Developments in the intensifying India-Pakistan dispute
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HOST LEILA FADEL: The latest volley in a long-standing conflict in South Asia, sparked by a series of deadly incidents, has ultimately led to today's explosive events.
HOST STEVE INSKEEP: This morning, the peaceful stillness of Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, was shattered by the sound of explosions. Pakistan's military spokesman, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, made an announcement, alleging that Pakistan had shot down Indian drones hovering over major cities.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
AHMED SHARIF: The skies above our own cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, have been violated, and our military personnel are actively neutralizing the threat. This is a serious provocation.
INSKEEP: The accusing finger was raised after India conducted multiple strikes across Pakistan on Wednesday, marking the most significant military action in over half a century. India stated these strikes were a response to attacks launched out of Pakistani territory late last month.
HOST FADEL: We're joined by NPR's Diaa Hadid, who is currently in Mumbai, covering both India and Pakistan. Good morning, Diaa.
DIAA HADID: Good morning, Leila.
HOST FADEL: So, Diaa, fill us in on the latest developments. What's happening today?
HADID: Good question. General Ahmed Sharif, the Pakistani army spokesman, accused India of sending 25 drones across the border this morning, some of which flew over major population centers, including Karachi and Rawalpindi - home to Pakistan's general military headquarters. Sharif reported that they successfully shot down all the drones, except for one which targeted an old airport in Lahore, injuring four military personnel and leaving a civilian dead. Sharif's announcement, delivered in English, indicates a targeted message for the West.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
SHARIF: It seems that India has lost its sense. Instead of following the path of logic, they are escalating a dangerous situation, catering to the overambitious ambitions of the Indian government.
HADID: He is referring to India's Hindu nationalist government, that had promised retaliation for the terror attack in late April, where gunmen opened fire on tourists in a meadow, killing 26. The Indian government holds Pakistan responsible for this attack, which Pakistan denies. However, it's this incident that set the stage for the ongoing escalation between the two nations.
HOST FADEL: It seems like a vicious cycle of conflict without end. How does this situation unfold?
HADID: At the moment, it appears to be. But to give some historical context, when India launched missile strikes on Pakistani airbases earlier this week, both countries demonstrated restraint, a sign that they may be prepared to de-escalate. However, the latest accusations have changed the dynamic, potentially causing the situation to escalate further.
Retired Indian Army Colonel Ajai Shukla offers this perspective:
AJAI SHUKLA: Any new development here changes all calculations. And the current mindset between these two countries remains hostile and aggressive. The promises of maintaining peace two days ago no longer hold. The potential for something larger has emerged.
HADID: As for India's response to these allegations, there has been no official comment yet. However, India's foreign minister stated that if the country is attacked, there will be a strong response. It is important to note that, in addition to the recent casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict, a meadow attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, triggering the escalation we are witnessing now.
FADEL: That was Diaa Hadid reporting on the latest developments in the India-Pakistan conflict. Thank you, Diaa.
HADID: Thank you, Leila.
Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. Transcripts created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Accuracy and availability may vary.
Enrichment Insights integrated into the article have been used sparingly to clarify and support the content.
- The escalating India-Pakistan conflict, sparked by a series of deadly incidents such as the meadow attack in Pahalgam, has intensified due to allegations of drone attacks and retaliatory strikes, highlighting the volatile political climate and war-and-conflicts scenario in South Asia.
- The ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, influenced by politics and general-news events, has placed a significant strain on the environment of peace in South Asia, with the recent drone incidents and military actions adding to the long-standing tension between the two nations.
