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The military conflict between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically on May 9-10, 2025, following India's initial Operation Sindoor strikes on May 7. This report synthesizes verified developments from both days, focusing on military engagements, civilian impacts, and diplomatic actions.
May 9, 2025: Escalation and Counter-Operations
Pakistan's Coordinated Offensive
Pakistan launched a large-scale attack involving 300-400 drones and missiles targeting 36 locations across India’s western border, including military installations in Leh, Sir Creek, Jammu, and Rajasthan278.
Key targets included airfields in Srinagar, Avantipur, and Udhampur, as well as civilian infrastructure such as a medicare center and school premises811.
Air raid sirens were activated in Punjab’s Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Amritsar, with a red alert declared in Amritsar after a drone strike injured three civilians17.
India's Defensive and Retaliatory Measures
India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and S-400 systems neutralized most incoming threats, marking the S-400’s first combat use68.
The Border Security Force (BSF) destroyed a terrorist launch pad in Pakistan’s Sialkot district (opposite Akhnoor) and repelled cross-border firing in the Jammu sector18.
India conducted precision strikes on four Pakistani airbases and nine terror camps in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Kotli, eliminating over 100 terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Asghar156.
Civilian Impact
Pakistani artillery shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, Baramulla, and Rajouri sectors killed 16 civilians, including women and children68.
A residential area in Ferozepur was hit by a Pakistani drone, damaging homes and injuring civilians1.
May 10, 2025: Intensified Strikes and Diplomatic Moves
Expansion of Indian Operations
India launched “mega retaliation” strikes targeting Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase (Rawalpindi), Murid, and Rafiqui Airbases, as well as defense installations in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan3911.
The Indian Army confirmed the use of Rafale jets and Harop drones to destroy command centers, radar sites, and weapon storage facilities610.
Pakistan’s Claims and Counterclaims
Pakistan asserted that Indian missiles struck three airbases but provided no evidence. It also alleged some missiles strayed into Afghanistan11.
Pakistani cross-border firing resumed in Jammu, prompting a strong BSF response that damaged Pakistani posts8.
Humanitarian Toll
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met the family of Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, a civilian official killed in Rajouri shelling8.
Blackouts were enforced in Indian border cities after drone sightings, exacerbating civilian distress27.
Diplomatic and Leadership Actions
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evolving crisis8.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned Pakistan’s targeting of civilian sites and reaffirmed India’s focus on military targets811.
BBC Coverage
Indian Claims and Pakistani Denials: BBC reports that India has accused Pakistan of launching drone and missile attacks on three Indian military bases, specifically in Jammu, Udhampur (Indian-administered Kashmir), and Pathankot (Punjab). Pakistan has denied these claims, with its Defence Minister stating, "We have not done anything so," and insisting, "We will not strike and then deny"7.
Indian Strikes and Escalation: BBC confirms India’s announcement that it struck Pakistan’s air defense systems in response to attempted Pakistani attacks on Indian military positions. Pakistan labeled these actions as further "acts of aggression" following Indian missile strikes earlier in the week7.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact: BBC notes that Pakistan claims 31 deaths and 57 injuries from Indian air strikes and cross-border firing since Wednesday, while India reports 16 deaths, including women and children, from Pakistani fire in Kashmir7.
International Reaction: The BBC highlights global calls for restraint, with the United Nations and world leaders urging both sides to de-escalate. The situation is described as the most severe confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations in over two decades7.
Context: The BBC provides background on the longstanding Kashmir conflict, noting the recent Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, which India blames on Pakistan-based militants-a charge Islamabad denies7.
CNN Coverage
Operation Sindoor and Initial Strikes: CNN details that India launched "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting nine locations in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian officials described the operation as focused on "terrorist infrastructure" and claimed no civilian or economic targets were hit468.
Escalation and Claims of Downed Aircraft: CNN reports that Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian Air Force jets, though India has not confirmed this. Both sides accuse each other of aggression, and the situation is described as highly precarious, with Pakistan vowing retaliation and the global community urging restraint469.
Subsequent Attacks and Retaliation: CNN live updates note that Pakistan says India fired missiles at key military bases near Islamabad, with Pakistan promising ongoing retaliation. India, meanwhile, claims to have neutralized Pakistani air defense systems and thwarted attacks on its own military installations8.
Civilian Impact and International Concerns: CNN highlights the humanitarian toll, with both sides reporting civilian casualties and widespread anxiety among millions living near the border. Airports have been closed, and commercial airlines are avoiding Pakistani airspace9.
Analysis and Expert Opinion: CNN features expert analysis suggesting that further escalation is likely unless diplomatic efforts succeed. Both sides are portrayed as seeking to "re-establish deterrence," with the risk of a larger conflict if retaliatory cycles continue45.
Military Engagements Summary
Sources:
Current Status as of May 10, 11:25 AM IST
Ongoing Exchanges: Artillery duels and drone incursions continue along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border8.
Civilian Measures: Emergency protocols remain active in border regions, with heightened security and blackouts27.
Diplomatic Stance: India maintains its operations are “measured and non-escalatory,” while Pakistan denies targeting civilians611.
The conflict, termed the “first drone war” between nuclear-armed neighbors, risks further escalation as both nations mobilize resources. International observers urge de-escalation amid rising civilian casualties and infrastructure damage67.
For more information please contact: Lynn Frederick Dsouza, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: National Aviation Council, Email: lynn.dsouza@espiridi.com or visit wicci.in
