Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened an urgent meeting with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs in New Delhi on Friday morning. This meeting followed a fresh round of cross-border tensions after India successfully intercepted a wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan targeting military stations and civilian areas. The discussions aimed to evaluate the security situation in light of India’s recent military response under Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan Launches Multiple Attacks; India Responds Forcefully
Pakistan’s escalation began on the night of May 8-9, 2025, when it launched several airstrikes and drone attacks aimed at key military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, alongside several cities in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. These attacks were met with a swift and forceful response by the Indian Army, which neutralized the incoming missiles and drones. Pakistani forces also resorted to continuous ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army retaliated using anti-tank guided missiles to destroy multiple Pakistani military posts.
The situation escalated with reports of power blackouts in Srinagar, Jammu, and parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, further intensifying the crisis. Despite these provocations, Indian forces maintained their composure and delivered a decisive response. The Army’s statement emphasized its commitment to protecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any further aggression would be met with a strong military counter.
Operation Sindoor and the Rising Tensions
The recent escalation stems from Pakistan’s repeated provocations, especially after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In retaliation, India had carried out a series of highly targeted missile strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating 70 terrorists and injuring dozens more. The strikes, carried out with remarkable precision, were designed to minimize detection and maximize damage.
In response, Pakistan resorted to arbitrary and indiscriminate firing across the LoC, resulting in civilian casualties. At least 16 civilians lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir due to Pakistani artillery shelling. The situation remains tense, with both sides bracing for further developments as military operations continue.
