The Indian government has condemned Pakistan's recent military actions as provocative and escalatory, following a series of drone and missile strikes targeting various locations in India. The situation escalated on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a press conference detailing the events that unfolded over the past few days, which included attacks on military installations and civilian areas.
During the briefing, Misri stated that Pakistan had launched attacks on 26 locations across India, including Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab, and had begun moving troops to forward positions. He described these actions as a blatant violation of India's sovereignty, emphasizing that India had responded with measured and responsible actions to these provocations.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi joined Misri in the press conference, which came just hours after India executed retaliatory strikes against Pakistan. The Indian Army reported intercepting multiple Pakistani drones over Amritsar early Saturday morning, thwarting what they described as enemy designs.
As dawn broke, explosions echoed across northern India, with reports of blasts in Jammu as Pakistani forces attempted to strike the Air Force Station. Residents in Rajouri experienced heavy artillery fire, while Pathankot, a critical military hub, also reported multiple explosions. The Indian Army confirmed that Pakistani drones had targeted military installations along India's northern and western borders for the second consecutive night.
In a concerning incident, one armed drone crashed into a civilian area in Ferozepur, Punjab, injuring several family members. The Indian Army noted that late on Friday, they had detected Pakistani drones at 26 different locations, ranging from Baramulla in Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat, highlighting the wide geographic spread of the threat.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi provided further details, stating that Pakistan had also attacked medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura, and Udhampur. She reiterated that India had given a befitting reply to these provocations, emphasizing the need for a robust defense against Pakistan's aggressive actions.
On the morning of May 10, 2025, multiple enemy armed drones were spotted flying over Khasa Cantt in Amritsar and were promptly destroyed by Indian air defense units. This swift response showcased India's commitment to safeguarding its airspace and protecting its citizens.
In addition to the drone attacks, fragments and debris of unidentified projectiles were recovered from fields in Mughlani Kot Village in Punjab's Amritsar and in Rajasthan's Barmer. These findings raised concerns about the extent of the Pakistani military's operations and their impact on civilian areas.
Amidst the escalating tensions, a tragic incident occurred in Rajouri, where a senior government official, Raj Kumar Thapa, was killed along with four others due to heavy Pakistani shelling. Thapa, the Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, was injured when an artillery shell struck his official residence. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Government Medical College, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The Indian government has characterized Pakistan's recent military actions as a continuous pattern of escalation, with Misri stating, "Pakistani actions that have constituted provocations and escalations. In response, India has defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion to these provocations and escalations by the Pakistani side."
Pakistan's military has reportedly utilized drones, long-range weapons, and fighter jets to target Indian military sites, as outlined by Colonel Qureshi. She indicated that the Pakistani army has been persistently attacking India's western borders, attempting to infiltrate at more than 26 locations, which has resulted in damage to Indian military equipment and personnel.
India's defense systems, including the advanced S-400 missile system, have successfully intercepted multiple threats, preventing potential casualties and damage to military assets. In recent operations, Indian forces claimed to have shot down Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets that had taken off from the Sargodha air base.
The escalating conflict has prompted high-level meetings within the Indian government, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convening with the tri-services chief to discuss the ongoing situation. As tensions remain high, the Indian government continues to monitor developments closely and remains committed to defending its territory and citizens against external threats.
In light of the recent attacks, the Indian Army has vowed to thwart any further attempts by Pakistan to violate its sovereignty and endanger civilians. The situation remains fluid, and the Indian government is prepared to take necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of its citizens.
As the situation develops, the Indian government urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The commitment to national security remains paramount as India navigates the complexities of its relationship with Pakistan amidst these heightened tensions.