• India launched missile strikes on Pakistan following a deadly attack on Indian tourists.
• Reports indicate casualties on both sides, with Pakistan claiming significant deaths.
• International leaders call for restraint amid fears of broader conflict.

India has initiated a major military escalation by conducting missile strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in response to an April 22 attack that killed 26 Indian tourists. Dubbed "Operation Sindoor," these strikes occurred at nine sites, which India characterized as "precision strikes at terrorist camps" connected to Pakistan-based militants, claims that Islamabad has denied. The Indian army announced that "justice is served," indicating that these actions were aimed at deterring future attacks, according to thejakartapost, trtglobal, and scmp.

In the wake of the strikes, reports from Pakistan indicate extensive civilian casualties, with officials claiming at least 26 civilians were killed and numerous others injured due to the conflict. Meanwhile, India reported that three of its civilians also lost their lives due to retaliatory artillery fire from Pakistan. Pakistan's military spokesperson stated that five Indian aircraft were shot down, although India has only confirmed that three of its fighter jets crashed, highlighting the intense military exchanges occurring along the Line of Control (LoC), according to thejakartapost and trtglobal.

In a statement, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian strikes as a "cowardly attack" and assured that this "heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished." The geopolitics surrounding the conflict has drawn global attention, with calls for restraint coming from major powers, including the UN and diplomatic relations from China expressing concern over the skyrocketing tensions in the region. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that "the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," calls echoed by US President Donald Trump urging for a quick resolution, according to trtglobal and scmp.

Analysts suggest that the recent strikes may serve to bolster Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's domestic standing amidst rising nationalist sentiments following the tragedy in Kashmir. Observers note that the timing coincides with crucial political dynamics in India, as Modi's government seeks to assert its commitment to national security against the backdrop of an upcoming high-level visit by US Vice-President J.D. Vance. Retaliation strategies are being closely monitored, with implications that any heavy-handed retaliation by Pakistan could spiral into a more significant military engagement, according to thejakartapost, trtglobal, and scmp.