Defence Minister Reviews Security Posture After Missile, Drone Attacks from Pakistan
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs on Friday morning to review the security situation following a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan overnight.
The high-level meeting, held in the national capital, came hours after India successfully repelled a second wave of aerial strikes under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to cross-border aggression and recent ceasefire violations.
Wave of Attacks Across Western Sector
The Ministry of Defence stated that Pakistan Armed Forces initiated multiple coordinated attacks using drones and munitions across India’s western front late Thursday night. The offensive began around 8:30 p.m. and targeted military stations and civilian areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab, as well as in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.
The Indian Army responded swiftly, intercepting drone threats and engaging in retaliatory strikes along the Line of Control (LoC).
A brief but widespread blackout was reported from Srinagar, Jammu, and several parts of Punjab and Rajasthan, though authorities have yet to confirm if the outages were directly linked to the attacks.
Indian Forces Respond with Precision Strikes
Military sources confirmed that Indian forces launched targeted retaliatory operations, destroying several Pakistani military posts along the LoC. The response reportedly included the use of anti-tank guided missiles and other precision weaponry.
The Indian Army, in an official statement, said:
“Drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to ceasefire violations. The Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded to with force.”
Background: Escalation After Indus Treaty Suspension
Tensions between the two countries have escalated sharply since India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
In response to that incident, India reportedly launched 24 missile strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on April 26, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 militants and injuries to over 60 others. Government sources said the strikes were carried out in under 25 minutes and were synchronised to minimise detection and maximise strategic impact.
Following the strikes, Pakistan has reportedly resorted to “arbitrary and indiscriminate” artillery shelling across the LoC. Civilian casualties in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have risen, with at least 16 fatalities reported.
The Indian Army continues to retaliate in what it has described as a “measured and resolute” manner.
