Escalation Across Borders: India Responds with Precision to Pakistani Drone and Missile Attacks

 New Delhi — Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a series of attempted drone strikes by Pakistan and a long-range missile launch aimed at the Indian capital, which was successfully intercepted. In response, India launched precision strikes on key military installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), underscoring its commitment to counter-terrorism and national security.

On Friday night, Indian armed forces initiated targeted countermeasures after thwarting Pakistani drone incursions across 26 sites spanning Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the sightings of multiple suspected armed drones along the International Border and the Line of Control, including strategic locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Barmer, and Bhuj.

In an aggressive escalation, Pakistan initiated “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” (translated as “Impenetrable Wall”), and launched a Fatah-II ballistic missile towards Delhi. The missile was intercepted in Haryana’s Sirsa district by India’s robust air defence systems, including the S-400 and Akashteer platforms.

Indian forces responded with a calibrated, yet forceful strike, deploying air-to-surface missiles against Pakistani airbases in Rawalpindi (Noor Khan), Chakwal (Murid), and Shorkot (Rafiqui). Two Pakistani fighter aircraft were downed—one near Srinagar and another in northern Kashmir.

Despite Pakistan’s continued shelling of civilian areas in Rajouri, Mendhar, and RS Pura—resulting in five civilian deaths including a senior J&K government official—India maintained its stated focus on neutralizing terror infrastructure. Indian officials reiterated that its operations, including Operation Sindoor, remain focused on pre-empting and responding to unprovoked aggression rooted in terrorism.

Pakistan's airspace was abruptly shut down, with commercial flights—including PIA218 to Peshawar—diverted or grounded. Explosions were reported in several major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad and Lahore, following the Indian counter-strikes.

The Defence Ministry also highlighted ongoing attempts by Pakistani forces to manipulate public perception through misinformation. A recent example includes the circulation of outdated visuals falsely portraying a downed Indian UAV in Gujranwala.

Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan’s ballistic missile launch and drone incursions appear to be a strategic escalation following its recent IMF bailout. “We are committed to a proportionate response,” said a top Indian official. “If provocations persist, our next action will be more intense.”

Background: The Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor

The current wave of hostilities was triggered by the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians—mostly tourists—were executed in a brutal act of cross-border terrorism. Victims were reportedly separated from their families and murdered at point-blank range after being forced to confirm their religious identity.

In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a firm declaration: “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. Terrorism will not go unpunished.”

Subsequently, Operation Sindoor was launched, lasting 25 minutes and targeting nine terror facilities across Pakistan and PoK using precision-guided munitions. The sites included Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters in Muridke, Jaish-e-Mohammed facilities in Bahawalpur, and multiple launch pads in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber.

According to Pakistani authorities, the strikes resulted in at least 26 fatalities and 46 injuries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the actions as “an act of war,” signaling a potential for further diplomatic and military fallout.

As both nations remain on high alert, India’s strategic objective remains clear: dismantling terrorist infrastructure while avoiding direct escalation with Pakistan’s conventional forces—unless provoked further.