In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed, India is intensifying diplomatic efforts to expose Pakistan's alleged role in cross-border terrorism. The government plans to dispatch multi-party MP delegations to global capitals, aiming to present evidence and garner international support. This initiative complements India's broader strategy, which includes presenting new intelligence to the UN Security Council and mobilizing over 200 diplomatic missions worldwide. The goal is to counter Pakistan's denial and highlight its purported support for terrorist activities. These measures follow India's military response, Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and a series of diplomatic actions, including the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and suspension of bilateral agreements. (PC: Mint)

On May 16, 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Bhuj Air Force Station, emphasized that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), labeling Pakistan as a "rogue nation." He commended the Indian military's actions during the recent standoff, stating, "Naya Bharat ab sahan nahi karta, balki wah palat kar jawab deta hai." Singh also mentioned that "Operation Sindoor is not over yet," indicating ongoing vigilance. Following the ceasefire announced on May 10, normalcy is returning to border areas, with schools reopening and displaced residents returning home. Singh's remarks underscore India's firm stance on national security and regional stability. (PC: Bloomberg & Daily Times)

In retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India launched "Operation Sindoor," executing precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes, lasting 23 minutes, targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the swift operation, while Prime Minister Modi emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism. Pakistan's claims of downing Indian Rafale jets were debunked by experts. Subsequent Pakistani drone attacks on 26 Indian locations were thwarted. Both nations accused each other of ceasefire violations, with India authorizing military responses. International calls for de-escalation intensified as India dispatched all-party delegations abroad to garner global support. At Bhuj Air Force Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor, has made all Indians proud - whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the Indian Air Force to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan." (PC: Deccan Chronicle)

In a historic first, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking India's initial ministerial-level engagement with Afghanistan's Taliban regime. The conversation followed the Taliban's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists. Jaishankar appreciated this stance and emphasized India's traditional friendship with the Afghan people and support for their development needs. He also welcomed Muttaqi's rejection of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false reports. Discussions included increasing visas for Afghan nationals, bilateral trade, the release of Afghan prisoners in Indian jails, and development of Iran's Chabahar Port. (PC: The Caravan)

India is poised to bolster its defence budget with an additional ₹50,000 crore allocation, following the success of Operation Sindoor. This supplementary funding, expected to be approved in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament, aims to enhance the procurement of new weapons, ammunition, and advanced technology. The operation, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan without breaching the border, demonstrated India's superior defence capabilities, including its indigenous multi-layered air defence system that effectively neutralised incoming threats. The current defence budget stands at ₹6.81 lakh crore, marking a significant increase from ₹2.29 lakh crore in 2014-15, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening national security and military modernization. (PC: India Today, Hexagon Safety & Observer Research Foundation)

On May 12, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard denied entry to a Pakistani national aboard the Iraqi cargo vessel MT R Ocean at Karnataka’s Karwar Port. The ship, transporting bitumen from Iraq, included 14 Indian crew members, two Syrians, and one Pakistani citizen, with an Indian captain. Due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, authorities prohibited the Pakistani and Syrian nationals from disembarking and seized their mobile phones. After unloading, the vessel departed for Iraq. This incident aligns with India’s intensified security measures, including Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan, visa cancellations for Pakistani citizens, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's call for international oversight of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. (PC: Deccan Herald & Flickr)

Following intense cross-border shelling by Pakistan, residents of Jammu and Kashmir's border villages, including Rajouri, Salotri and Akhnoor, have begun returning home. The shelling, a retaliation to India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, caused significant damage to homes and livestock. Villagers like Sailesh Kumar and Neeraj Sharma recounted fleeing during the night as shells struck their homes. The situation led to evacuations, with many seeking shelter in safer areas. Now, with a temporary ceasefire in place, residents are assessing damages and resuming daily life, though the trauma lingers. Authorities have initiated damage assessments, and discussions on compensation are underway. (PC: Faisal Khan & Dawn)

During a business roundtable in Qatar on May 15, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed turning war-torn Gaza into a U.S.-controlled “freedom zone.” He described the enclave as “nearly uninhabitable” after Israeli military operations and suggested its redevelopment into a prosperous coastal hub akin to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump hinted at potential relocation of Gaza’s population—drawing sharp criticism from Palestinians, Arab nations, and international human rights groups, who view the plan as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. (PC: Reuters)

On May 16, 2025, Delhi’s air quality sharply declined, entering the ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 305. The drop was primarily caused by dust-laden winds from western Rajasthan, which reduced visibility and spiked particulate pollution. Heavily affected areas like Wazirpur and Mundka recorded AQI levels above 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category. Health experts have issued advisories for sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rain and increased wind speeds in the coming days, which could help disperse pollutants and improve air quality. (PC: Mathurbhumi English)

On May 15, 2025, India and Pakistan agreed to uphold and continue confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce military alertness along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. This decision came after high-level discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides. The move is seen as a step toward de-escalating tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Both nations emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, avoiding provocation, and relying on direct military communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and ensure stability in the region. (PC: Hindustan Times)