Kashmir in the Crosshairs: India’s Strikes Risk South Asian Stability

India’s latest airstrikes across the Line of Control have escalated hostilities in South Asia, threatening regional peace and putting the spotlight once again on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In a provocative military move, India launched airstrikes targeting various sites across Pakistan in the early hours of Wednesday under what it labeled “Operation Sindoor.” The aggressive maneuver, which took place shortly after 1 AM, has once again raised alarms about South Asia’s fragile peace.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the strikes were carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) while remaining within Indian airspace. Around 4 AM, Pakistan’s military issued a statement detailing the aftermath of the assault, which tragically resulted in the casualities of 26 civilians and over 50 injured.

The strikes targeted areas in Punjab’s Sialkot and Bahawalpur, as well as parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), significantly escalating tensions near the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan responded with force. In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) engaged Indian aircraft, successfully shooting down 5 jets. These included three French-made Rafales, one Russian-built Su30MKI, and one MIG-29 Fulcrum. A drone and a brigade headquarters used by Indian forces were also destroyed in the counter-operations.

According to ISPR Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, all PAF aircraft returned safely after engaging the enemy. The Pakistan military also struck an Indian post in the Dhundial sector of the LoC. The situation remains volatile with ongoing cross-border artillery and gunfire exchanges.

Security experts have blamed India’s leadership for the renewed hostilities. Analysts argue that India has continuously undermined peace in South Asia, particularly since 1947. However, tensions have intensified significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with a clear increase in militaristic behavior.

Pakistan has repeatedly alerted the international community about India’s destabilizing actions in the region. Officials are calling on global powers to recognize and curb India’s aggressive and hegemonic strategies to ensure lasting peace, especially in conflict-sensitive areas like IIOJK.

The recent developments reflect a critical moment for the region, where diplomatic solutions seem to be slipping in favor of militarized confrontations. The world must now decide whether to allow India’s unchecked aggression to dictate the future of South Asia.