India has initiated precision retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military installations as part of what it has dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” This military response follows a series of cross-border attacks by Pakistan on Indian military positions late on May 8, 2025. During a high-level press briefing on May 10, Indian officials confirmed that the Armed Forces executed coordinated strikes targeting Pakistani air defense systems in Lahore, aiming to neutralize multiple threats posed by drones and missiles launched from across the border.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has firmly rejected claims made by Pakistan that its forces shot down an Indian S-400 missile system, labeling the allegations as “completely false and baseless.” Vikram Misri, deputy national security advisor, remarked, “These are deliberate distortions meant to cover up Pakistan’s military failures.”
Indian forces reported successful interceptions of incoming missiles and drones targeting key installations in RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, Hiranagar, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The Indian Air Force also downed Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 Thunder jets that had launched from the Sargodha air base, a strategic Pakistani military facility.
Among the primary targets of India's retaliatory action were Pakistani military bases in Lahore, including air defense units. In a significant operational achievement, India destroyed over 50 Pakistani drones that were attempting infiltration and sabotage. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, during the press briefing, disclosed that Pakistan had employed drones, loitering munitions, long-range weapons, and fighter aircraft to conduct coordinated strikes against Indian air bases located in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, Bathinda, and Sirsa. “They even targeted civilian infrastructure like health facilities and schools,” she added.
As tensions escalated, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened high-level meetings with the tri-services chiefs, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also reviewed the evolving situation at South Block. Amid these developments, the Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed the destruction of a terrorist launch pad located in Looni, Sialkot, Pakistan.
Indian security forces remain on high alert as troop mobilization along the Line of Control (LoC) has been heightened, particularly in sectors like Baramulla, Akhnoor, and Poonch, where Pakistan has initiated heavy shelling. India has asserted its commitment to exercising restraint, emphasizing that its strikes are solely targeting military assets in response to Pakistan’s aggression.
Reports from multiple sources indicate that an Indian surface-to-air missile successfully shot down a Pakistani Air Force F-16 fighter jet near the Sargodha Airbase, approximately 270 kilometers from the international border. This incident occurred as Pakistan attempted to target Jammu with drones and missiles, but its efforts were thwarted by Indian defenses. The F-16, a key component of Pakistan's air fleet, was launched from one of the country’s most heavily guarded airbases.
In a significant escalation, a large explosion was reported at the Sargodha Airbase, coinciding with Operation Sindoor, where nine terrorist hideouts were reportedly destroyed and over 90 terrorists killed. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has vowed to seek revenge for “every drop of blood spilled in Operation Sindoor,” signaling a potential escalation in hostilities.
The DG of Inter-Services Public Relations in Pakistan stated that the military has been granted full authority to retaliate, further heightening tensions between the two nations. On May 8, the Pakistani army attempted to launch attacks on multiple military posts across northern and western India, including locations such as Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, and Pathankot, but these efforts were met with robust resistance from the Indian Army, which successfully thwarted the attacks.
The Indian Army’s response, utilizing the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Missile System, resulted in the complete destruction of Pakistan’s air defense capabilities. As both nations continue to engage in military posturing, the situation remains highly volatile.
In light of these developments, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint from various global leaders. The potential for further escalation remains, and both nations are on heightened alert as military operations continue to unfold.
As the conflict escalates, the implications for regional stability are profound. The use of advanced military technology by both sides raises concerns about the potential for a broader conflict, while the targeting of civilian infrastructure adds a troubling dimension to the ongoing hostilities.
In summary, India’s Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict with Pakistan, characterized by precision strikes and heightened military readiness on both sides. The international community watches closely as the situation develops, hoping for a resolution that avoids further bloodshed.
