Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply on Friday evening as a new wave of Pakistani drones entered Indian airspace, triggering explosions and blackouts across several states. Indian Army sources confirmed that drones were intercepted over Jammu, Samba, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Jaisalmer, with blasts reported in Barmer and the strategic military zone of Pokhran.
One drone struck a residential area in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, injuring three civilians who sustained burn injuries. The victims were rushed to the hospital, and Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh Sidhu confirmed that most of the incoming drones had been neutralized by the Indian military.
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha condemned the attack, calling Pakistan a “terrorist state” for targeting civilians in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. “The world needs to see how Pakistan is provoking India. Shameful and cowardly,” he posted on social media.
In response to the ongoing threat, blackout orders were enforced in several regions, including Akhnoor, Udhampur, Ferozepur, Jaisalmer, Ambala, and Panchkula, as a precautionary measure. In Srinagar, mosque loudspeakers were used to advise residents to switch off lights and remain indoors. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also urged citizens to stay safe, sharing a photo of a darkened Jammu and posting, “Sirens can be heard across the city.”
The new drone activity follows Thursday’s major assault, in which Pakistan reportedly launched between 300 and 400 drones and missiles across 36 locations along India’s western border. Defence officials say India’s air defense systems, including the Russian-made S-400, effectively intercepted the attacks, preventing extensive damage. Preliminary investigations suggest Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were used in the offensive.
Indian authorities believe the large-scale drone incursions were intended to test India’s air defense systems and gather surveillance data. A forensic analysis of the drone wreckage is underway.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held emergency meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the military leadership, following a high-level security review.
The latest aggression comes in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike on terror camps across the border in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people and was linked to cross-border terrorist groups.
In a related development, Pokhran experienced a 12-hour blackout on the same day, with businesses closing from 4 PM. The local administration appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary movement and advised them to have dinner early and stay indoors. District Collector Pratap Singh imposed a ban on drone operations throughout Jaisalmer, and Pokhran police station officer Chhatar Singh stated that all establishments in Pokhran were closed at 4 PM, and residents were asked to stay in their homes from 6 PM for the blackout.
A precautionary blackout was enforced in Pokhran, Rajasthan, following a red alert issued due to the heightened tensions. A faint red light was reported in the sky as residents adhered to the blackout orders.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities on high alert as the conflict between the two nations continues to unfold. As the Indian military prepares for further possible incursions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities.
