drone intrusions in multiple cities including Lahore and Karachi, with 31 civilians killed and dozens injured since the attacks began. India reported at least 16 casualties on its side due to retaliatory Pakistani shelling.

As the conflict spirals, both nations continue to exchange conflicting accounts, with no independent verification yet. Calls for restraint have poured in from world leaders and international organizations, fearing that this may be the most serious standoff between the nuclear-armed rivals in over two decades.