One year after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, relations between India and Pakistan remain tense and unpredictable.
The brief but intense four-day conflict from May 7 to 10, 2025 pushed the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war.
The fighting eventually ended in a ceasefire, reportedly after diplomatic intervention by the United States. However, the episode left deep scars and lasting bitterness on both sides.
Since then, diplomatic ties have been severely downgraded. Even cricket, once considered the last thread of bilateral engagement, has been suspended amid the prevailing political hostility that began after the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam.
Both countries have entered a fresh phase of military build-up and aggressive posturing. India has conducted a series of air, land and sea exercises over the past year to convey that it is fully prepared for any future confrontation.
Pakistan has responded with its own military drills, particularly near Sialkot, Sir Creek and Karachi, signalling its own offensive readiness.
China’s deepening role
Pakistan has leaned heavily on its all-weather ally China to modernise its military. Islamabad is expected to receive advanced HQ-19 air defence systems and J-35 stealth fighter jets in the near future.
There are also reports of increased military coordination between Chinese and Pakistani forces in areas overlooking eastern Ladakh, raising concerns in New Delhi about a potential two-front challenge.
Pakistan’s expanding alliances beyond China
Pakistan has strengthened ties with the United States. The Trump administration has approved a substantial upgrade package worth nearly $686 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
Also read: PM Modi hails Armed Forces on Op Sindoor anniversary; changes DP
Financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, along with military cooperation with Türkiye and diplomatic backing from Azerbaijan, has helped improve Pakistan’s standing in recent months.
Situation in Jammu and Kashmir
On the security front, India’s firm stance after Operation Sindoor has resulted in a noticeable decline in terrorism-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Kashmir Valley.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top military commanders have repeatedly warned Pakistan that any terror attack of the scale of Pahalgam would be met with a strong response. So far, the Line of Control and International Border have remained relatively calm.
India’s defence partnerships
Russia continues to be a key defence partner for India, supplying a wide range of platforms and technologies since the 1970s.
Discussions for the acquisition and joint development of the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter are progressing. India has also increased defence procurement from Israel, including attack drones that were used during Operation Sindoor, and procured Apache attack helicopters from the United States while pushing hard for greater indigenisation of its defence industry.
The human cost
The four-day conflict last year took a heavy toll on civilians on both sides of the border. Homes, schools, livestock and infrastructure worth hundreds of crores were destroyed. In Poonch alone, 12 civilians were killed and dozens injured due to Pakistani shelling. Similar losses were reported on the other side as well.
While military narratives often dominate discussions, it is ordinary citizens who continue to bear the real burden of this prolonged hostility. Many families in border areas are still struggling to rebuild their lives and homes one year later.
The way forward
As both nations continue to rapidly expand their military capabilities, it is crucial to remember that there are no winners in war. The catastrophic examples of World War I, World War II, and more recent conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and West Asia should serve as sobering reminders.
The leadership in New Delhi and Islamabad must find ways to manage differences through dialogue rather than confrontation. Sustained peace along the borders and meaningful diplomatic engagement remain the only sustainable path forward for the people of both countries.
By Waseem Ahmad Ganie
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