New Delhi – In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, the Indian government denounced Pakistan’s recent cross-border actions as “provocative and escalatory,” accusing Islamabad of targeting key air force stations in Punjab. The statement came during a high-level MEA press conference addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
The press briefing followed a night of intense military exchanges as India launched calibrated retaliatory strikes in response to Pakistan’s wave of drone and missile attacks aimed at military installations across Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab.
The Indian Army revealed that several Pakistani drones were intercepted over Amritsar around 5 a.m. and reiterated its commitment to “thwart enemy designs” across the border. Northern India witnessed a tense night with loud explosions shaking cities from Jammu to Pathankot. In Rajouri, heavy shelling struck close to the main town, while Pathankot—home to a critical air base—was placed on high alert following multiple pre-dawn blasts. Local residents were advised to stay indoors, and anti-aircraft guns were seen in action.
Srinagar, Baramulla, and Udhampur also reported aerial threats, with blasts heard in the vicinity of Srinagar airport early in the morning. According to Army sources, this marked the second consecutive night of drone swarm attacks from Pakistan, aimed at destabilizing key military zones.
Although India’s air defense successfully neutralised many of these threats, one armed drone crashed in a civilian area in Ferozepur, Punjab, injuring several members of a local family.
Late Friday, the Army confirmed Pakistani drones had been spotted at 26 different locations across the country—from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in Gujarat—highlighting the extensive reach and coordination of the attempted attacks.
India’s swift and robust response under Operation Sindoor underscores its readiness to defend national sovereignty amid growing regional tensions.
