India Responds to Pakistan’s Provocation with Targeted Strikes, Reiterates Commitment to Non-Escalation

New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply overnight as Indian Armed Forces carried out precise retaliatory strikes on Pakistani air defence systems following a series of attempted drone and missile attacks by Pakistan on Indian military installations.

In a press briefing on Operation SINDOOR held on May 7, India had described its military response as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” clearly stating that no Pakistani military establishments had been targeted. However, the situation intensified hours later.

Between the night of May 7 and the early hours of May 8, Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile strikes targeting multiple military locations across Northern and Western India, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. These attacks were swiftly intercepted and neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence Systems. Debris recovered from the impacted zones has confirmed Pakistan’s aggressive posture.

In a calibrated counter-response, India launched strikes on Pakistani Air Defence Radars and systems, specifically targeting installations without escalating into broader conflict. Notably, an air defence system in Lahore was reported to have been neutralized.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also intensified unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC), employing mortars and heavy artillery in sectors such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. Tragically, this barrage has claimed the lives of 16 civilians, including three women and five children.

“In light of continued provocations, India was compelled to act to bring Pakistani fire to a halt,” an official statement from the Indian Armed Forces said. However, the statement reiterated India’s stance: “The Armed Forces remain committed to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.”