On May 10, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both India and Pakistan to explore peaceful methods to de-escalate the growing military conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor. Rubio emphasized the need for restraint and open communication to avoid further deterioration. Jaishankar responded that India has maintained a “measured and responsible” approach throughout the crisis. The exchange highlights increasing global concern over the potential for a wider conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: NDTV)

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants and launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab with Rafale jets and BrahMos missiles. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile attacks, sparking the largest aerial battle since World War II, involving over 100 fighter jets. Diplomatic ties and treaties between the two nations have been suspended, prompting global alarm over the potential for further military and nuclear escalation. (PC: News 18)

A missile-like object landed in Srinagar's Dal Lake on Saturday morning, causing loud explosions and smoke plumes. Security forces retrieved debris for forensic analysis. Another suspicious object was found in Lasjan, also under examination. Later, two powerful blasts near Srinagar airport at 11:45 am triggered panic and a power outage across the Kashmir Valley. These incidents followed Indian forces thwarting drone attacks on key installations across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. Security has been heightened, especially around vital sites like the airport, as investigations continue. (PC: CNBC & Frontline)

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) destroyed a terrorist launchpad in Looni, Sialkot district, Pakistan, opposite Jammu’s Akhnoor sector. This action followed unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops along the International Border. The BSF responded by targeting the launchpad, causing significant damage to Pakistani border posts and assets. The BSF released video footage to support its claims. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations experiencing civilian casualties due to recent hostilities. India has conducted precision strikes on identified military targets in response to Pakistani actions, while Pakistan has warned of retaliation if further aggression occurs. International actors, including the U.S., China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have urged restraint. Both countries have expressed willingness to de-escalate if the other reciprocates. (PC: India Today & Hindustan Times)

In a significant escalation, Pakistan launched overnight attacks on four Indian Air Force stations—Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj—causing limited damage. A high-speed missile struck a Punjab airbase around 1:40 am. India responded with precision strikes on six Pakistani airbases: Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunia, targeting solely military infrastructure to minimize collateral damage. Colonel Sophia Qureshi reported that Pakistan attempted to strike 26 strategic sites, including airbases and transport hubs, and used drones, fighter aircraft, and long-range artillery along India's western front. Additionally, attacks on civilian infrastructure were reported near Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur airbases. The Indian government dismissed claims of destruction at Sirsa and Suratgarh airfields. (PC: India Today)

Following India's "Operation Sindoor" targeting terror camps in Pakistan, Islamabad initiated its first official communication seeking de-escalation. The Indian operation was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 27, mostly Hindu tourists. India's strikes focused on Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed infrastructures. Pakistan's retaliatory "Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos" targeted Indian military sites, escalating tensions. Both nations reported casualties and damage, with India intercepting multiple threats. Amid fears of further escalation, both sides expressed willingness to de-escalate if the other reciprocates. International actors, including the U.S. and G7, urged restraint. Diplomatic channels are active, aiming to prevent a broader conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. (PC: NDTV & The Quint)

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports across northern and western India. This suspension of all civil flight operations is effective immediately and will continue until 5:29 AM on May 15, 2025. The affected airports include Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai. Delhi Airport remains operational but has advised passengers to anticipate potential delays due to enhanced security measures and evolving airspace conditions. Travelers are urged to stay informed through official channels and coordinate with their airlines for updates. (PC: Simple Flying & India TV News)

India has indefinitely suspended the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free passage for Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, amid escalating tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the closure on May 7, 2025, citing security concerns. This move follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and closure of border crossings. Pakistan responded by suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement and shutting down airspace and trade routes. The corridor, inaugurated in 2019, had been a symbol of religious harmony, allowing up to 5,000 pilgrims daily. India has repeatedly urged Pakistan to waive the $20 service fee per pilgrim, but no agreement has been reached. (PC: Wikipedia)

India reported that Pakistan moved troops into forward areas and attempted air intrusions at over 26 locations from Srinagar to Nalia, which were neutralized by Indian forces. In response, India executed precision strikes on six Pakistani military targets—Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Juniya—using air-launched weapons, targeting radar sites at two locations. Indian officials stated Pakistan employed drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter aircraft against civilian and military sites along the western border, causing limited damage at Indian Air Force stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj. India emphasized its commitment to non-escalation, contingent upon reciprocal restraint from Pakistan. (PC: Reuters, The Indian Express & Al Jazeera)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in an interview with Al Arabiya, criticized Pakistan as a "bigoted power" attempting to claim Indian territory based on religious grounds. He accused Pakistan of deploying terrorists for 30 years in its pursuit to "bleed India with a thousand cuts" and capture Kashmir, asserting that these efforts have failed and will continue to fail. Tharoor emphasized that India, focused on economic growth and technological advancement, desires peaceful coexistence but will respond decisively if provoked: "We are not interested in going to war, but if Pakistan wants war, they will get it." (PC: PTI)