India Responds Strongly To Pakistani Drone And Missile Attacks

In a significant escalation of military tensions, Pakistan launched a series of drone and missile attacks targeting multiple locations across Northern and Western India on the night of May 7-8, 2025. The targeted sites included Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats using the Integrated Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Grid and advanced Air Defence Systems.

Debris from the neutralized drones and missiles is being recovered from various locations, providing undeniable evidence of the Pakistani attack. Authorities are currently analyzing this debris for further intelligence. Alongside the aerial assault, Pakistan has intensified its unprovoked cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) with heavy mortars and artillery, particularly affecting the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Tragically, this shelling has resulted in the deaths of sixteen innocent civilians, including three women and five children.

In retaliation, Indian forces launched targeted artillery fire, effectively neutralizing several Pakistani positions and bringing the shelling to a halt. Following this escalation, the Indian Armed Forces executed precision strikes targeting multiple Pakistani air defense radars and systems. Reports indicate that an air defense system in Lahore was successfully neutralized during these retaliatory actions.

The Ministry of Defence stated, "India's response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan’s unprovoked actions. The Indian Armed Forces remain fully prepared to protect the nation and maintain the sanctity of our borders." Security forces across Northern and Western India have been placed on high alert in light of these heightened hostilities, with authorities urging citizens in border areas to remain vigilant and follow local administrative instructions.

On the same day, reports emerged that India successfully thwarted a drone attack directed at Jalandhar, Punjab. The Pakistani military also carried out artillery fire in Jammu, Pathankot, and Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, firing eight missiles at targets including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. All missiles were intercepted and blocked by Indian air defense units.

Indian defense agencies responded swiftly to the drone activity, which has been characterized as reminiscent of Hamas-style attacks, with multiple cheap rockets being deployed. Blackouts were enforced in several districts across Punjab, including Bikaner, Jalandhar, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar, as a precautionary measure following real-time alerts from the Indian Air Force and Army.

In Pathankot, residents reported hearing loud noises that raised concerns of potential shelling from Pakistan, although no confirmation of such an attack was received. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and not to spread panic, emphasizing the necessity of the blackout measures to ensure public safety. Himanshu Aggarwal, the Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, highlighted the importance of adhering to blackout instructions, stating, "The blackout is a precautionary measure. We urge everyone to cooperate and follow the directives, as the security situation is fluid and subject to real-time developments."

Amidst these developments, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi addressed the Ministry of External Affairs' press briefing, stating that India's Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems successfully neutralized the threats posed by the recent Pakistani attacks. She confirmed that Indian Armed Forces targeted multiple air defense radars and systems across Pakistan in response to the escalation. "This morning, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. The Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan," she said.

Colonel Qureshi reiterated that India's response during Operation Sindoor was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, emphasizing that no military targets in Pakistan were targeted during the recent actions. She stated, "Any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response." This sentiment was echoed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who stressed that India’s intention has not been to escalate matters but rather to respond appropriately to Pakistan's aggression.

As the situation continues to develop, the Indian government has informed an all-party meeting that over 100 terrorists were reportedly killed in India’s precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan earlier this week. The Defence Ministry confirmed that on the night of May 7, Pakistan attempted to engage military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles, all of which were neutralized by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.

In summary, the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has reached a critical point, with both nations engaging in military actions that have resulted in significant civilian casualties and heightened tensions along the border. The Indian government remains committed to protecting its sovereignty while responding decisively to any acts of aggression from Pakistan.