India Times: Tensions Rise as India Launches Airstrikes on Pakistan
The conflict between India and Pakistan has significant implications for regional stability, with the potential for escalation to nuclear war. The international community is watching the situation closely, and diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. The economic impact of the conflict is also a concern, with the potential for significant disruption to trade and commerce in the region.
India launched airstrikes against Pakistan in response to a militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, sparking a repeat of the cycle of tensions between the two countries, with each side responding to attacks with military action, followed by international intervention to de-escalate tensions.
The situation escalated quickly, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down several Indian planes and taken Indian soldiers captive. India confirmed targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, while Pakistan confirmed three locations were hit, describing the attack as "cowardly". The strikes come after a militant attack on Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month, which India says was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group suspected of the attack.
Experts warn that the conflict could escalate to nuclear war, but both sides have a clear incentive to prevent this, given the comparable nuclear arsenals possessed by the two countries. A prolonged conflict could also hurt Pakistan's economy, which is already facing significant challenges. The international community is watching the situation closely, with the US and Russia offering support to India, while Pakistan's closest strategic partner, China, is likely to play a key role in mediating the conflict.
In a related development, Bank of Baroda (BoB) reported a net profit of Rs 5,048 crore for the quarter ended March 2025, a 3.3% increase from Rs 4,886 crore in Q4 FY24, driven by non-interest income. However, the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan are likely to have a significant impact on the regional economy, and the bank's profits may be affected in the coming quarters.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the conflict will be resolved, and what role international mediation will play in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. Iran's offer to mediate, with a foreign minister set to arrive in India, may provide a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.