The year 2025 has marked itself as a period dominated by conflicts. The Cambodia-Thailand war is the fifth significant confrontation of the year, ignited by border disputes near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. Additionally, the India-Pakistan war, Ukraine-Russia conflict, Israel-Hamas clash, Sudan civil war, and Iran-Pakistan tensions have shaken the global stage.
These wars have claimed millions of lives, transformed buildings into rubble, and skyrocketed arms sales. Let's delve into the devastation, casualties, destruction of architecture, and booming arms trade resulting from these five wars.
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1. India-Pakistan War (2025)
What Happened?
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan, retaliating against the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (26 civilians killed).
Pakistan perceived it as an act of war and retaliated with drones, missiles, and fighter jets. The ceasefire occurred on May 10.
Source: aajtak
Destruction and Deaths
India:
Deaths: 16 civilians (including 5 children in Poonch). Damage: Shelling in Jammu, Srinagar, Poonch, and Rajouri damaged homes, a Hindu temple, and infrastructure. Displacement: Thousands fled the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
Pakistan:
Deaths: 40 civilians (7 women, 15 children) and 11 soldiers killed, over 100 terrorists eliminated. Damage: Muridke, Bahawalpur, and 11 airbases (Surtaghar, Sirsa, etc.) devastated. Displacement: People moved to safer places in Lahore and Sialkot.
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Arms Trade
India:
Utilized Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles, the S-400 defense system, and drones from an Israel-India collaboration.
Pakistan:
Used JF-17 jets (China), Shahed-136 drones (Iran), and 122 mm rockets.
Analysis:
This conflict spurred $5-10 billion in arms purchases, particularly for drones and missile systems.
2. Cambodia-Thailand War (2025)
What Happened?
On July 24, 2025, Thailand launched aerial strikes on Cambodian military sites with F-16 jets, following drones and rocket attacks from Cambodia over the border dispute around the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples.
Source: aajtak
Destruction and Deaths
Thailand:
Deaths: 14 (13 civilians, 1 soldier) killed, 46 injured. Damage: Gas stations, hospitals, and the Preah Vihear temple in Sisaket and Surin damaged. Displacement: 40,000-100,000 people displaced.
Cambodia:
Deaths: 20 reported, verification pending. Damage: Military bases and Pagoda Road in Oddar Meanchey destroyed.
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Arms Trade
Thailand:
F-16 (USA) and SAAB Gripen.
Cambodia:
BM-21 rockets (China/Russia).
Analysis:
Demand for drones and rocket systems soared.
3. Ukraine-Russia War (2022-2025)
What Happened?
The conflict initiated when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, persisting into 2025, driven by issues around NATO expansion and energy resources.
Source: aajtak
Destruction and Deaths
Casualties:
10,000+ civilians, 500,000 military personnel (Russia: 350,000, Ukraine: 150,000). 2025 saw further escalation.
Damage:
70% of Ukraine's infrastructure (schools, hospitals) destroyed, thousands of buildings in Kyiv and Kharkiv collapsed.
Displacement:
12 million people displaced, 5 million refugees.
Arms Trade
Russia:
S-400 systems, T-90 tanks, kamikaze drones.
Ukraine:
Javelin missiles, Bayraktar drones, HIMARS systems.
Analysis:
Over $80 billion in arms sales (2022-2024).
4. Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023-2025)
What Happened?
Post the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Israel launched counterattacks on Gaza, leading to an intensified humanitarian crisis in 2025.
Source: aajtak
Destruction and Deaths
Gaza:
43,000+ deaths (70% women/children), 100,000+ injured.
Israel:
1,200 deaths, 3,000 injured (2023).
Damage:
80% of Gaza's buildings destroyed; UNRWA school, Al-Shifa hospital reduced to rubble.
Displacement:
2 million people (90% of Gaza’s population) displaced, 50% children malnourished.
Arms Trade
Israel:
F-35, Iron Dome.
Hamas:
Rockets, drones (Iran).
Analysis:
Over $10 billion in arms sales.
5. Sudanese Civil War (2023-2025)
What Happened?
Conflict erupted between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese army in April 2023.
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Destruction and Deaths
Casualties:
20,000+ killed, 33,000 injured.
Damage:
60% of buildings in Khartoum and Darfur destroyed.
Displacement:
10 million displaced, 25 million faced starvation.
Arms Trade
RSF:
Drones (UAE, Russia).
Sudanese Army:
Tanks, artillery (China, Egypt).
Analysis:
$5 billion in arms sold.
6. Iran-Pakistan Tensions (2024-2025)
What Happened?
In January 2024, Iran attacked Jaish al-Adl militants in Pakistan, leading to retaliatory attacks.
Destruction and Deaths
Casualties:
20 people (mostly militants).
Damage:
Villages and bases in Balochistan affected.
Displacement:
Thousands impacted.
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Arms Trade
Iran:
Shahed-136 drones.
Pakistan:
JF-17 jets.
Analysis:
$2 billion in arms sales.
What It Means for India?
Regional Stability:
India-Pakistan:
The conflict increased tension in South Asia, impacting India's Chabahar Port operations and Act East Policy.
Cambodia-Thailand:
Instability in ASEAN could affect India's policies.
Arms Race:
Rising demand for drones, AI, and missiles. India should focus on Tejas, indigenous drones, and the S-400 system.
Humanitarian Crises:
Hunger crises in Gaza and Sudan serve as a lesson for India. Strengthening disaster management is crucial.
