Pakistan and India trade accusations as tensions escalate. Here's the latest

Tensions between India and Pakistan surged on Wednesday after India launched a military operation in response to a deadly attack in Kashmir. Indian forces killed at least 31 civilians in what they called “Operation Sindoor.”

The operation followed an earlier assault in India-administered Kashmir, where militants killed more than two dozen civilians. India blamed Pakistan-based extremists. Pakistan, however, denied any involvement.

Drone Warfare Intensifies

Pakistan reported that it had shot down 25 Indian loitering munition drones across multiple regions. A military spokesperson described the drone presence as a “serious provocation.” He confirmed that four Pakistani soldiers were wounded and one civilian died due to the attacks.

Indian officials have not yet commented on the loss of drones. Military analysts say India has ramped up drone operations in recent years to monitor the Kashmir border.

“Loitering munitions allow India to track threats in real-time,” said defense analyst Ankit Mehta. “But their use also escalates tensions quickly.”

Fighter Jets Shot Down

Pakistan’s foreign minister confirmed that its military used Chinese-built aircraft to shoot down five Indian fighter jets. He identified the jets as three French-made Rafales, one Russian MiG-29, and one Su-30.

“This was a defensive action,” the foreign minister said in a televised briefing. “India’s airspace violations left us no choice.”

India has not confirmed the loss of its aircraft. However, sources within India’s defense ministry told local media that they were “assessing damage and reviewing engagement outcomes.”

India Targets Pakistani Military Sites

In a rare statement, India’s government confirmed that it had struck Pakistani air defense systems on Thursday morning. The announcement marks the first time India acknowledged targeting military installations inside Pakistan during the recent escalation.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the strikes aimed to “neutralize threats” and “ensure regional stability.” The statement did not specify which locations were targeted.

A former Indian Air Force officer, speaking anonymously, said, “This move signals a shift. India is taking a far more aggressive stance than before.”

Civilian Death Toll Rises

India's defense ministry reported that 16 Indian civilians have died from Pakistani shelling since early Wednesday. The dead include at least three children, according to local officials.

Humanitarian agencies have begun evacuating border villages. Aid workers report hundreds of displaced families seeking shelter in emergency camps.

One volunteer from the Indian Red Cross said, “Many families fled without belongings. They need food, water, and medical help.”

Pakistan has not released a detailed casualty report but said civilian areas were hit by Indian fire.

Leaders Speak Out

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first public statement since the violence erupted. He called for “continued alertness” and urged officials to “communicate clearly and act decisively.”

Modi has faced growing pressure from opposition leaders and international observers to de-escalate the conflict.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has not yet spoken publicly but held an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday afternoon.

Global Reactions

The United Nations and several countries, including the U.S. and China, have urged restraint.

A UN spokesperson said, “We are deeply concerned about civilian casualties. Both sides must return to dialogue.”

Experts warn that continued escalation could destabilize South Asia. The region is home to two nuclear-armed neighbors with a history of armed conflict.

Historian and South Asia expert Dr. Priya Malhotra said, “Each move creates a ripple effect. We’ve seen this cycle before and it rarely ends well.”