NEW DELHI: In a press briefing on Operation Sindoor held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Indian government firmly debunked claims that Indian air bases suffered damage from a Pakistani military attack. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, presented a time-stamped photo of an airbase that showed it unscathed. This visual evidence was part of a broader narrative aimed at countering misinformation regarding the ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Col Qureshi stated that while Indian forces successfully neutralized various threats, Pakistan attempted to infiltrate Indian airspace at over 26 locations. "Pakistani army is continuously attacking the western borders; it has used drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets to attack India's military sites," she explained. Moreover, she confirmed that there was equipment damage at several air force bases, including those in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. The Pakistani military reportedly targeted Punjab's air base with high-speed missiles at 1:40 a.m., and there were also attacks on health facilities and schools.
Wing Commander Singh highlighted the increasing tension, noting, "Pakistan was moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation." He reassured that the Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness and reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, provided that Pakistan reciprocates.
In a related development, Inayatullah Khawarizmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense, denied Pakistan's allegations that Indian missiles struck Afghan territory. Speaking to Hurriyat Radio, Khawarizmi stated, "There is no truth to such claims." This statement came after Pakistani military sources suggested that Indian missile strikes targeting Pakistan extended into Afghan territory. Khawarizmi's comments reflect a consistent stance by the Taliban government, which does not recognize Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of Pakistan.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also condemned Pakistan's narrative, labeling it a coordinated disinformation campaign. During a media briefing, he remarked, "There is this yet again completely ludicrous claim that Indian missiles have hit Afghanistan — totally frivolous allegation." Misri emphasized that the Afghan people are well aware of their allies and adversaries, particularly in light of Pakistan's history of targeting civilian populations and infrastructure in Afghanistan.
Misri further refuted claims of Indian military losses and dismissed reports that Indian Air Force installations in Sirsa, Suratgarh, and Azamgarh had been destroyed. "Claims made by them of destroying various military assets are false," he asserted, describing Pakistani reports of significant damage as "pure fabrication." He urged the media and the public to remain vigilant against misinformation, stating, "I would urge all of you not to be misled by these lies. Pakistan is peddling these for obvious purposes."
In the backdrop of these military tensions, Maharashtra Cyber announced that it has taken down 5,000 social media posts containing misinformation about the India-Pakistan conflict. Officials indicated that the fake news primarily revolved around army movements, strategic operations, and retaliatory measures from neighboring countries.
Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7, 2025, was initiated by India in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, resulting in the destruction of nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Reports suggest that around 100 terrorists were killed during these operations. Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, confirmed that ten of his close relatives and four members of the organization were killed in the operation. His statement was accompanied by a social media post that depicted him at a funeral, which included the burial of Mohammad Hasan Khan, a significant figure within Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Mohammad Hasan Khan, the son of Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, the operational commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed in PoK, was known for his involvement in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate he played a crucial role in supplying weapons for such attacks and was himself a wanted terrorist. The funeral of the terrorists, which featured a guard of honor, has drawn widespread condemnation, as it signals that Pakistan views these individuals as martyrs.
In response to the escalating drone threats from Pakistan, India has been bolstering its defense capabilities. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed an indigenous anti-drone system known as the 'drone, detect, deter, and destroy' (D4) system. This system has been effective in thwarting drone incursions from Pakistan, which have increasingly targeted India along the western border.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), highlighted the transformative impact of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in modern warfare during an event on March 10, 2025. The D4 system utilizes a combination of radar, radio frequency detection systems, and electro-optic identification systems to detect and neutralize drones. It employs techniques such as radio frequency jamming and GPS spoofing to incapacitate drones mid-flight. In cases where these methods are ineffective, the system can resort to hard kill methods using high-energy directed energy weapons.
The DRDO has collaborated with multiple labs to develop this advanced system, which is now in use across all three branches of the armed forces. The D4 system is also being deployed at major national events as part of enhanced security measures. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is responsible for manufacturing the D4 system, aligning with India's 'Make in India' initiative.
As tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan, the situation remains precarious. Both nations are on high alert, with military movements closely monitored and misinformation rapidly spreading through social media channels. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that avoids further escalation.
