From Pahalgam massacre to Operation Sindoor: Timeline of India Pakistan fallout

PTC News Desk: India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to cessation of all the hostilities across land, air and sea after four days if intense drone and barrage of missile attacks in a massive military escalation from both the sides. The military actions were massive since the Kargil war as a result, 5 Indian soldiers laid their lives. 

The escalation came to a halt after India launched massive strike on terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and neautralised over 100 terrorists. The US played a behind-the-scenes role in "pushing" both sides toward a cessation of hostilities.

However withing hours of ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump,  Pakistan violated the truce understanding while resorting to shelling along the Line of Control before subsiding overnight. Soon after breach of understanding, India blatantly warned Pakistan of engaging in any further escalation which would be dealt with appropriately. 

Below is a detailed timeline of events leading up to Operation Sindoor 

April 22: In one of the deadliest attack after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 26 people were killed in broad daylight  by terrorists linked to the Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The survivors recounted that the terrorists specifically targetted Hindus. The horrific attacks prompted India to shoot Pakistan with multiple diplomatic and military actions.

April 23: In a swift response, India suspended Indus Water Treaty and closed Attari-Wagah border resulting in complete suspension of trade. Meanwhile the National Investigation Agency took over the investigation and launched 

manhunt to nab the perpetrators. 

April 24: In a tit-for-tat move, both countries cancelled visas and ordered the evacuation of each other’s citizens.

April 25: Pakistan began ceasefire violation along the Line of Control and suspended Simla Agreement. The actions drew global attention and several countries including the US and internation organisation urged both the neighbouring countries to exercise restraint. 

May 1: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, as well as to Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. According to sources, Jaishankar informed him of India's intent to strike.

May 7: Indian in its biggest retaliation launched Operation Sindoor conducting precision strikes on terror hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes did not target any civilian or military infrastructure. 

May 8: In retaliation, Pakistan launched multiple drones and barrage of missiles targeting Jammu and Kashmir, Amritsar and 26 other locations. India retaliated by destroying Pakistan’s HQ-9 air defence system in Lahore and targeting key cities, including Sialkot and Islamabad. With Pakistan targeting civilian areas, India evacuated thousands from border villages.

May 9: Rubio held consecutive calls with both nations, during which India firmly reiterated that it would not accept any form of mediation and warned of escalation if provoked, according to sources.

The tensions significantly disrupted civilian life in both countries—India suspended the IPL, while Pakistan delayed its domestic cricket league. Schools were closed across several states, and missile sightings were reported in at least 36 locations throughout India.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that a potential conflict between India and Pakistan was “none of our business,” while the G7 urged both sides to exercise “maximum restraint.”

May 10:

Following Pakistani strikes on Indian air installations, India launched retaliatory attacks on major Pakistani air bases, causing significant damage at Murid, Rafiqui, and Sargodha, along with the military hub of Rawalpindi. Pakistani counterstrikes were intercepted by India’s air defence systems. On the same day, the DGMO of Pakistan initiated truce talks and both the nations reached on ceasefire understanding. However within few hours, Pakistan violated the ceasefire and started shelling along the Line of Control. 

May 11:

After a brief period of cross-border shelling and Pakistani drone activity, the night passed without incident along the western border. India and Pakistan said their DGMOs would meet on May 12 to further solidify the terms of what New Delhi insists is not a formal ceasefire.

May 12:

For the first time in days, no drones or missiles were launched across the border. Indian forces remain on high alert