New Delhi: In a high-level press briefing held in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, along with Colonel Sophia Kureshi and Wing Commander Vomika Singh, revealed the details of Pakistan’s recent provocations along the western border and the decisive Indian response.
The briefing highlighted Pakistan’s reckless drone and missile attacks, and the swift retaliation by the Indian Armed Forces.
Pakistan’s Reckless Drone and Missile Attacks
On the intervening night of May 8-9, Pakistan’s military launched multiple airspace violations across the western border, targeting Indian military installations. The attacks included heavy-caliber weapon fire along the Line of Control (LoC) and attempts at drone intrusions from Leh to Sir Creek.
A staggering 300-400 drones were deployed, attempting aerial incursions at 36 locations.
The drone debris recovered is undergoing forensic analysis, with initial reports identifying several drones as Turkish-origin “Assist” models supplied to Pakistan.
Failed Strike on Bhatinda, India Retaliates
Among the attacks, an armed Pakistani UAV targeted the Bhatinda military station but was swiftly detected and neutralized. In response, India launched armed drones targeting four key air defense sites within Pakistan, with one drone successfully destroying an air defense (AD) radar.
In addition to drone assaults, Pakistan’s military carried out heavy artillery shelling across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting areas like Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur. The shelling caused injuries among Indian personnel, but the Indian Army’s counter-artillery fire inflicted significant losses on the Pakistani side.
Pakistan’s Reckless Use of Civil Airspace
Highlighting Pakistan’s irresponsible behavior, the Indian government revealed that despite launching a drone and missile attack on May 7, 2025, Pakistan did not close its civil airspace. Civilian aircraft, including an Airbus A320 of FlyNAS Aviation, continued flying along routes between Karachi and Lahore, dangerously close to active conflict zones.
The Indian Air Force, on the other hand, maintained strict air defense protocols, ensuring that its side of the airspace was free of civilian flights during the high-alert period.
Pakistan Targets Religious Sites, Denies Responsibility
In an obvious revelation, Foreign Secretary Mishri exposed Pakistan’s shelling of religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir, including a Gurdwara in Poonch where several members of the Sikh community lost their lives.
Despite clear evidence, Pakistan denied responsibility, accusing India of targeting its own religious sites—a claim dismissed as baseless by Indian officials.
Further, Pakistani shelling damaged a Christian convent in Poonch, killing two students and severely injuring their parents. The Indian government condemned Pakistan’s desperate attempts to create communal tensions.
India’s Firm Stand and Diplomatic Outreach
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that the Indian government has engaged in diplomatic outreach with global partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway, briefing them on Pakistan’s provocative actions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts to ensure global awareness of the situation.
No Room for Escalation, Only Firm Response
“India remains committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its citizens,” Foreign Secretary Mishri stated, emphasizing that India will continue to respond decisively to any attempts at destabilization.
The press briefing ended with a clear message to Pakistan—India will not tolerate acts of aggression, and any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.
