Amid growing military tension between India and Pakistan, India has strongly criticized Pakistan’s actions, describing them as both “escalatory” and “provocative.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made these remarks during a press conference on Saturday, where he also presented proof of Pakistan’s aggressive activities and addressed the misinformation spread by the neighboring country.
Pakistan Sends Drones for Third Day, India Hits Back
For the third consecutive day, Pakistan attempted to launch drones towards Indian territory. These actions followed India’s military operation, ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which took place on May 7. In that operation, Indian forces hit nine terror-related targets inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In response to continued aggression from across the western border and the Line of Control (LoC), India launched precise strikes against important Pakistani military infrastructure. These included command and control centers, radar installations, ammunition depots, and technical units.
India Responds Cautiously, Yet Firmly
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the Pakistan Army is moving troops closer to forward locations. She clarified that India has responded to every provocation carefully but is still open to peace if Pakistan chooses to act responsibly.
She said, “India has countered all hostile actions with measured responses, it remains committed to de-escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocates with restraint.”
Foreign Secretary Misri, during his briefing, urged citizens not to believe in Pakistan’s “tissue of lies” and warned against falling for fake news coming from Pakistani authorities.
Key Developments in India-Pakistan Conflict
High-Level Security Meeting Called by PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a key meeting at his residence in Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and senior military leaders were present. This urgent meeting came after India struck four Pakistani airbases early Saturday morning in retaliation for Pakistan’s attacks on 26 Indian locations.
Blasts Reported in Srinagar
Several explosions were heard in Srinagar on Saturday, shortly after similar incidents occurred in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Two big blasts took place near Srinagar airport around 11:45 am, causing blackouts in parts of the city. Sirens were heard in many areas. Earlier in the day, Indian forces had successfully blocked drone attacks coming from Pakistan in the region.
Pakistan Offers Possible De-escalation
Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Islamabad may consider lowering tensions if India stops further military action. He insisted Pakistan was acting defensively, taking only necessary measures.
“Pakistan will consider de-escalation if India stops further attacks. However, if India launches any further strikes our response will follow,” Dar stated. His remarks were echoed by another Pakistani minister even as both countries continued to fire missiles at each other’s positions over the past 12 hours.
India Rejects Pakistan’s Misinformation Campaign
During a media interaction, senior Indian officials — Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sophia Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — addressed Pakistan’s false claims.
They said Pakistan was spreading fake news about damage to India’s military assets like the S-400 air defence system in Adhampur, airbases in Suratgarh and Sirsa, the BrahMos missile facility in Nagrota, and artillery units in Chandigarh and Dehrangyari. India denied these claims and called them part of a malicious misinformation campaign.
India Destroys Drones After Pakistan Targets 26 Sites
According to Indian defence officials, the Army intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Pakistan early Saturday around 5 am. These drones were heading toward northern and western India.
Immediately afterward, India responded with airstrikes targeting Pakistani positions. Skirmishes were also reported along multiple areas near the LoC, and the exchange of fire continued.
Drones Detected at Multiple Indian Locations
Amid the ongoing conflict, drones were spotted at 26 different Indian locations, ranging from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south. Defence officials believe these drones were likely armed and aimed at both civilian and military targets.
Some of the locations where drones were seen include Srinagar, Avantipora, Jammu, Pathankot, Fazilka, Barmer, Bhuj, Ferozepur, and Lalgarh Jatta.
Pakistan Claims Indian Missiles Targeted Its Airbases
According to Pakistan’s state media PTV News, Indian missiles and drones reportedly hit three Pakistani airbases: Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal), and Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang district).
However, Pakistan claimed its air assets were not damaged. In retaliation, Pakistan carried out “Operation Bunyan al-Marsous,” or “Iron Wall,” using Fateh-1 medium-range missiles.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Indian jets had fired air-to-surface missiles.
Viral Claim of Missile Strike on Delhi Airport Debunked
A video circulated online suggesting a missile strike at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissed it as fake. Airport operations returned to normal on Saturday, though security measures were increased due to ongoing tensions.
Civilian Flights Suspended at 32 Indian Airports
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has temporarily shut down 32 airports in north and west India for civilian operations. The closure is set to last until May 14, 2025, and affects airports like Adhampur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Srinagar, Leh, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Uttarlai. These closures were implemented to maintain national security amid the escalating situation.
