🇮🇳🇵🇰 Tensions Escalate as India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan: Dozens Killed in Retaliatory Operation

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: Alia Chughtai

India has launched a series of missile attacks on Pakistani territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir early Wednesday morning, in what it has dubbed "Operation Sindoor", marking one of the most serious escalations between the two nuclear-armed rivals in recent years. The Indian government claims the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” in nine locations.

At least 26 people, including a three-year-old child, were killed in the Indian strikes, according to Pakistani officials. In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though India has not officially confirmed or commented on this claim.

Meanwhile, at least 10 civilians were reported dead in Indian-administered Kashmir following retaliatory fire from Pakistani forces, according to local officials.

What Sparked the Attack?

India’s missile campaign follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a scenic town in Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen killed 25 Indian tourists and a local pony rider. Indian authorities allege the attack was carried out by militants operating from Pakistani territory. Witnesses stated that the attackers selectively targeted non-Muslims, raising communal and regional concerns.

With no arrests made and the gunmen still at large after 16 days, India's military launched Operation Sindoor, striking targets in Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber. This is the first time India has attacked Pakistan’s populous Punjab province since the 1971 war.

Historical Context: A Volatile Border

India and Pakistan have had a fraught relationship since their partition in 1947, with Kashmir remaining the most contentious and blood-soaked issue. The region has sparked four wars and numerous cross-border skirmishes, including the 2019 Balakot airstrikes following the killing of 40 Indian paramilitary troops in Pulwama.

Despite diplomatic attempts over the decades, peace remains elusive. Both nations claim the entire Kashmir region, though it remains divided and heavily militarized.

Military Power Comparison

According to Global Firepower’s 2025 rankings, India stands as the 4th strongest military globally, while Pakistan ranks 12th.

• India’s defense budget in 2024: $86 billion (2.3% of GDP)

• Pakistan’s defense budget: $10.2 billion (2.7% of GDP)

India's 5.1 million military personnel outnumber Pakistan’s 1.7 million, and it boasts a superior arsenal in aircraft, tanks, and naval assets. However, both countries possess nuclear weapons and delivery systems capable of triggering catastrophic regional consequences.

Nuclear Deterrence and Arms Race

India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, with five more in 1998, officially declaring itself a nuclear state. Pakistan followed with its own tests in 1998. Both nations have since developed increasingly sophisticated missile delivery systems.

India has focused on long-range and mobile launch platforms, including joint projects with Russia. Pakistan, with significant Chinese assistance, has developed short- and medium-range ballistic missiles aimed primarily at India.

Global Arms Trade and Strategic Partnerships

India remains the second-largest global arms importer, relying heavily on Russia, France, and Israel. Meanwhile, Pakistan's arms imports surged by 61% from 2015–19 to 2020–24, with China supplying 81% of its imports during this period.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the arms race between the two nations is largely fueled by recurring skirmishes and unresolved border disputes.