The brief military conflict between India and Pakistan in April and May 2025 took many analysts by surprise. Although the two countries lack a formal peace agreement and have a long history of entrenched hostility and strategic rivalry, large-scale direct military engagements have been relatively rare in recent decades. This recent escalation represented the most significant armed confrontation between New Delhi and Islamabad since the 1971 war, as noted by numerous regional and international observers. The hostilities, triggered by a series of cross-border incidents and retaliatory strikes, rapidly escalated to encompass conventional air, missile, and drone operations. In the aftermath, both governments initiated comprehensive military reviews and undertook reforms aimed at addressing vulnerabilities within their respective defense postures. Initial assessments suggest that the conflict may signify not a resolution but rather a shift in the strategic calculus of both states, potentially ushering in a more volatile phase of confrontation in South Asia.