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2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes

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2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes
Part of the 2025 India–Pakistan standoff, the Indo-Pakistani conflicts and the Kashmir conflict

Map of the disputed region of Kashmir
Date24 April 2025 – ongoing
(1 week and 4 days)
Location
International Boundary and Line of Control
Status Ongoing
Belligerents
 India  Pakistan
Non-state allies:
Commanders and leaders
Narendra Modi
Amit Shah
Ramdas Athawale		 Khawaja Asif
Alleged non-state allies:
Altaf Lalli †[4]
Units involved

 Indian Armed Forces

Central Armed Police Forces

 Pakistan Armed Forces

Casualties and losses
 Per India:
1 Pakistan Ranger captured[14][15]
Non-state allies:
3 killed[16][17]

Following a terrorist attack on tourists visiting the region of Jammu and Kashmir, armed skirmishes between India and Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control (LoC) beginning on 24 April, raising fears of a potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The standoffs were followed by a diplomatic crisis which emerged between the two countries, as India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack.

On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulted in the death of 26 people, marking the deadliest assault on Indian civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. India accused Pakistan-based militants of carrying out the attack, triggering a rapid decline in bilateral relations. In response India expelled Pakistani diplomats, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty for the first time since its signing in 1960, closed borders, and revoked visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, while denying any involvement, responded by suspending the Simla Agreement of 1972, closing its airspace and trade routes to India, and expelling Indian diplomats. Analysts observed that the suspension of key agreements represented an unprecedented breakdown of the post-1971 framework regulating India–Pakistan relations, against a broader backdrop of growing regional instability.[18][19]

Background

Main articles: 2025 Pahalgam attack and 2025 India-Pakistan diplomatic crisis

On 22 April 2025, armed insurgents carried out an ambush attack in the Baisaran Valley meadow near Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 individuals, predominantly Hindu tourists. According to eyewitness testimonies provided to Indian media outlets, assailants reportedly questioned potential victims about their religious identity before opening fire, specifically targeting non-Muslims.[19]

The attack became among the deadliest attacks against Indian civilians in the region since 2000. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based, UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba,[20] initially claimed responsibility for the attack.[21] Indian authorities alleged this group operated as a proxy for organizations supported by Pakistani military intelligence.[19]

Following the attack, India initiated the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and withdrawal of its own diplomats, suspended the visas of Pakistani nationals, closed borders, and withdrew from the Indus Waters Treaty.[19][22] Pakistan responded by denying the allegations, suspending the Shimla Agreement,[23] closing border crossings and airspace between the nations, and instituting trade restrictions.[22]

Military events

A joint cordon and search operation was initiated by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police. A temporary lockdown was imposed in Pahalgam, and Indian Army helicopters were deployed to track down the militants, who reportedly fled to the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range.[24][25] On 25 April, soldiers demolished the family residences of two individuals suspected of involvement in the Pahalgam attack.[19] An Indian soldier was killed and two other soldiers wounded during a gunfight with insurgents in the Basantgarh region of Udhampur.[26] Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Altaf Lalli was also killed in the gunfight.[27]

Both Pakistani and Indian Air Forces conducted intensive flights near the line of control, with security experts issuing warnings for the possibility of significant military operations.[28] An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier belonging to the 182nd battalion was captured by Pakistan Rangers after he reportedly entered Pakistani territory unintentionally at the Ferozepur border. Meetings were initiated between both nations to negotiate his release.[29][30]

24–25 April

On 24 April, an Indian soldier was killed and two other soldiers wounded during a gunfight with insurgents in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur. In the same encounter Senior LeT Commander Altaf Lalli was killed by Security forces.[31][32]

Also on 24 April, the Chinar Corp reported that it had thwarted an infiltration attempt by insurgents near Uri and killed 2 insurgents. In a post on X, the Corps said, "Heavy exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists, two terrorists have been eliminated, infiltration bid foiled by the security forces in the ongoing Operation. Large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores have been recovered from the terrorists."[33]

Starting on the night of 24–25 April 2025, Indian military officials reported skirmishes and exchanges of gunfire at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border in the disputed territory.[19][34] The clashes continued throughout 25 April, with tensions between the two sides remaining high.[35]

26 April

On the night of 25-26 April, reportedly multiple Pakistani military outposts initiated "unprovoked small arms firing" across various sectors along the LOC. According to Indian Army statements, their forces responded "appropriately with small arms fire".[36]

Concurrently, security personnel destroyed the houses of suspected terrorists in the districts of Pulwama and Kulgam through controlled detonations. Both individuals were allegedly connected to the Pahalgam attack according to Indian authorities.[37]

27 April

Heavy skirmishes took place at Leepa Valley with Pakistan deploying heavy weaponry including the M110 self-propelled artillery system to the area during the night of 26-27 April.[citation needed]

On 27 April, The New York Times reported that India was building a case for a military response against Pakistan among foreign diplomats, rather than seeking de-escalation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed diplomats from over 100 missions in New Delhi, emphasizing Pakistan’s historical ties to militant groups. Indian officials claimed to have preliminary technical intelligence, including facial recognition data, suggesting connections between the perpetrators and Pakistan. International reaction remained muted, with major powers distracted by other global crises, leaving India under little external pressure to moderate its response. Analysts warned that while India might seek a "spectacular" retaliatory strike, the tit-for-tat dynamic between the two nuclear-armed neighbors risked rapid escalation. Despite these concerns, some observers suggested the confrontation would likely remain within the bounds of "managed hostility," similar to previous India–Pakistan crises.[38]

28 April

On 28 April, Pakistani Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif announced that a military incursion by India's military was "imminent".[39] Indian Union minister Ramdas Athawale has said that India should declare war against Pakistan if the country refuses to surrender Pakistani-administered Kashmir.[40]

