A Rising Conflict Between India and Pakistan

Ava Cai

May 9, 2025

There is a growing tension between India and Pakistan, two long-standing adversaries who have a history of war, border violence, and political hatred. What started as an act of terrorism in the disputed area of Kashmir quickly developed past this point into possibly the most dangerous military standoff in decades between two nuclear-armed adversaries. Against the backdrop of an increasing number of casualties, missile test firings, and the outcry of much of the international community, the crisis escalated to the point where South Asia appeared to be on the verge of a more extensive conflict. The growing acrimony between India and Pakistan as a result of recent events demonstrates how quickly separate issues of terrorism, border disputes, and water disputes can spiral out of control while undermining regional and global stability.

India quickly pointed fingers at Pakistan-based militant groups after 38 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir. India promptly dismissed Pakistan's vigorous denial of involvement in the attacks and was quick to mobilize “Operation Sindoor” in retaliation. The killing of the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief, Abdul Rauf Azhar—a high-profile individual with a prior history of terrorist attacks—is one among several air and missile attacks targeting Pakistan.

In response, Pakistan launched its own military sorties under “Operation Bunyan al-Marsus” against Indian defense mechanisms and allegedly shot down Indian drones. So far, the conflict has involved air bombing, drone strikes, and shelling across the military Line of Control. Noncombatant areas have also been attacked, with over 50 civilian deaths reported so far. Border regions in both countries are on high alert, with schools and airports shutting down for safety reasons. 

Meanwhile, the diplomatic context remains contentious; while a request for restraint and urgent direct dialogue had been made by the U.S. and G7 counterparts, neither India nor Pakistan has rushed to comply. In a fresh twist on the crisis, the Prime Minister of India, Modi, announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (a four-decade-old agreement regulating river waters between India and Pakistan), creating significant water scarcity issues for Pakistan, which is reliant on the Indus River for irrigation and power.

On the media stage, India has also launched a digital assault, suspending thousands of accounts on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), including those of Pakistani politicians and news outlets. This effort to censor falsehoods is meant to discourage the spread of misinformation, but it has also checked transparency and raised international concern about the freedom of expression. Unless both countries choose diplomacy over aggression, the war could easily escalate to another destructive level.