What Led to the Recent Crisis Between India and Pakistan?
On May 7, 2025, India launched missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. India stated that the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure, while Pakistan rejected India’s claims. The strikes took place after two weeks of flare-ups between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a town in India-administered Kashmir. Both countries adopted diplomatic and military measures in response to the situation, drawing international attention. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, after three days of military operations and as the countries stood on the precipice of war.
The crisis between the two nuclear-armed countries indicates how rapidly tensions can escalate to dangerous levels. The intensity of the conflict exceeded that of past episodes, with several rounds of retaliation that undermined strategic stability in South Asia. This is also the first time India and Pakistan have engaged in drone warfare in their rivalry, indicating a new era of technological conflict in the region. The conflict underscores the need for heightened international attention to South Asia more broadly—not only during a crisis, as tensions over the Line of Control (LOC) occur even during relative peacetime. While the ceasefire continues to hold, the region should not reactively develop off-ramps only when tensions reach critical levels. The upcoming dialogues between India and Pakistan, as part of the ceasefire agreement, provide an opportunity for both countries to explore off-ramps and engage in confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Q1: What happened in Pahalgam?
A1: The terrorist attack took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, a town located in India-administered Kashmir, and killed 25 Indian citizens. The attack occurred along the LoC, which is a demilitarized zone between India and Pakistan. The incident triggered a series of military and diplomatic responses from both nations, escalating tensions in the region.
Q2: What were the key developments in the conflict?
A2: Following the attack, India launched a series of missile strikes targeting areas in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These strikes were met with significant resistance from Pakistani forces, leading to a rapid escalation of the conflict. The use of drones in this phase marked a significant shift in the nature of the conflict, as both sides sought to assert dominance in the region.
Q3: How did the ceasefire come about?
A3: After three days of intense military operations, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10. This agreement was reached after extensive diplomatic negotiations, with both sides agreeing to de-escalate tensions and focus on dialogue. The ceasefire was a critical turning point, allowing both nations to temporarily set aside their military posturing and focus on diplomatic solutions.
Q4: What role did international actors play?
A4: International actors, including the United States and Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, played a significant role in mediating the crisis. The U.S. facilitated communication between India and Pakistan, while Gulf states sent diplomats to de-escalate tensions. These efforts highlighted the importance of third-party involvement in resolving regional conflicts.
Q5: What are the implications for future relations?
A5: The crisis has underscored the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan. The ceasefire agreement provides an opportunity for both nations to address underlying tensions and develop long-term strategies to prevent future conflicts. The role of international actors in mediating the crisis highlights the importance of multilateral approaches in resolving regional disputes.