Three Indian combat planes crashed in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, 2025, as per claimed by Paksitan. The air crashes came after India announced “Operation Sindoor,” a counter-strike on nine terror-associated targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-held Kashmir.
Later in the day, Pakistan said it had downed three Indian planes—a claim that India has neither denied nor endorsed. Because of this, tensions between the two nuclear-powered neighbours have spiralled sharply.
India Launches Operation Sindoor: Response to Pahalgam Attack
India had conducted Operation Sindoor in retaliation for a fatal terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, were killed. Indian forces targeted what they had identified as terror bases within Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.
The operation was intended, according to Indian authorities, to neutralize elements that had been perpetrating cross-border terrorism. Crucially, they emphasized that the strikes were only surgical, without targeting any of the military locations within Pakistan.
Pakistan Retaliates With Military Allegations
Shortly after the operation, Pakistan retaliated with a stern reaction. It asserted that its troops had shot down three Indian fighter aircraft and an Indian drone. Moreover, Pakistani authorities reported that an Indian brigade headquarters was hit by a missile strike.
India has not admitted to any such losses, though. Pakistan termed India’s operation as a “blatant act of war” and threatened further retaliation.
Sadly, the exchange of military action has resulted in civilian casualties. Pakistan reported nine civilians killed, including children, by India’s shelling. India reported that Pakistani shelling killed three civilians on its border. Because of the hostilities, authorities shut down schools, canceled flights, and imposed travel bans in a number of affected regions.
Global Leaders Call for De-escalation
In the meantime, global leaders have expressed serious concern. US President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both countries to exercise restraint. Global analysts worry that further escalation may escalate into a broader military conflict.
The downing of three Indian aircraft and Pakistan’s unconfirmed claims of shooting down additional planes are a risky flashpoint. Both nations are now at a critical juncture. While their militaries continue to be on high alert, the world watches anxiously—hoping for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy.
