Tensions Soar as India and Pakistan Trade Accusations Over Drone and Missile Attacks

In one of the most serious military confrontations between India and Pakistan in over two decades, the two nuclear-armed neighbors are once again locked in a dangerous escalation marked by cross-border strikes, drone attacks, and shelling.

India has accused Pakistan of attempting to target three of its military bases using drones and missiles — in Jammu and Udhampur (in Indian-administered Kashmir) and in Pathankot, Punjab. According to the Indian Army, these attempts were successfully foiled. The Indian government has described this as a significant security threat and responded with retaliatory military actions, intensifying fears of a full-scale conflict.

On Thursday evening, blasts were reported across Jammu city, leading to a total blackout in the region. Explosions were also reportedly heard in nearby towns such as Akhnoor, Samba, and Kathua. Meanwhile, India's Defence Ministry claimed to have neutralized Pakistan's air defense systems and countered multiple threats aimed at military installations across northern and western India.

In response, Pakistan denied launching any attacks. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated in an interview with the BBC, “We deny it. We have not mounted anything so far... We will not strike and then deny.” Islamabad labeled India’s retaliatory actions — including airstrikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir — as “acts of aggression.”

Adding to the volatility, Pakistan’s military spokesman, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, alleged that Indian drones targeted several Pakistani cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. He reported the deaths of one civilian in Sindh and injuries to four Pakistani troops in Lahore. In Lahore, the U.S. consulate ordered its staff to shelter in place due to rising tensions.

India's Ministry of Defence, however, claimed it was acting in self-defense after intercepting attempted Pakistani strikes. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters that India had “no intention of escalation” but was forced to respond to Pakistan’s aggression.

This recent series of escalations was initially triggered by a brutal militant attack in the tourist town of Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives — most of them Indian tourists. While India has blamed the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba for orchestrating the attack, Pakistan has denied any involvement, insisting that it had no links to the assailants, two of whom Indian police claim were Pakistani nationals.

Since Wednesday morning, Pakistan reports 31 deaths and 57 injuries due to Indian air strikes in its territory and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India reports 16 deaths from Pakistani shelling, including women and children in Kashmir.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities. The United Nations, along with several global leaders, has urged both nations to exercise restraint and de-escalate the conflict.

As evacuations continue in border areas and both sides trade accusations, the region remains on edge. The events mark a dangerous turning point, underscoring how swiftly long-standing tensions over Kashmir can spiral into large-scale conflict with global implications.