India, Pakistan Trade Blame Over Drone and Missile Strikes

Residents look on as police inspect the site of a suspected downed drone in Karachi on May 8, 2025. Pakistan’s army claimed to have shot down 25 Indian drones following the deadliest escalation with India in two decades.

India and Pakistan exchanged sharp accusations on Thursday over a wave of drone and missile attacks, intensifying already fraught tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and drawing urgent calls for de-escalation from the international community.

Pakistan's military claimed it had shot down 25 Indian drones across multiple locations, while India alleged that Pakistan had carried out overnight strikes using drones and missiles, and said it had successfully neutralised an air defence system in Lahore.

The escalation follows a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Islamabad has denied any involvement and called for an independent investigation.

The latest clashes have led to at least 45 reported deaths on both sides after India launched missile strikes it said targeted militant camps, and Pakistan retaliated with artillery fire.

India’s defence ministry stated that Pakistani forces attempted to strike several military targets using drones and missiles, but these were intercepted. The ministry also said Indian forces struck multiple air defence systems inside Pakistan, including one in Lahore.

Residents in Lahore reported hearing explosions, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend operations at the city's airport and at airports in Islamabad and Karachi.

Pakistan’s military said the intercepted drones were Israeli-made Harop models. A spokesman described India’s actions as "another act of aggression" and said drone wreckage was found near army installations in Rawalpindi. Emergency responders advised residents to remain indoors and avoid panic.

India’s Defence Minister said the strikes were in response to the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 Hindu pilgrims were killed by gunmen. India blamed the assault on the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is listed as a terrorist organisation internationally.

Pakistan rejected the accusations and called for an impartial probe.

Meanwhile, the crisis has triggered international concern. Several world leaders urged both sides to exercise restraint. Diplomatic efforts are underway, including meetings between senior officials from both countries and regional partners seeking to mediate.

In the town of Poonch, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and heavily bombarded on Wednesday, a resident described a tragic scene in which two children were killed by shell fragments. “My sister screamed for them to get back inside, but it was too late,” said Madasar Choudhary, 29.

Pakistan also claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, although India has not confirmed the losses. A senior Indian security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said three jets had crashed within Indian territory.

As the two sides continue to exchange fire and accusations, military analysts have warned of the potential for further escalation. However, there is hope that the hostilities may soon give way to backchannel efforts and diplomatic pressure aimed at avoiding a wider conflict.

In separate public statements, both countries’ leaders issued strong warnings. Pakistan's Prime Minister pledged to avenge the deaths caused by Indian strikes, while India's foreign minister warned of a firm and immediate response to any further aggression.