On 6th May 2025, the Government of India initiated "Operation Sindoor," a series of air strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. The strikes were retaliatory to the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, in which 26 persons, mostly Hindu tourists, were shot dead. India claims that the targets were militant training establishments, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, in cities like Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad.

Pakistan condemned the strikes as an "act of war," reporting at least 26 civilian casualties-including women and children-along with damage to mosques and residential houses. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged strong retaliation. Pakistan alleged that it had shot down five Indian jets, but India has not confirmed this. 

The international community, including the U.S. and the United Nations, has urged restraint, asking both nuclear powers to avoid further escalation. Tension still prevails in the area amid fears of further military operations.

While India officially portrays Operation Sindoor as an appropriate action taken against terrorism, some analysts claim that it also serves a political purpose just before elections are scheduled. The Sindoor name of the operation might be politically charged, as sindoor symbolizes marriage and deep commitment in Hindu culture.

The world keenly observes both countries as they manage this sensitive scenario, wanting them to pull away from active conflict and reinstate diplomatic discussions.