The strikes into mainland Pakistan (Punjab) are first of its kind and they mark a significant escalation compared to previous operations confined to Pakistan-administered Kashmir. International actors, including the U.S. and U.N., have expressed concern, with calls for de-escalation to prevent a broader conflict.
The India-Pakistan conflict following India’s midnight strikes on terrorist hideouts, referred to as Operation Sindoor can be classified as a low-intensity, asymmetric conflict with potential for escalation. It is rooted deep in the in longstanding geopolitical tensions over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
Only non-state actors targeted
The conflict involves India targeting non-state actors (terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba) based in Pakistan, which India accuses Pakistan of supporting. Pakistan denies direct involvement, framing India’s actions as aggression against its sovereignty. This asymmetry pits a state (India) against non-state actors, with Pakistan’s alleged complicity complicating the dynamics.
While the strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure,” they occurred across the Line of Control (LoC) and into Pakistani territory (e.g., Punjab, Bahawalpur, Muridke), marking a significant escalation beyond the contested Kashmir region.
