India and Pakistan are experiencing a significant military escalation as of early May 2025, but there is not a full-scale declared war between the two countries. Instead, the situation is marked by targeted military strikes, heightened tensions, and reciprocal threats, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region.

Key Developments:

• Indian Military Operation: On May 6, 2025, India announced it had launched a military operation against Pakistan, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in both Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India stated that these strikes were a response to a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed at least 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.
• Missile Strikes and Explosions: Multiple missile strikes were reported, with explosions heard in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India claimed to have struck nine sites, while Pakistan reported that five locations were hit, including areas in both Kashmir and Punjab province.
• Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan has confirmed the strikes and called them a “heinous provocation,” vowing to retaliate “at a time and place of its own choosing.” Pakistani officials have stated that civilians were among the casualties and have denied involvement in the Kashmir tourist attack.
• Diplomatic Fallout: Both countries have downgraded diplomatic relations, closed border crossings, suspended treaties (including the Indus Waters Treaty), and restricted airspace to each other’s airlines.
• Military Readiness: There have been daily exchanges of fire across the Line of Control (LOC), and both sides have demonstrated military preparedness. However, so far, the strikes have been described by India as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” with no direct attacks on Pakistani military installations.

Is This a War?

• No Formal Declaration: There is no official declaration of war between India and Pakistan as of May 7, 2025.
• Major Escalation: The current military operations and retaliatory threats represent the most serious confrontation since the 2019 border skirmishes, but both sides have so far limited their actions to avoid a broader conflict.
• International Concern: Global powers, including the United States and China, have called for restraint, fearing that the situation could escalate into a larger war, especially given both nations’ nuclear capabilities.

Current India-Pakistan Military Situation

Aspect Status (May 2025) Declaration of War No formal declaration of war Military Actions Indian missile strikes on “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Kashmir Civilian Impact Pakistan reports civilian casualties Diplomatic Relations Downgraded; border crossings and treaties suspended LOC Activity Daily exchanges of fire, increased military readiness International Response Calls for restraint and de-escalation

Conclusion

India and Pakistan are not in a formally declared war, but are engaged in a dangerous and escalating military confrontation, primarily triggered by a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides threatening further action and the risk of broader conflict persisting.