In a significant escalation, the Indian Navy has launched a powerful counteroffensive following coordinated retaliatory strikes by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army on Thursday evening. INS Vikrant, deployed in the Arabian Sea, has commenced targeted attacks on key Pakistani assets in Karachi, causing widespread damage and triggering large-scale fires, including at the city’s port, according to national television reports.
The naval strike comes after Pakistan reportedly launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Indian positions earlier in the day, targeting areas such as Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. All incoming threats were successfully neutralized by Indian air defence systems. Simultaneously, reports suggest Indian forces have struck multiple metro cities across Pakistan. Explosions were heard near Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence in Islamabad, and curfews have been imposed across several provinces as tensions rise.
In anticipation of further conflict, blackout protocols have been enforced in key border states, including areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. This latest escalation follows India’s strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. In the overnight hours of May 6 and 7, India had launched precision missile strikes on terror camps operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), hitting at least nine key locations.
The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold. On Thursday night, May 8, India swiftly foiled Pakistan’s attempts to hit various key Indian installations, including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur with drones and missiles, the Defence Ministry reported. The Pakistani drones and missiles were effectively engaged by the Indian armed forces, thwarting the enemy’s attempts.
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. The situation escalated further as Pakistan’s Army attempted to attack population centers in India, including Jammu, parts of Punjab, and Jaisalmer. Reports indicate that Pakistan's drones and missiles were intercepted, and intense shelling was reported in Northern Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor, the Indian military’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has seen India targeting only terrorist centers in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In contrast, Pakistan has been accused of attacking India's civilian population centers. The Indian Navy has been activated and has taken an aggressive posture, with sources confirming that the navy is prepared for further action.
Blackout protocols have been instituted in various regions, and air raid sirens have been activated in Udhampur district of Jammu. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma of Rajasthan is receiving real-time updates from border area officials as tensions escalate.
On the operational front, 30 Pakistani missiles headed towards Jaisalmer have been intercepted by India's air defence system. Additionally, reports indicate that Pakistani forces have targeted civilians in the Uri and Kupwara sectors, leading to heavy artillery exchanges.
In the wake of the ongoing conflict, Indian authorities have imposed curfews in several provinces and have initiated blackout protocols in areas including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to hold a media briefing to provide updates on the situation.
On May 8, Indian Air Defence systems successfully intercepted and shot down a Pakistani projectile in Amritsar, Punjab, further demonstrating the effectiveness of India's military capabilities. Reports indicate that two Pakistani fighter jets have also been downed, showcasing the Indian military's readiness to counter threats.
As the situation develops, the Indian government has ordered the temporary closure of at least 21 airports across northern and north-western regions of the country, affecting flight operations significantly. This decision follows heightened security protocols in light of the escalating tensions along the border.
In a significant diplomatic move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered all OTT platforms and digital intermediaries to remove any content originating from Pakistan, citing national security concerns. This directive aims to curb the influence of Pakistani media in India amid rising tensions.
Meanwhile, the World Bank President Ajay Banga met with PM Modi to discuss the implications of the ongoing conflict, highlighting international concern over the situation. The European Union has condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, calling for accountability and justice for those responsible.
As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has granted the Indian Air Force full operational freedom to act against any retaliatory actions initiated from Pakistan. The operation aims to dismantle terror infrastructure and respond proportionately to cross-border attacks.
In a show of solidarity, the Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army paid tribute to Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, who was martyred during ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control. The Indian military remains resolute in its commitment to protect the nation and its citizens.
In light of the current geopolitical situation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has canceled all types of leave for government employees, ensuring that essential services remain operational during this critical time. Hospitals and security forces are on high alert, prepared for any potential escalation.
As tensions remain high, both nations are bracing for further developments. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, with national security advisors and military leaders engaged in ongoing assessments and strategic planning.
