In a swift and calibrated response to Pakistan’s late-night escalation attempt, Indian forces neutralised Pakistani drones and missiles aimed at 15 northern and western cities, including Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. The counter-strike disabled key air-defence radars in locations such as Lahore, ensuring that no military installation in India was compromised.

The Government of India emphasised that the response was “in the same domain and with the same intensity” as Pakistan’s initial aggression, underlining New Delhi’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty without unnecessary escalation. Sources indicate that India deployed HARPY loitering munitions to destroy the hostile radars, while Russia-supplied S-400 systems intercepted incoming missiles.

This action follows Operation Sindoor, a 25-minute precision strike on April 30-May 1, during which India targeted four terrorist camps in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That operation was a direct reply to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that over 100 terrorists were eliminated during those earlier strikes.

While India has reiterated its policy of non-escalation, it remains vigilant against any further cross-border provocations. Recent mortar and artillery fire along the Line of Control, which has tragically taken civilian and soldier lives, underscores the fragility of peace in the region. As tensions persist, the government continues to gather debris and intelligence to substantiate charges of Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.