### India Gains Upper Hand in Brief but Intense Conflict with Pakistan

India managed to turn the tide after facing significant setbacks in the air on the conflict's opening day with Pakistan earlier this month, ultimately securing a decisive upper hand before both nations agreed to a ceasefire three days later, according to India's top military official.

The most intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades erupted following an April 22 attack in Indian Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. New Delhi attributed the attack to "terrorists" supported by Pakistan, an accusation strongly denied by Islamabad.

In retaliation, on May 7, Indian fighter jets targeted and bombed what New Delhi described as "terrorist infrastructure" across the border. Pakistan responded by claiming it had shot down six Indian aircraft, including at least three advanced Rafale jets, during the initial skirmishes.

After three days of fierce fighting involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, a ceasefire was announced on May 10. The brief but intense conflict has once again raised tensions between these historically contentious neighbors, highlighting the pressing need for diplomatic efforts to prevent future escalations.