The 2025 India–Pakistan Conflict: A New Chapter in a Longstanding Rivalry
The 2025 India–Pakistan Conflict: A New Chapter in a Longstanding Rivalry
The year 2025 has witnessed a significant escalation in the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan, marking one of the most intense confrontations in recent decades. Rooted in the disputed Kashmir region, the conflict has seen military engagements, diplomatic breakdowns, and international concerns over regional stability. The Trigger: Pahalgam Attack The immediate catalyst for the 2025 escalation was a brutal attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 21, 2025, where 26 Hindu civilians were killed in what India described as an execution-style assault. While India accused Pakistan of supporting the perpetrators, Pakistan denied involvement, leading to heightened hostilities and mutual distrust. Operation Sindoor: India's Retaliation In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on the night of May 6–7, 2025. The operation involved missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, S…