Terrorists armed with weapons came out of the pine forests in Baisaran meadow, located in South Pahalgam on April 22. They opened fire on innocent civilians. So far, the attack has claimed 26 lives. Since the incident, tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan.
In response, India took strict measures against Pakistan. Officials in New Delhi paused the Indus Waters Treaty. They also suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals and instructed them to leave India. Moreover, India recently banned all Pakistani imports and restricted Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports.
India Plans to Block Terror Funding
The Modi government has prepared more actions to stop the funding of terrorism in Pakistan. Reports say India may approach global agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The aim is to reduce the financial support reaching Pakistan. Still, a major question remains — will India respond with a military operation?
Indian Navy Flexes Muscle in Arabian Sea
Over the weekend, the Indian Navy issued a navigation warning. It asked commercial ships to be cautious due to ongoing naval drills in the Arabian Sea. At the same time, the Navy posted videos of its warships conducting anti-ship missile tests. These videos showed BrahMos missiles being fired from Kolkata-class destroyers, as well as Nilgiri and Krivak-class frigates.
In a strong message on X, the Navy said, “Indian Navy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems, and crew for long-range precision offensive strike. Indian Navy stands combat-ready, credible, and future-ready in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests Anytime Anywhere Anyhow.”
Air Force Shows Strength in Uttar Pradesh
Alongside the Navy drills, the Indian Air Force carried out a night-time exercise on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The drill took place near Piru village under Jalalabad Police Station. On Friday night, fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and M-32 performed landings and combat maneuvers on a 3.5-kilometre airstrip.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi told that “Multiple fighter jets carried out successful sorties as part of a night operational exercise. The drill involved precision landings, coordinated take-offs, and tactical operations by jets such as Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and M-32.”
Blackout Rehearsal at Punjab Cantonment
Meanwhile, the Indian Army conducted a 30-minute blackout drill at Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab on Sunday, May 4. The exercise began at 9 pm and ended around 9:30 pm. It aimed to test readiness for blackout conditions during potential threats.
Before the drill, authorities used loudspeakers to inform residents about the practice. This blackout drill reminded many of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. During that time, turning off lights was a common method to avoid detection by enemy aircraft.
#IndianNavy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long range precision offensive strike.#IndianNavy stands #CombatReady #Credible and #FutureReady in safeguarding the nation’s maritime… pic.twitter.com/NWwSITBzKK
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 27, 2025
Rajnath Singh’s Strong Statement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a strong declaration on Sunday. He said it was his duty to work with the armed forces and give a firm reply to anyone who threatens India. Singh said, “I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, what you desire will certainly happen.”
#WATCH | Delhi | While addressing the Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "As a nation, our brave soldiers have always protected the physical form of India, while on the other hand, our sages and wise men have protected the spiritual form of India.… pic.twitter.com/22QhC3MkiI
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025
Earlier on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, he had promised action. At that time, he stated, “The government will take every step that is necessary and appropriate. We will not only trace those who perpetrated this incident, we will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scene, have conspired to carry out the nefarious act on Indian soil.” He assured that those behind the attack would face a strong response soon and said India would not be intimidated by terrorism.
Modi Meets Military Chiefs for Strategic Planning
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Air Force Chief AP Singh. The meeting focused on reviewing the IAF’s preparedness in case of a military response. Earlier that day, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had also updated Modi on the situation in the northern Arabian Sea.
These meetings followed a major discussion five days earlier. During that session, Modi met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During the meeting, Modi reportedly said, “They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response.” Sources confirmed that Modi expressed full confidence in the armed forces’ abilities.
