In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces conducted a targeted operation early on May 7, 2025, destroying nine terror infrastructure sites within Pakistan, including a facility in Bahawalpur, a stronghold of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). This group has been linked to several high-profile terrorist attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, which killed over 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media on May 9, calling Pakistan's claims that Indian forces were attacking their own cities "a deranged fantasy." He emphasized that such allegations were an attempt by Pakistan to deflect attention from its own military actions, which included drone and missile strikes targeting Indian cities in Jammu and Punjab just days prior. Misri stated, "Instead of owning up to its actions, Pakistan made the preposterous and outrageous claims that it is the Indian armed forces that is targeting its own cities like Amritsar and trying to blame Pakistan."
The Pakistani military's aggression was a direct response to India's Operation Sindoor, which aimed to neutralize terror threats following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen. Misri condemned Pakistan's actions as escalatory, stating, "These provocative and escalatory actions taken by Pakistan last night were targeted at Indian cities and civilian infrastructure in addition to military establishments." He reiterated that India's response was measured and responsible, aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its citizens.
On the night of May 8 and into May 9, India successfully intercepted multiple drone and missile attacks from Pakistan, which sought to hit military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. Reports indicated that sirens and explosions were heard across several regions, including Akhnoor and Samba, as the Indian military maintained a heightened state of alert along the border.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Armed Forces detailed the scale of the Pakistani assault, revealing that approximately 300 to 400 drones were deployed in an attempt to gather intelligence and target Indian military infrastructure. Initial assessments suggested that these drones were Turkish Asisguard Songar models. In response, Indian forces utilized both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to neutralize the threats, successfully intercepting a drone that targeted the Bathinda Military Station in Punjab.
Pakistan's military actions were described as a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC). Misri pointed out that despite the failed attack, Pakistan did not close its civil airspace, effectively using commercial flights as a shield for its military operations. He remarked, "Pak was using its civil airliners as a shield; it was well aware that India will retaliate swiftly."
As the situation continues to evolve, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, expressed cautious optimism during a recent event, stating, "We should remain hopeful that the existing conflict does not escalate, and subsides." He acknowledged the interconnectedness of security, development, and economic growth, noting that industries typically recoil during conflict.
Ravi's comments came amid concerns about the economic impact of the ongoing military tensions, which have already led to casualties on both sides. He emphasized the need for resilience in the face of conflict, suggesting that businesses would likely adopt a risk-averse approach until the situation stabilizes.
The backdrop of this military conflict is steeped in a long history of hostility between India and Pakistan, with both nations frequently accusing each other of aggression and violations of sovereignty. The recent escalation has drawn international attention, with calls for diplomatic solutions to prevent further bloodshed.
As the Indian military remains on high alert, the focus now shifts to how both nations will navigate this precarious situation. The potential for further military engagements looms large, and the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
In summary, the recent military actions by India in response to Pakistan's provocations mark a critical juncture in the long-standing conflict between the two nations. With both sides exhibiting military readiness and a willingness to engage, the coming days will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of their relations.
