Military Clashes Erupt Along India-Pakistan Border

Military clashes erupted on the border between India and Pakistan late on April 29, 2025, as heavy artillery fire was exchanged between troops in the Leepa Valley along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region. The hostilities commenced around midnight and continued for several hours, marking the fifth consecutive night of cross-border fire.

The Indian Army reported that the clashes were initiated by “unprovoked” shelling from Pakistani posts targeting areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, and the Akhnoor sector. Indian forces responded to the attacks “proportionately and effectively.” Meanwhile, Pakistani media, confirmed the exchanges and accused India of escalating the violence.

The Line of Control, established in 1949 under United Nations supervision, serves as the de facto boundary between the two nuclear-armed nations, dividing the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir into approximately 55% Indian territory and 30% Pakistani territory. The Kashmir conflict, which has persisted since 1947, intensified following a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, where militants from the Resistance Front, a group linked to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 tourists, including 25 Indians and one Nepali. India’s accusations of Pakistani support for terrorism precipitated a diplomatic crisis, leading to border closures, a severance of trade ties, and India’s withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty. In retaliation, Pakistan denied involvement and implemented mirror measures, including flight bans and visa cancellations.

The initial skirmishes in the Leepa Valley began with small arms fire but quickly escalated into artillery duels. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistan does not seek escalation, it would respond “more than proportionately” to any attacks. An Indian Defense Ministry source said that the shelling coincided with Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi’s visit to Srinagar, suggesting that it may have been a provocation by Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistani officials pointed to the deployment of the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which set out to sea on April 24, as a factor increasing tensions in the region.

As the situation develops, both nations remain on high alert, with the potential for further military engagement looming over the already fragile relationship between India and Pakistan.