The conflict between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir has reached a critical point, raising international fears of a possible all-out war. According to Qatari television channel Al Jazeera, after a brief lull on May 9, 2025, heavy gunfire and artillery strikes along the Line of Control, accompanied by powerful explosions, have resumed. The tension has been exacerbated by widespread power outages on the Indian side of Kashmir, as well as heightened security measures in both countries.

According to Al Jazeera, the night of May 9 was a turning point: the Indian military claimed to have successfully intercepted several Pakistani drones and missiles, as well as prevented an armed group from attempting to cross the border. In response, Pakistan accused India of provocation, claiming that Indian drones had struck border facilities. The fighting left the city of Jammu, located in the Indian part of Kashmir, without electricity, paralyzing the daily lives of thousands of residents. According to The Times of India, local authorities have not yet been able to restore power supply due to ongoing fighting and damaged infrastructure.

India has responded to the escalation by imposing strict security measures. New Delhi has declared a high alert, with increased patrols, road checks and tight security at key sites. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended operations at 20 airports until May 15, 2025, citing “operational circumstances” that Reuters experts believe are linked to the threat of attacks. In Pakistan, similar measures have been taken in major cities including Islamabad and Lahore, where authorities have urged citizens to avoid public spaces.

The escalating conflict has also affected public life. According to The Hindu, the Indian Premier League, one of the country’s most popular sporting events, has been suspended for a week, an unprecedented move that reflects the gravity of the situation. The economic fallout is also mounting: As Bloomberg notes, the Indian stock market is slumping and the Pakistani rupee is losing ground amid the uncertainty.

Experts warn that the current escalation could go beyond a regional conflict. As the BBC notes, both nuclear-armed countries have conducted a series of military exercises in 2025, indicating preparations for a possible escalation.