Open dialogue on the tense situation and other developments between India and Pakistan between May 5-10
The tense situation begins between India & Pakistan, after being responded to by the India after terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir) on 22 April 2025. 26 tourists were killed in the attack, which India considered to be sponsored by Pakistan.
It increased military, diplomatic, and social tensions between the two countries. Below is a detailed account of the major events that occurred between 5 and 10 May 2025,
5 May 2025
Military and Diplomatic Activities: In response to the Pahalgam attack, India had taken several tough steps related to Pakistan, the readiness of which increased on 5 May. These included suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and ordering Pakistani citizens to leave India within 48 hours.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during which a possible military response was discussed.
Border Tensions: Small-scale firing continued between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), especially in the Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara sectors. Pakistan claimed that India had created an artificial situation in Muzaffarabad and Hatiya Bala by blocking the water of the Jhelum river, which India rejected.
International response: The United Nations and the United States appealed to both countries to exercise restraint, while Turkey expressed concern over the developments.
6 May 2025
Indian military exercise: The Indian Air Force announced a large-scale war game near the international border with Pakistan in Rajasthan. The exercise was scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm and last for about five and a half hours. Flights at border airports were suspended. This was seen as a show of India’s military might, a preparation for possible action in response to the Pahalgam attack.
Civil security preparations: The Union Home Ministry directed all states to conduct civil defence exercises. This included testing air raid sirens, training citizens on security, and cleaning bunkers. A 10-minute blackout and mock drill were announced in Barnala, Punjab.
Drone activity begins: Pakistan reportedly started sending drones into Jammu and Kashmir for surveillance and possible attacks. India deployed anti-drone systems to stop them.
7 May 2025
Operation Sindoor: India launched “Operation Sindoor”, in which 24 precision missile strikes on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) killed over 70 terrorists and injured over 60 in the attacks. Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed strongholds in Muridke, Bahawalpur, and Kotli were targeted.
Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar claimed that 10 members of his family and four associates were killed in the attacks.
Pakistan’s response and drone strikes: Pakistan launched drone and missile strikes on India in response to Operation Sindoor. On the night of May 7, Pakistan attempted to attack 15 military installations in northern and western India, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, and Bhuj, with drones and missiles.
Characteristics of the drones: These drones were equipped with explosives, small arms, and surveillance equipment. Some were self-destructive (suicide drones), which exploded on impact.
Indian Defense: India thwarted most of the attacks with the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defense missile system, DRDO’s anti-drone system, and the Israeli Spider system. Missile debris was found in four villages in Amritsar, which the army began investigating.
Civilian impact: Schools and colleges in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir were closed for 2 days. 8-hour blackout imposed in Gurdaspur.
IPL match (Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings) in Dharamshala was likely to be shifted due to airport closure.
8 May 2025
India’s retaliation: Indian armed forces carried out attacks on Pakistan’s air defence radar systems and systems. A key Pakistani air defence system in Lahore was completely disabled. Videos of this also went viral on social media. India also continued to attack camps belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s drone attacks: Pakistan attempted to carry out air strikes on Jammu Airport and Pathankot Air Force Base. These attacks involved 300-400 drones, which were sent to target 36 different locations. There were reports of attacks on military and civilian areas in Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar.
Impact of drones: A gurdwara, school, and civilian homes were damaged in Poonch. There were reports of 3 civilians killed and 7 injured. Indian response: India destroyed over 80% of the drones. Flashes and explosions were heard in the sky in Jammu, which were attempts to stop the drones.
Civil and social impact: The entire city, including the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, was in a state of blackout. A complete blackout was also in force in Pathankot and Poonch. Power was cut off in border areas of Rajasthan till 4 am. Power and internet services were suspended in Amritsar from 9 pm to 5 am.
Cricket and cultural impact: The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off after 10.1 overs. A special train was arranged to take the players and staff to safe places.
9 May 2025
Intensity of drone strikes: Pakistan increased the number of drone strikes on the night of 8-9 May. The Indian Ministry of Defence said that 300-400 drones attempted to strike 36 locations, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Damage: Civilian areas, such as a gurdwara and a school, were damaged in Poonch and Akhnoor. 3 civilians were killed and 7 were injured. Indian response: India destroyed more than 80% of the drones with anti-drone systems. Flashes and explosions were heard in the sky in Jammu.
India’s counter-attacks: India carried out drone strikes on military and civilian installations in Sialkot and Lahore in Pakistan, in which Pakistan claimed the death of 12 civilians, including 5 children. Pakistan claims to have shot down 30-40 Indian drones with its HQ-9 and FM-90 missile systems.
Government and international response: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds meeting with top military leaders. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, in a press briefing, accused Pakistan of using civil airlines as shields and violating international laws.
Saudi Arabia and Britain appeal for restraint. EU and G7 condemn Pahalgam attack.
Cricket and cultural impact: BCCI postpones IPL 2025 indefinitely. Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches postponed and shifted to UAE.
10 May 2025
Ceasefire announced: With US mediation (President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio), India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire from 4:30 pm (PKT) / 5:00 pm (IST). Before the ceasefire, Pakistan made a last-ditch attempt to send 20-30 drones into Srinagar and Jammu, most of which were destroyed. India carried out 2-3 drone strikes in Sialkot and Narowal in the morning.
Ceasefire violation: A few hours after the ceasefire, explosions were heard and projectiles were seen in the sky in Srinagar and Jammu. India accused Pakistan of ceasefire violation. Videos of glowing objects in the sky in Jammu surfaced on social media, which were likely attempts to intercept drones or missiles.
Civil and international response: Pakistan reopens its airspace, but 24 airports in India remain closed until May 15. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s efforts were.
Civil and international response:Pakistan reopens its airspace, but 24 airports in India remain closed until May 15.Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the ceasefire should have been 2-3 days earlier so that lives could have been saved.
Pakistani business leader Ehsan Malik described the ceasefire as an opportunity for socio-economic development. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy was credited by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for his role in the ceasefire.
Total impact Life and property losses:
India: 16 civilians killed and over 20 injured. Damage to civilian property in Poonch and Akhnoor.
Pakistan: 31 civilians killed, including 5 children. Damage to military and civilian property in Sialkot and Lahore. Over 70 terrorists killed and 60 injured (in Operation Sindoor).
Diplomatic and commercial impact: Both countries suspended trade, visa services, and the Indus Water Treaty. India expelled Pakistani diplomats and recalled its own diplomats.
Social and economic impact: Over 430 flights cancelled at 27 airports in India. Flights suspended at Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot airports in Pakistan. Atmosphere of fear in border areas. Citizens ordered to move to safer places.
Characteristics and impact of drone strikes:
Pakistani drones: 300-400 drones carried out attacks on military and civilian installations. Use of explosive and self-destructive drones. Limited damage in Jammu and Kashmir, 3 civilian deaths.
India’s drones: Attacks in Sialkot and Lahore, 12 civilian deaths (Pakistan claims).
Defense: India used S-400, DRDO, and Spider systems; Pakistan used HQ-9 and FM-90.
Legal issues: Both accused each other of attacks on civilian areas and violations of international law. Conclusion The Indo-Pak conflict between 5 and 10 May 2025 turned into a serious military and diplomatic crisis. Operation Sindoor and the drone strikes exposed the sophisticated military capabilities of both countries, but also caused civilian casualties and property damage.
Despite the ceasefire, reports of violations highlighted the fragility of the situation. The international community urged restraint and dialogue, but instability in the border areas continued.