The Pakistan Army stated it shot down two Indian military quadcopter drones along the LOC in the Satwal sector and in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district.[41][42][43][44]

1 May

On 1 May, Indian Home minister Amit Shah said that the no terrorist involved in attack will be spared by India.[45] On night of 1 May Pakistani forces reportedly violated ceasefire for the eighth consecutive night. The Indian army reportedly responded with small arms fire.[46]

3 May

On 3 May, a soldier from the Pakistan Rangers was captured by BSF after crossing the border to India.[47]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists". BBC News. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  2. ^ "India Accuses Pakistan of Supporting Terrorism. Here's What We Know". The New York Times. 20 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025. Pakistan denies that it provides state support for militancy in Kashmir, though its leaders often express solidarity with Kashmiris who want independence from India. And Pakistan acknowledges that it provided funding and training for militant groups in the 1990s. After last week's attack in Kashmir, Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, asserted that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba were defunct.
  3. ^ "What is The Resistance Front, the militant group linked to Pahalgam attack?". Reuters. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  4. ^ "Top terrorist Altaf Lalli killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora". The Times of India. 26 April 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  5. ^ "India and Pakistan ramp up dispute as tensions mount over Kashmir attack". OPB. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  6. ^ "The Resistance Front: The banned organisation behind Pahalgam terror attack". The Hindu. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  7. ^ "J&K Police record statements to find clues on Pahalgam terror attack". The Hindu. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Pakistan Rangers detain Indian soldier amid rising Kashmir tensions". Caliber.Az. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  9. ^ "BSF soldier arrested by Pakistan Rangers". The News International. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  10. ^ "BSF jawan held in Pakistan after crossing border". Hindustan Times. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  11. ^ "Who was Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh martyred in Udhampur ops?". The Statesman. 24 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Pakistan's Army Shoots Down Indian Spy Drone In Kashmir, State TV says". Bloomberg.
  13. ^ "TRT Global - Pakistan shoots down Indian drone amid escalating tensions". TRT World. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Indian forces capture Pakistani ranger in Rajasthan, days after BSF constable was held across border". Firstpost. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Pakistani Ranger captured by BSF along India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan". Times of India. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Top LeT commander Altaf Lalli killed in Bandipor". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  17. ^ "Day after Pahalgam attack, 2 militants killed during infiltration attempt in Uri". The Indian Express. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  18. ^ Landrin, Sophie (25 April 2025). "India and Pakistan on the brink of a new military confrontation". Le Monde. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  19. ^ a b c d e f Hadid, Diaa (25 April 2025). "After deadly Kashmir attack, India reports exchange of fire with Pakistani soldiers". NPR. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  20. ^ "LASHKAR-E-TAYYIBA". United Nations Security Council. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
  21. ^ "What is The Resistance Front, the terrorist group linked to Pahalgam attack?". Reuters. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  22. ^ a b Masood, Salman (24 April 2025). "Crisis Deepens for India and Pakistan Over Kashmir Attack". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  23. ^ "Simla Agreement: The truce that tried to bind India and Pakistan". The Express Tribune. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  24. ^ Pahalgam Terror Attack: Army, CRPF, J&K Cops Cordon Area, Search Operations On. India Today. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  25. ^ "Pahalgam terror attack LIVE: PM Modi to return to India cutting short Saudi Arabia visit; Navy Officer among 26 killed". The Hindu. 22 April 2025. Archived from the original on 22 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  26. ^ Sandhu, Parwinder (24 April 2025). "Who was Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh martyred in Udhampur ops?". The Statesman. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  27. ^ "Top LeT commander Altaf Lalli killed in Bandipor". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  28. ^ Chougule, Pragati (23 April 2025). "Pakistan Air Force Activity Near LoC Sparks Alarm: Is a Major Conflict Brewing?". The Bridge Chronicle. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  29. ^ "BSF jawan in Pakistan custody after accidental border crossing: Sources". India Today. 24 April 2025.
  30. ^ "Indian BSF soldier arrested on Pakistani soil". GEO TV.
  31. ^ "Who was Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh martyred in Udhampur ops?". The Statesman. 24 April 2025.
  32. ^ "Top LeT commander Altaf Lalli killed in Bandipor". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  33. ^ "Day after Pahalgam attack, 2 militants killed during infiltration attempt in Uri". The Indian Express. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
  34. ^ "Border Tensions Update: Indian Army Responds to Pakistan Firing at LoC". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  35. ^ "India, Pakistan trade gunfire as tensions rise over deadly Kashmir attack". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  36. ^ "Pakistan violates LoC ceasefire in Kashmir, Army retaliates". India Today. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  37. ^ Ashiq, Peerzada (26 April 2025). "Pahalgam terror attack: Houses of six militants razed in Kashmir; hundreds detained". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  38. ^ Mashal, Mujib (27 April 2025). "India Seems to Be Building Its Case for Striking Pakistan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  39. ^ Shahzad, Asif (28 April 2025). "Exclusive: Pakistan defence minister says military incursion by India is imminent". Reuters. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  40. ^ "Union minister's Pok demand amid Pahalgam tensions". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  41. ^ "India-Pakistan tensions continue to simmer across Kashmir border". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  42. ^ "Another Indian quadcopter shot down by Pakistan Army near LOC". The Express Tribune. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  43. ^ "Pakistan shoots down 2nd Indian quadcopter over airspace violation". english.news.cn. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  44. ^ Naqash, Tariq (30 April 2025). "Two Indian drones shot down near LoC". Dawn. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  45. ^ "Amit Shah's stern warning terrorists". Business Standard. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  46. ^ "Pakistan violates ceasefire for eighth night". Times of India. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  47. ^ "Pakistani Ranger captured by BSF along India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan". Times of India. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
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