Escalating Tensions Between India and China Amid Border Clashes

May 8, 2025 – New Delhi

Between 3:00 PM on May 7 and 3:00 PM on May 8, 2025 (Philippine Standard Time), India and China experienced heightened tensions along their shared border, particularly in the Himalayan region.

Military Clashes and Diplomatic Responses

On May 7, 2025, India conducted airstrikes on nine locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, codenamed “Operation Sindoor.” These strikes were in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists. India claimed the targets were terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2025).(Carnegie Endowment, The Guardian)

In response, Pakistan reported shooting down five Indian jets and authorized “corresponding actions.” Both nations exchanged artillery fire along the Line of Control, leading to civilian casualties on both sides (The Guardian, 2025).(The Guardian, Latest news & breaking headlines)

China expressed regret over India’s military operation, urging both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from actions that may further complicate the situation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, 2025).(Chinese Foreign Ministry)

Economic Implications and Strategic Alliances

The conflict has significant economic implications for Pakistan, which faces over $131 billion in external debt and only $10 billion in foreign reserves. Prolonged conflict could derail its modest economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program (Financial Times, 2025).(Financial Times)

India, with a larger defense budget and military personnel, has a strategic advantage. However, both nations possess comparable nuclear arsenals, estimated at 160–170 warheads each, raising concerns about the potential for escalation (Financial Times, 2025).(Financial Times)

International Reactions and Calls for De-escalation

Global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and officials from the European Union, have called for immediate de-escalation and urged both India and Pakistan to engage in diplomatic dialogue (The Times, 2025).(Latest news & breaking headlines)

China, while expressing regret over India’s actions, has pledged to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the tensions (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, 2025).

Conclusion

The period from May 7 to May 8, 2025, underscores the fragile nature of peace between India and Pakistan. The military exchanges and subsequent diplomatic efforts highlight the complexities of their relationship and the critical need for international mediation to prevent further escalation.

References

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. (2025). Indian Airstrikes in Pakistan: May 7, 2025. Retrieved from https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2025/05/indian-airstrikes-in-pakistan-may-7-2025/

Financial Times. (2025). Why Pakistan can’t afford another conflict with India. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/bccc3ed4-c456-401b-8964-f4044ea7dcbe

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. (2025). Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on May 7, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202505/t20250507_11616836.html

The Guardian. (2025). Shehbaz Sharif authorises ‘corresponding action’ after India strikes kill 26. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/may/06/pakistan-india-attacks-kashmir-live-updates

The Times. (2025). Pakistan warns India over ‘cowardly’ Kashmir attack. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/india-pakistan-latest-news-strikes-5cqblrxss