India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Conflict Summary and Strategic Assessment

Reading Time: 4 minutes Introduction: Why the Conflict Escalated The May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan stemmed from deepening mistrust and persistent hostilities over Kashmir. Tensions peaked after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, killing 26 civilians, including foreign tourists. India directly blamed Pakistan-based militant groups and vowed retaliation. This triggered a rapid military and strategic escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with global powers urgently calling for restraint. “The Kashmir dispute remains a trigger point. What we witnessed in May 2025 was a scenario long warned about by strategic experts” (Rashid, 2025). During the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, both nations launched named military operations in response to escalating tensions following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Below is a detailed overview of these operations: India: Operation Sindoor Date Initiated: 7 May 2025 Objective: In retaliation for the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in