India abstains from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) vote on Pakistan’s loan program, citing Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. This decision follows a series of cross-border attacks and growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
India Links IMF Vote to Pahalgam Terror Attack
India justifies its abstention by highlighting the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali citizen lose their lives. Suspected Pakistan-backed militants carry out the attack, targeting a group of Indian tourists. Indian officials say Pakistan-based groups plan and direct the assault from terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
India states that approving financial assistance for Pakistan while it harbours terror groups contradicts global commitments to counter terrorism. New Delhi argues that the funding may end up indirectly sustaining hostile operations against Indian citizens.
India Launches Operation Sindoor Against Terror Camps
In direct response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launch Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist sites across the border. Officials confirm that India strikes these sites in Pakistan and PoJK using precision operations. Indian forces avoid Pakistani military installations to ensure the action remains measured and non-escalatory.
“Our actions reflect our resolve to hold those behind the Pahalgam massacre accountable,” a senior defence official states. India aims to destroy the command and control centres responsible for directing cross-border terror strikes.
Security sources confirm that within the first 24 hours of Operation Sindoor, Indian forces neutralise at least three militants and dismantle multiple hideouts in the Pahalgam–Anantnag region.
Drone Attacks and Shelling Worsen Tensions
As India intensifies counter-terror operations, Pakistan escalates provocations. On May 8 and 9, Pakistan launches drone and missile strikes into Indian territory. Indian Air Defence intercepts several drones near Jammu and Rajasthan, but the attacks cause explosions and blackouts in multiple locations. Residents in Jammu hear air raid sirens and see power outages late into the night.
Both nations exchange fire along the Line of Control (LoC), further inflaming tensions. Pakistan criticises India’s IMF abstention as politically driven, but Indian diplomats insist that terrorism and economic support cannot go hand-in-hand.
India holds its ground, stating that it cannot support Pakistan financially while it refuses to dismantle terror infrastructure targeting Indian civilians.
