INDIA-PAKISTAN TENSION - 09.05.2025 | SITUATION UPDATE

1. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22.04.2025, India launched Operation Sindoor on 07.05.2025, targeting several locations, allegedly claiming terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. Countries including the U.S., France, the U.K., and Israel have backed India's right to self-defence. Besides, a number of Pakistani-origin drone attacks or attempts to attack targeting Indian Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were widely reported, while India has claimed that a number of drones had been shot down. The tension remains high with both sides keeping their military on high alert.

2. KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

• Both sides have initiated a partially conventional warfare and both parties have repeatedly accused each other of launching attacks since 07.05.2025.
• The    Indian Defence Minister, reviewing the situation at South Block with top Military officials, discussed most probably the future operational plan.
• The Indian Government empowers the Chief of the Army Staff to exercise the powers, call out every officer and every enrolled person of the Territorial Army to provide for essential guard.
• The Indian Army claimed that it had killed at least 7 terrorists and caused extensive damage to the Pakistan Post Dhandhar (Jammu and Kashmir / J&K).
• Casualties - 
  India - Deaths: 16 / injured: 43,
  Pakistan - Deaths: 31 / Injured: 57.

3. GOVERNMENTS’ RESPONSE

3.1.  INDIA

a.  All media channels, digital platforms, and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces, according to the Indian Defence Ministry on 09.05.2025. (https://ddnews.gov.in/en/defence-ministry-advisory-refrain-from-live-coverage-of-operations-security-forces-movement/) 

c.  Speaking at the 66th Raising Day event of Border Roads Organisation (BRO),  Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has commended the precision with which the Armed Forces executed the operation without harming any innocent person and minimum collateral damage, terming it as unimaginable and a matter of great pride for the country, according to the Indian State Media on 08.05.2025. (https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1920583865674158175) 

- Underscored that under the leadership of PM Narendramodi, Indian forces executed Operation Sindoor with its 'right to respond'. 

d.  India has negated Pakistan's escalation bid with a focused, measured and non-escalatory response. Indian armed forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military, according to the Indian State Media.

3.2.  PAKISTAN

a.  Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has rejected Indian claims about shooting down Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, as reported by the Pakistani State Media on 08.05.2025.

4.  MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS

a.  During a special briefing on Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (India) informed that the drones and missiles used by Pakistan to engage a number of military targets in Northern & Western India were neutralized by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.

b.  On 08.05.2025, around 2300 hours, Indian forces have foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in the Samba district of J&K, according to the Indian State Media.

c. Pakistan Air Defence has successfully shot down another Harop drone in Bahawalnagar, according to the Pakistani Information Minister. According to the Pakistani officials, so far, 30 Indian drones have been neutralized by Pakistan. (https://www.radio.gov.pk/09-05-2025/pakistans-air-defence-shoots-down-another-indian-harop-drone-info-minister) 

5.  MILITANTS’ ACTIVITY

In the Samba Sector (India) of Jammu Frontier Border Security Force (BSF), in the intervening night of 08 & 09 May 2025, an infiltration attempt by a big group of terrorists was made, which was detected by the surveillance grid. Fire from the Pakistani Rangers post Dhandhar supported this infiltration bid. Alert troops of BSF, neutralised the infiltration bid, killing at least 7 terrorists and causing extensive damage to the Pak Post Dhandhar. (https://www.newsonair.gov.in/pak-launches-8-missiles-in-jammu-all-intercepted-by-air-defence-units/) 

6.  IMPACT ON THE TRADE AND TRAVEL

a.  As tensions flare up between India and Pakistan, at least 11 per cent of the daily domestic air traffic has been affected following the shutdown of 24 airports in the country, data showed on 09.05.2025. (https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-pak-conflict-affects-11-pc-of-daily-domestic-air-traffic-industry-data/).  According to industry data, average daily domestic flights dropped from 3,265 in April to 2,907 (as of May 8).

- Nearly 670 airline routes will be affected over May 9-10. This includes 334 incoming and 336 outgoing flights across the 24 airports that have been shut, according to FlightRadar24 data.

b.  Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) said that there are ample fuel stocks across the country, and its supply lines are operating smoothly. IOCL urges citizens to avoid panic buying. Fuel and LPG are readily available at all its outlets, according to an Indian State Media on 09.05.2025.

b.  India & Pakistan issue multiple Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)  for simultaneous Naval Firing drills across Arabian Sea zones (reputedly India: 08–13 May 2025,  Pakistan: 09–12 May 2025), thus will likely disrupt international trade and travel.*

c.  In the wake of the prevailing situation, Indian Railways has planned to run special trains from Jammu and Udhampur. 20 coach Vande Bharat will run at 12.45 PM from Udhampur via Jammu and Pathankot. Another fully reserved special train has been planned from Jammu at 7 PM.

d.  "New Delhi airport operations remain normal. Some flights are impacted due to changing airspace conditions and heightened security", Delhi Airport issues travel advisory on 08.05.2025.

 

7.  INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

a.  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has expressed concern over current developments and called on India and Pakistan to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, observe international law, including the UN Charter, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.

b.  Nepal's National Security Council reviews India-Pakistan latest developments Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Member-Secretary of the Council, Rameshwor Dangal, said that a meeting of the Council held on 07.05.2025 discussed the situation arising out of the development and adopted an appropriate strategy to deal with the situation in the coming days, Indian State media reported.

c. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release, urging India and Pakistan to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions, reflecting Brazil's diplomatic effort to prevent a broader conflict in South Asia following recent military actions.

d.  Norway's Foreign Minister, Mr. Espen Barth Eide, urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following recent drone attacks and military confrontations, referencing a terrorist attack in Pulwama on 22.04.2025.

e. US Vice-President J.D. Vance has said on 08.05.2025 that the conflict between India and Pakistan is *“fundamentally none of our business,” although he and President Donald Trump are encouraging both countries to de-escalate tensions. (https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-pakistan-conflict-is-none-of-our-business-says-us-vice-president-vance/) 

8.  Comment. The tense situation between the nuclear neighbors has continued to escalate. Although both countries have engaged in conventional war, both parties continued airstrikes and missile attacks, raising for possibility of a limited military operation in the border region.  The tension has severely impacted the trade and travel of the South Asian region, notably Several Asian airlines, including Sri Lanka, have announced they were re-routing or cancelling flights to and from India and Pakistan. Thus, the situation could impact Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and trade relations with Pakistan.