India to Hold Special Briefing Amid Escalating Cross-Border Tensions and Drone Strikes
Amid intensifying tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government scheduled a special briefing on Saturday.
The session was planned for 5:45 am at the South Block of the Secretariat Building, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Series of Drone Attacks Across Indian Territory
This briefing followed a second consecutive night of drone attacks launched by Pakistan, targeting 26 cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
These attacks came shortly after explosions were reported at several Pakistani airbases in Rawalpindi and Shorkot. Additionally, blasts were heard across cities including Islamabad and Lahore.
The Pakistan Army alleged that ballistic missiles were fired by India but landed within Indian territory.
In retaliation to these drone incursions, India struck back, hitting locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, particularly Neelam Valley and Sialkot.
High-Level Meeting Led by PM Modi
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and other top officials.
During Saturday’s briefing by the Ministries of External Affairs and Defence, it was revealed that Pakistan had moved its military troops forward, indicating aggressive intent.
India Responds with Responsibility
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, addressed the press.
Misri stated, “I have said on numerous earlier occasions, it is Pakistani actions that have constituted provocation and escalation. In response, India has defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion to these provocations and these escalations by the Pakistani side.”
Pakistan’s Offensive Operations at Western Border
Colonel Qureshi highlighted that the Pakistani army was attacking India’s western borders using drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets.
She said, “Pakistani army is continuously attacking the western borders; it has used drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets to attack India’s military sites.”
Pakistan also attempted airspace infiltration at over 26 sites, damaging assets at Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda air bases.
Civilian Infrastructure Targeted
Colonel Qureshi further condemned Pakistan’s attacks on civil infrastructure.
She added, “As a condemnable and unprofessional act, Pakistan targeted hospitals and school premises at air bases at Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur. This once again revealed their irresponsible tendency of attacking civil infrastructure.”
Missile Attacks and Indian Retaliation
Wing Commander Singh reported multiple high-speed missile attacks after 1:40 am on May 10 at air bases in Punjab.
She said, “There were also several high-speed missile attacks noticed, subsequently after 01:40 hours in the night at several air bases in Punjab.”
India responded by targeting military bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian with precision-guided weapons and air-launched ammunition. Singh emphasized that India hit only military targets and ensured minimal collateral damage.
Radar and Command Sites Hit in Pakistan
Colonel Qureshi elaborated on India’s retaliation: “After Pakistan deliberately targeted air bases, Indian armed forces took a quick and well-planned retaliatory action and targeted technical installations, command and control centres, radar sites, and arms stores.” Targets included radar sites in Pasrur and aviation facilities in Sialkot.
Misinformation Campaign Countered
India categorically denied misinformation spread by Pakistan, including claims about the destruction of Indian S-400 systems, airfields, and ammunition depots.
Wing Commander Singh called out these false narratives being circulated online, adding that Indian Armed Forces are on alert and prepared to counter all aerial threats.
Pakistan’s Civilian Targeting and Propaganda
Foreign Secretary Misri condemned Pakistan’s consistent targeting of civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
He said, “Pakistan continues with its execrable and wanton campaign of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.”
Attempts to Sow Discord Rejected
Misri also dismissed Pakistani claims of missile attacks near Sri Amritsar Sahib as “ludicrous” and said, “These lame attempts to divide India are doomed to failure.”
Referring to the Pakistani Army spokesperson’s comments encouraging Indian public criticism of their government, Misri responded, “It is the hallmark of an open and functioning democracy. Pakistan’s unfamiliarity with that, again, should not be surprising.”
Clarification on Afghanistan Allegations
He also refuted claims that Indian missiles hit Afghanistan, labelling them “ludicrous” and a “frivolous allegation”.
He remarked, “Afghan people do not need to be reminded about which country has, on multiple occasions in just the last one and a half years, targeted civilian populations and civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan.”
Drone Sightings Along Border
A post by the Ministry of Defence on X confirmed drone activity at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC.
The post read, “Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala.”
The Ministry assured that the Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high alert level and responding swiftly to aerial threats.
