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India bombed Pakistani positions on Wednesday, claiming they housed “terrorist infrastructure,” two weeks after 26 people were killed in an attack in a tourist area of Indian-administered Kashmir. New Delhi blamed Islamabad, which has denied any involvement.

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Pakistan reported that six sites were targeted, resulting in eight deaths.

The two nuclear-armed countries have fought three wars. Recently, both sides have intensified cross-border shelling in the disputed Kashmir region.

Here is a timeline of key military and diplomatic escalation events since 1999:

May–July 1999

India and Pakistan fought an undeclared war in the Kargil region of Kashmir after irregular forces backed by the Pakistani army occupied Indian positions along the Line of Control. India halted the fighting after intense clashes, and the U.S. pressured Pakistan to withdraw.

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December 2001

Heavily armed attackers stormed the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, killing nine people. India blamed Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. A fourth war between the countries was narrowly avoided.

November 2008

Ten gunmen attacked key sites in Mumbai, including two luxury hotels, a Jewish center, and the main train station, killing 166 people. India suspended all dialogue with Pakistan, briefly resuming talks years later.

• Afghan earthquake: At least 1,000 people killed and 1,500 injured

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January 2016

Attackers dressed as soldiers stormed an Indian air base near the Pakistani border, engaging in over 15 hours of combat involving tanks and helicopters. All five attackers and at least two guards were killed. India blamed Pakistan; Islamabad condemned the attack.

September 2016

Eighteen Indian soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base in Uri, Indian Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan and responded with “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control on alleged terrorist launchpads. Pakistan denied any incursions.

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February 2019

A suicide bombing killed 40 Indian security personnel in Kashmir. India launched airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated with its own airstrikes. Both sides shot down each other’s aircraft. Tensions eased under international pressure.

August 2019

India revoked Kashmir’s special status, ending a constitutional provision allowing Jammu and Kashmir to make its own laws. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended trade.

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• Pakistani woman sentenced to death for “blasphemy”

April 2025

Twenty-six people were killed after gunmen targeted Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups; Islamabad denied the charges and called for an impartial investigation.

In response, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty governing river water sharing. Pakistan halted all trade with India, including via third countries.

Both countries closed their airspace to each other’s airlines, and India revoked most visas granted to Pakistani citizens.

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