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Pakistan and India exchanged missile strikes on early May 10, targeting each other’s military bases in the most serious flare-up between the nuclear-armed rivals in years.

Pakistan’s military said it launched retaliatory strikes on Indian military sites, including bases in the state of Punjab, after India fired missiles overnight at least three air bases in Pakistan, including Nur Khan Air Base, which is located near the capital, Islamabad, and is a key installation used by senior military officials and foreign dignitaries. The Pakistani military described the strikes as a direct response to what it called Indian “aggression,” warning New Delhi to “prepare for Pakistan’s response.”

Pakistan’s military said the Indian missiles targeted Nur Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi, as well as Shorkot and Murid air bases in Chakwal district of Punjab province, but claimed most were intercepted. Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that missiles fired at the military bases were successfully blocked, and no major damage occurred.

In response, Pakistan said it fired short-range surface-to-surface missiles at multiple Indian military installations, including Udhampur, Jammu, and Pathankot air bases and a missile storage site in northern India. India confirmed it had conducted its strikes, saying it targeted Pakistani radar sites and military positions in response to a “wave” of Pakistani attacks involving drones, long-range missiles, and aircraft. India reported “limited damage” to its facilities but acknowledged impacts on at least four bases. A local Indian official in Kashmir, Raj Kumar Thappa, was killed when Pakistani shelling struck his residence.

Pakistan launches “Operation Bunyan Marsoos” against India

In the early hours of May 10, India launched missile strikes targeting Pakistani military bases Rawalpindi, Shorkot, and Chakwal. Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation named “Bunyan Marsoos” (meaning ‘Iron Wall’), targeting key Indian military sites, including Udhampur airbase, Pathankot airfield, and the Brahmos missile storage facility in Beas, from where missiles were launched at Pakistan, according to the Pakistan military.

Reports also indicate that Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fired hypersonic missiles that destroyed India’s S-400 air defense system in Adampur, valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Additionally, Pakistan claims to have destroyed India’s Bernala Airfield in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan launches Fatah missiles at Indian air bases and missile storage sites in a major retaliatory strike. pic.twitter.com/pnlo49huFs

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) May 10, 2025

The Pakistani military reported using medium-range Fatah 1 short-range missiles to target an Indian missile storage facility and airbases in Pathankot and Udhampur. Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif claimed that Pakistan’s air force assets remained safe following Indian strikes and noted that some Indian missiles also hit India’s eastern Punjab, calling it “a provocation of the highest order.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated, “Even on the first day, we stayed in our space and attacked those jets that entered Pakistan, five of which we shot down. There were clear instructions not to be on the offensive. Our patience has been tested and has run out, and the actions that have been taken are retaliatory and defensive; the world can see that.” He further added, “Our civil military leadership decided on the attack on Nur Khan Airbase. No more patience. We are just giving them a response.”

Pakistan’s claimed targets in Operation Bunyan Marsoos

Pakistan’s security sources and state-run media have provided an extensive list of Indian military targets they claim were successfully struck during the operation:

• India’s S-400 air defense system reportedly destroyed at Adampur by PAF JF-17 Thunder hypersonic missiles.
• The field supply depot at Uri completely destroyed.
• BrahMos missile storage sites targeted and destroyed in Beas and Nagrota.
• Artillery gun positions hit in Dehrangyari and Mankot.
• Indian Military Intelligence Training Center in Rajouri, accused of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, was targeted.
• Airfields and Bases reportedly targeted in Adampur, Udhampur, Pathankot, Suratgarh, Sirsa, Bathinda, Mamun, Halwara, Jammu, Barnala, and Akhnoor aviation base.
• India’s power grid allegedly disabled in a coordinated cyberattack.

Pakistan’s military claims these sites were used as launch points for attacks on Pakistani civilians, including children, and religious sites, adding that its forces inflicted heavy casualties and material losses on the Indian side.

Pakistani officials say India’s BrahMos missile storage site in Beas was among the targets hit in cross-border strike. pic.twitter.com/8qJ1T58Kaw

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) May 10, 2025

India’s response and damage acknowledgment

India has acknowledged the attacks, with officials stating that Pakistan attempted to infiltrate or engage targets at more than 26 locations. During a press briefing in New Delhi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh accused Pakistan of targeting both civilian and military infrastructure, health facilities, and schools in India-administered Kashmir.

“Air intrusions and harassment attacks were attempted at multiple points along the international border and LoC,” Singh said. She confirmed the use of heavy-caliber weapons and drones and said a high-speed missile was used by Pakistan to target an air base in Punjab.

Further confirmation came from Colonel Sophia Qureshi of India’s Army Signal Corps, who admitted that Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes caused damage to at least four Indian airbases — Udhampur, Pathankot, Bhuj, and Bathinda. “Pakistan tried to infiltrate via air at more than 26 places, and they damaged our equipment and personnel at air force bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. They used high-speed missiles,” Col. Qureshi said.

“It is a matter of concern that taking the cover of civilian aircraft taking off from Lahore, Pakistan, misuses international air routes. So that they can hide their activities. Such tactics compelled the Indian air defense system to act with great patience while ensuring civilian security,” said Qureshi.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized India’s commitment to “non-escalation” provided Pakistan reciprocates but noted that Pakistani ground forces were mobilizing towards forward areas, “indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation.” She added, “Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness,” and that the forces carried out “precision strikes only at identified military targets in response to Pakistani actions.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described Pakistan’s actions as “provocation” and India’s response as “measured.”

Impact on civilians and infrastructure

The escalating conflict has had significant repercussions on civilian life and infrastructure in both countries. In Indian-controlled Kashmir, residents reported hearing loud explosions in multiple locations, including Srinagar and Jammu. The Indian army reported drone sightings in 26 locations across areas bordering Pakistan and Indian-controlled Kashmir, including Srinagar, stating that the drones were tracked and engaged. In Pakistan, airspace has been closed, and schools and colleges in Punjab province have been shut down.

The conflict has also led to the suspension of major sporting events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the shutdown of schools, affecting millions of children.

International community calls for calm as India-Pakistan conflict escalates

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urging both parties to “find ways to de-escalate and offer U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks” to avoid future conflicts. Rubio emphasized that both sides must identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculations.

China’s Foreign Ministry stated that it is “closely monitoring the current situation between India and Pakistan,” cautioning against actions that could further escalate tensions and expressing willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the matter.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for military restraint, stating that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have also issued a statement over the clashes between India and Pakistan. The statement highlighted, “We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides,” they said. “We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome.”

The recent exchange of missile strikes and drone attacks between India and Pakistan marks a dangerous escalation in their long-standing conflict over Kashmir. With both nations possessing nuclear capabilities, the international community’s calls for restraint and dialogue are more urgent than ever. The situation remains volatile, and the potential for further escalation poses a significant threat to regional and global stability.

Context of India-Pakistan conflict 2025

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been simmering since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 28 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed. India attributed the assault to Pakistan-based militant groups, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba, though Pakistan denied any involvement.

In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan. Pakistan contended that the Indian strikes hit civilian areas, including mosques, resulting in 31 civilian deaths.