In a decisive and high-stakes operation, the Indian armed forces successfully neutralized a major Pakistani missile and drone assault targeting military installations across 15 cities in northern and western India on Thursday night. The Indian Defence Ministry also confirmed that a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore was destroyed, marking a significant blow to Pakistan’s military capabilities.
Dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian response showcased the country’s advanced air defence systems, including the Russian-made S-400 Triumf, which effectively intercepted and neutralized incoming threats. The targeted cities included Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj, among others. The Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems were instrumental in thwarting the attack, ensuring no damage to Indian military infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan’s attempt to escalate tensions followed India’s earlier precision strikes on May 7, which targeted nine terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These strikes were in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Indian officials described Pakistan’s attempted strikes as a desperate bid to retaliate, which was swiftly and effectively countered.
In a press briefing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “India’s response was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, aimed at protecting our sovereignty and neutralizing threats. Our forces remain fully prepared to respond to any further misadventures.” The ministry also debunked false claims circulating on social media, including allegations of Pakistani strikes hitting Srinagar Airbase or an Indian Army Brigade Headquarters.
Sources revealed that India’s operation targeted Pakistan’s Chinese-made HQ-9 missile defence system in Lahore, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defence network. The use of advanced electronic warfare techniques, including decoys and signal suppression, ensured Pakistan’s radar systems, such as the LY-80 and HQ-9/P, failed to detect incoming Indian strikes.
The escalation has heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with Pakistan’s leadership vowing retaliation. Pakistan’s National Security Committee authorized “corresponding actions,” and its airspace has been closed to Indian airlines, with trade suspended. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that India’s actions were aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad, which India holds responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
Global powers have urged restraint, with China’s foreign ministry stating it was “not familiar” with the conflict’s details. The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising tensions in Kashmir, a long-standing flashpoint between the two nations.
As India activates its S-400 systems and strengthens its defence posture, the nation remains on high alert. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level meeting, reaffirmed the armed forces’ “complete operational freedom” to safeguard national security. The Indian armed forces’ swift and precise response has been widely praised, with citizens expressing gratitude for their vigilance and bravery.
