The Indian precision airstrikes on Pakistani military targets early Saturday were launched just hours after U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance alerted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the night of May 9, warning of highly sensitive intelligence that indicated a significant risk of escalation if hostilities continued into the weekend.
The sudden burst of military action came in response to a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly Hindu pilgrims. India held Pakistan-based terrorist groups responsible and initiated a retaliatory operation, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," on May 7.
During the operation, Indian Rafale jets conducted coordinated strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These locations were believed to be hosting senior operatives of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Using advanced weaponry, including SCALP missiles and Hammer bombs, the Indian Air Force reportedly eliminated over 100 militants without crossing into Pakistani airspace.
Pakistan retaliated with drone deployments and missile strikes targeting several Indian cities, including Amritsar. Indian air defense systems, particularly the S-400, successfully intercepted many of the incoming threats. Aerial combat also erupted along the border, with Pakistan claiming to have downed Indian fighter jets—a claim rejected by New Delhi.
The rapidly intensifying conflict prompted urgent diplomatic engagement from Washington. Vice President Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to both New Delhi and Islamabad to contain the situation. By May 10, their efforts led to a ceasefire agreement, praised by President Donald Trump as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Trump also offered enhanced trade deals to both countries, which Pakistan welcomed.
However, the ceasefire was short-lived. Violations were reported from both sides soon after it took effect, with each accusing the other of provocation. India dismissed any prospects of renewed talks, underscoring the deep mistrust that persists between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The brief but intense conflict has taken a toll on civilians in border areas, leading to casualties, displacement, and widespread fear. The United Nations and several international actors have called for restraint and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions, particularly concerning the unresolved Kashmir issue.
As the dust settles, the episode has once again revealed the volatility of India-Pakistan relations. While U.S. diplomacy averted a larger catastrophe, long-term peace in the region remains uncertain without consistent dialogue and structural conflict resolution efforts.