In a decisive escalation of its counter-terrorism campaign, India Neutralises Pakistan Missiles and drones launched late Wednesday and early Thursday across multiple Indian cities. The attempted strikes targeted military installations in at least 15 cities across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat. India’s armed forces not only intercepted these threats but also retaliated by destroying Pakistani air defence systems, including radars located in Lahore, in what has been described as a “measured and equivalent response.”
The attempted missile and drone attack came just a day after Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strike mission targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). That operation was in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, and the latest Pakistani aggression is being seen as a direct but failed attempt to escalate tensions.
India’s Defence Systems Intercept Missile Barrage
According to government sources, Pakistan fired multiple missiles and drones aimed at high-value military targets in cities including Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and others. India’s response was swift and effective—its air defence systems, including the Russian-made S-400, intercepted and neutralised the incoming missiles mid-air.
Indian forces also deployed HARPY drones, designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), which were used to destroy Pakistan’s radar and air surveillance systems, effectively blinding their air defence networks in critical regions.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that India’s counter-response was “in the same domain and intensity” as Pakistan’s attack, underlining its resolve without crossing the threshold of broader escalation.
Operation Sindoor: The Root of the Retaliation
The Pakistan missile attack followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched at 1:05 AM on May 8, which involved 24 precision munitions targeting nine terror infrastructure sites—four in Pakistan and five in PoK. Indian fighter jets used HAMMER smart bombs and SCALP cruise missiles to strike targets including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s HQ in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s facilities in Bahawalpur, both key hubs for cross-border terror operations.
More than 100 terrorists were confirmed killed, as revealed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a briefing to an all-party meeting. The intelligence-based strikes were described as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”, carefully avoiding any Pakistani military bases or infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Escalation Despite India’s Warning
Despite India’s public warnings that any attacks on military assets would invite retaliation, Pakistan attempted to strike multiple Indian bases, violating previous norms of engagement. The Indian government stated that Pakistan’s actions ignored calls for non-escalation and constituted an act of military provocation.
In response, Indian forces carried out targeted strikes on Pakistani radar installations and electronic warfare centres, notably in Lahore, significantly degrading their ability to track incoming air threats. The retaliation, officials noted, was limited to military infrastructure and avoided civilian casualties.
Evidence Collection and International Messaging
Indian authorities confirmed that debris from intercepted Pakistani missiles and drones is being recovered, and will be used as material evidence to reinforce India’s case internationally regarding Pakistan’s continued aggression and support for terrorism.
This move echoes India’s diplomatic strategy after the 2019 Balakot strikes, where physical and forensic evidence was used to counter Pakistan’s narrative and win international backing.
Continued Firing Along the LoC and Civilian Impact
Alongside the missile and drone attacks, Pakistan has intensified cross-border shelling using mortars and artillery across the Line of Control (LoC). The affected sectors include Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri.
So far, 16 Indian civilians, including three women and five children, have been killed due to Pakistani shelling. One Indian Army soldier has also lost his life. The Indian government reiterated its stance that while the armed forces are prepared for escalation, they remain committed to non-escalation provided Pakistan respects that posture.
Ongoing Operation and All-Party Briefing
At an all-party meeting convened by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, opposition leaders were informed that Operation Sindoor remains active and dynamic, with further action dependent on Pakistan’s conduct. Singh reaffirmed that India’s approach is to neutralize terror threats without initiating war, but stressed that India will respond decisively if provoked again.
Conclusion
The India neutralises Pakistan missiles episode marks a significant turning point in the ongoing India-Pakistan standoff. With precision defence systems, swift retaliatory action, and calibrated strategic messaging, India has sent a clear signal: terror and provocation will not be tolerated, and military and diplomatic responses will follow every breach. As Operation Sindoor continues, India walks the line between firm national security action and strategic restraint, with full support from its defence establishment and growing international understanding.