In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Defence Forces executed Operation Sindoor, targeting and destroying nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. This operation has led to significant military maneuvers and heightened security concerns in the region.
On the night of May 7-8, 2025, Pakistan retaliated by attempting to strike various military targets in Northern and Western India, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, and the sacred city of Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple. The Defence Ministry of India reported that these attacks were neutralized by the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Grid and Air Defence systems, with debris from the intercepted missiles now being recovered from multiple locations.
Among the intercepted artillery rockets, at least two were reportedly on a trajectory towards the Golden Temple, a significant religious site for Sikhs. Pakistan has historically avoided targeting Sikh places of worship, but initial reports suggest that the country aimed to blame India for this attack, potentially igniting tensions between Hindus and Sikhs. The Indian government believes that Pakistan was prepared to launch a social media campaign to spread misinformation about the incident.
In a precautionary measure, the Indian army implemented a blackout in Amritsar to protect the Golden Temple from potential drone or missile strikes. This marked the first time in fifty-four years that the lights in the Golden Temple complex were turned off, as part of a nationwide civil defence mock drill intended to test emergency preparedness amid escalating threats from Pakistan.
At a joint press conference, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri strongly dismissed Pakistan's claims of having downed Indian jets, labeling it as part of Islamabad’s “long history of lies.” The situation escalated further when, on May 7, Pakistan launched an attack on the Sikh community in Jammu & Kashmir, targeting a gurdwara in Poonch and resulting in the deaths of three Sikh individuals.
In response to these provocations, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Pakistan’s air defence radars and systems on May 8, successfully neutralizing the air defence system located in Lahore. India’s S-400 air defence system, capable of tracking aerial threats up to 600 km away, played a crucial role in this defensive strategy, enhancing the country's ability to counter aerial attacks effectively.
Pakistan’s air defence relies on a variant of the Chinese HQ-9 air defence system, known as the HQ-9P, specifically customized for Pakistan. The recent Indian strikes have significantly degraded Pakistan's capacity to detect and defend against aerial threats, raising concerns about the ongoing military standoff.
Amid these heightened tensions, India has fortified its defenses across land, air, and sea domains, anticipating possible retaliation from Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The Indian military has activated its multi-layered air defence network, deployed frontline warships in the Arabian Sea, and put infantry units along the border on high alert.
In conjunction with these military preparations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been conducting combat air patrols, and the tri-Service Strategic Forces Command, which manages the country’s nuclear arsenal, has also been placed on high alert as a precautionary measure.
Recent satellite images released on May 8 revealed the extensive damage inflicted on terror camps in Pakistan as a result of Operation Sindoor. These images, provided by Maxar Technologies, showed significant structural destruction at key locations, including the Jamia Mosque in Bahawalpur and areas within Muridke city.
The ongoing situation highlights the fragile state of peace in the region, with both nations on edge as military actions and counteractions unfold. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to non-escalation, provided that the Pakistani military respects this principle.
As the international community watches closely, the potential for further conflict looms large. The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for various contingencies as diplomatic channels appear strained.
In summary, the recent military engagements and the subsequent responses underline the precarious balance of power in South Asia. With the threat of further escalation ever-present, the focus remains on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
