Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan on Wednesday after India launched missile strikes into Pakistani-controlled territory, killing at least 26 people, including a child.
The strikes, which hit multiple locations in the disputed region of Kashmir, were described by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as an “act of war.”
India said the targets were militant facilities linked to last month’s deadly attack on Indian Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. That attack left 26 dead—some gunned down in front of their families—and has further inflamed hostilities in the already volatile region.
In retaliation, Pakistan claimed it had shot down several Indian fighter jets. According to local media and eyewitnesses, three Indian aircraft crashed in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Indian officials also confirmed that at least seven civilians were killed in the region by Pakistani shelling.
Pakistan’s military reported it had downed two Indian Air Force jets. Debris from one unidentified aircraft was spotted in Wuyan, near Srinagar, in the Indian-administered part of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmir region, divided between the two countries but claimed in its entirety by both, has long been a flashpoint. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the territory since independence.
Prime Minister Sharif condemned the Indian airstrikes and warned of a robust response. “Pakistan has every right to give a robust response to this act of war imposed by India, and a strong response is indeed being given,” he said.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened on Wednesday morning, and Islamabad summoned India’s chargé d’affaires to lodge a formal protest.
The United States expressed concern over the escalating conflict. In a security alert issued Wednesday, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Pakistan acknowledged reports of Indian strikes and said it was closely monitoring the situation.
The alert reiterated a “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, as well as a broader warning to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to the risk of terrorism and armed conflict.
It also noted that Pakistani airspace had been closed and numerous flights had been canceled.
“We advise U.S. citizens to depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place,” the alert said.
Later on Wednesday, signs of limited de-escalation emerged as Pakistan reportedly reopened major airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, which had been shut overnight.
Pakistani authorities had yet to issue an official confirmation, but local media reported that flight operations were gradually resuming.
Dr. Wali Khan, a passenger at Islamabad International Airport, said he felt relief after being informed that his flight would depart as scheduled.
“I was extremely worried about my Wednesday night flight, but now I feel more relaxed,” he said.
In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. According to Reuters, Modi postponed an overseas tour to Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway in light of the developments.
Concern Mounts
Michael Kugelman, a South Asia analyst, described India’s strikes as among the most intense in years. “Pakistan’s response will surely pack a punch as well,” he said.
“These are two strong militaries that, even with nuclear weapons as a deterrent, are not afraid to deploy sizeable levels of conventional military force. The escalation risks are real.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement that a military confrontation between India and Pakistan was something the world could not afford.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced civil defense drills in several states to train civilians and security personnel for potential attacks—an unusual move in peacetime.
Indian political leaders across the spectrum praised the military action. “Victory to Mother India,” wrote Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on social media platform X.
The opposition Congress party echoed the sentiment, calling for national unity and expressing pride in the armed forces. “We applaud their resolute resolve and courage,” said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
