Unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly attacks killed 40 civilians, including seven women and 15 children, and 11 military service members in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistan reported 11 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces embracing martyrdom and 78 wounded while defending the motherland with exemplary valour. However, India claimed 15 civilians and five soldiers died in the clash. Despite mutual claims of initial violations, the ceasefire still appeared to be holding on Tuesday.
US President Trump said Monday that US intervention had prevented a “bad nuclear war”. “We stopped a nuclear conflict… millions of people could have been killed. So I’m very proud of that,” he told reporters at the White House. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised address to the nation on Monday that Pakistan has chosen to attack rather than help it fight “terrorism”. “If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given,” he warned.
Modi met with service members involved in the conflict and expressed gratitude to the armed forces. “It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation,” he said in a post on X. The conflict escalation was the worst since the rivals’ last open conflict in 1999 and sparked global concerns that it could spiral into full-blown war.
Pakistan’s military statement listed the highest ranked service member to be killed in the latest conflict as an airforce squadron leader. The military claimed to have downed five Indian jets but did not admit losing any aircraft. India also did not disclose any aircraft losses. The conflict is linked to the longstanding dispute over Kashmir, which has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan since their independence from Britain in 1947.
Militants have stepped up operations in Kashmir since 2019, when Modi’s Hindu nationalist government revoked the region’s limited autonomy and took it under direct rule from New Delhi. Both countries claim Kashmir in full and have fought several wars over the territory. The situation remains volatile, with both sides maintaining a heavy military presence along the Line of Control.