India had prepared for retaliatory strikes after carrying out precision strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army intercepted a large-scale air assault by Pakistan on May 7-8, which included drones and missiles aimed primarily at civilian and religious sites, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Major General Kartik C Seshadri confirmed that no damage was inflicted, thanks to enhanced air defense systems and alert military personnel.
Anticipating Civilian and Religious Targets
Following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK as retaliation for the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army expected Pakistan to strike back. Major General Seshadri revealed that Pakistan, lacking legitimate military targets in India, chose to attack civilian and religious locations to cause maximum impact. The Golden Temple, one of India’s holiest shrines, was identified as the most prominent target.
To counter this threat, Indian defense forces deployed advanced air defense assets, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, creating a comprehensive protective shield over Amritsar and other key cities. The Indian Army’s preparedness proved crucial in neutralizing the attacks during the early hours of May 8, when Pakistan launched a massive assault using drones and long-range missiles under the cover of darkness.
Successful Defense Across Punjab and Beyond
The attack was not limited to the Golden Temple alone. Several cities and military bases across Punjab and northern India were targeted, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Explosions were reported in Kashmir as well. The Indian Air Defence systems, coordinated through the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid, intercepted and destroyed all incoming aerial threats, preventing any casualties or damage.
The Indian Army demonstrated the efficiency of its air defense capabilities by showcasing how these systems intercepted and neutralized Pakistani drones and missiles. This demonstration reassured that the nation’s critical and sacred sites remain well-protected from hostile threats.
