The conflict between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly escalating, fueled by mutual accusations and military actions that raise the risk of a nuclear standoff. The Indian army has reported a significant build-up of Pakistani troops along the Line of Control, which it says indicates preparations for further escalation. Meanwhile, Pakistan has justified its actions as a need to protect its sovereignty and called them a response to “Indian aggression,” raising tensions in South Asia.

Pakistan has used drones, loitering munitions, long-range weapons and fighter jets to attack civilian targets in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to India’s defence ministry. The targets hit include the Shambhu temple in Jammu and residential areas, where at least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured, according to The Times of India. Footage of the destruction, including damaged buildings and burning cars, has been shared on X, fuelling public outrage in India. Pakistan, for its part, claims its strikes were aimed solely at military targets and were a response to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam suicide bombing that killed 26 tourists.

Pakistan’s state-run PTV News said Operation Banyan-ul-Marsus (Strong Wall) was a “strategic response” to protect the “oppressed people of Kashmir” and national sovereignty. Islamabad claims to have destroyed the Birnal airfield, three outposts and an Indian brigade headquarters in Bhimber Gali, causing extensive damage to military infrastructure. India denies the claims as propaganda and says its air defense systems, including the S-400, successfully intercepted a Pakistani Fath-II missile in Haryana.

The escalation has come with unprecedented measures. According to Reuters, India has deployed additional forces to the border, including armoured vehicles and artillery, and has called for reservists. Pakistan has closed its airspace until May 15, which has paralysed air travel, according to Geo TV. Both countries have imposed curfews in border areas, and schools in Jammu and Lahore have been closed. The economic impact has been significant: according to Bloomberg, the Indian stock market has fallen 3%, and the Pakistani rupee has continued to weaken.