Explanation:
In May 2025, after a series of missile attacks by India on Pakistani airbases, Pakistan responded by launching a large-scale military operation named Operation Bunyan Marsoos, which means “a structure made of lead” in Arabic. This operation targeted at least six Indian military bases and marked a significant escalation in military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbour.
India and Pakistan recently faced a serious military crisis. For the first time, both countries attacked each other directly using missiles and drones. India started a military operation called Operation Sindoor, but it didn’t succeed.
Pakistan defended itself and showed strong military power. The United States helped stop the fighting and announced a ceasefire. Many countries became worried about the situation, especially because both countries have nuclear weapons.
Key Highlights:
- Unprecedented Escalation:
For the first time, both nuclear-armed nations attacked each other’s mainland using missiles, air strikes, and drone technology. -
Operation Sindoor:
India launched “Operation Sindoor” in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The operation failed to meet its military objectives and received backlash domestically. -
Pakistan’s Deterrence Doctrine:
Pakistan’s swift and effective retaliation highlighted its conventional deterrence, preventing India from escalating to a full-scale war. -
Diplomatic Fallout for India:
India suffered diplomatically as global focus shifted to the Kashmir conflict, and the US offered to mediate, undermining India’s traditional stance against third-party involvement. -
US Mediation:
High-level American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, played key roles in defusing the crisis. Trump publicly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire. -
Hyphenation Returns:
India’s strategic goal to separate its international identity from Pakistan (“de-hyphenation”) collapsed, as both countries were again viewed together by the global community. -
Domestic Impact:
Modi’s image took a hit within India, facing criticism over strategic failures. Conversely, Pakistan experienced a surge in national unity and military prestige. -
Current Status:
A fragile ceasefire is in place, with phased confidence-building measures. However, the prospect of full diplomatic normalization remains distant.
Related MCQs:
-
Which military operation did India launch during the crisis?
A. Operation Swift Strike
B. Operation Sindoor ✅
C. Operation Kashmir Shield
D. Operation Defensive Edge -
Who announced the ceasefire between India and Pakistan?
A. Narendra Modi
B. Xi Jinping
C. Donald Trump ✅
D. Shahbaz Sharif -
What was the international outcome of the crisis for India?
A. Gained UN support
B. Hyphenation with Pakistan returned ✅
C. Won support for Kashmir
D. Joined G7 -
Which American official made multiple phone calls to defuse the crisis?
A. J.D. Vance
B. Marco Rubio ✅
C. Kamala Harris
D. Antony Blinken