New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — Amid heightened tensions and active hostilities between India and Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a critical meeting in the capital on Friday morning with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The meeting came just hours after a major escalation from Pakistan, which launched a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting several key Indian military installations.
India Thwarts Overnight Assaults Under ‘Operation Sindoor’
On the intervening night of May 8 and 9, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched coordinated strikes on Indian positions across the western front, targeting military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, as well as multiple cities in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. However, Indian air defense systems, already on high alert under Operation Sindoor, intercepted several of these projectiles mid-air, averting mass casualties and infrastructure damage.
Responding swiftly and decisively, the Indian Army and Air Force launched targeted retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions along the Line of Control (LoC) and deep within Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Sources confirmed that numerous Pakistani military posts were destroyed using precision-guided anti-tank missiles, drones, and heavy artillery.
Blackouts, Ceasefire Violations, and Civilian Impact
A massive blackout was reported across Srinagar, Jammu, and parts of Punjab and Rajasthan late Thursday night, with residents describing the skies lit by interceptor missiles and aerial dogfights. The blackout was a precautionary measure to reduce visibility for enemy drones and to protect civilian areas from becoming unintended targets.
The Indian Army confirmed that Pakistan initiated multiple ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the LoC using mortars, artillery, and rocket-propelled grenades. In response, Indian forces returned fire with superior precision, neutralizing key Pakistani positions.
“The Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. All nefarious designs will be responded to with decisive force,” said an official Army statement.
Tragically, Pakistan’s indiscriminate shelling led to the deaths of at least 16 civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with dozens injured. Relief and evacuation efforts are currently underway, with military medics and disaster response teams deployed in affected areas.
Backdrop of Escalation: Pahalgam Terror Attack and Indus Water Treaty Suspension
The current conflict marks a dramatic escalation in Indo-Pak hostilities following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 Indian soldiers and civilians were killed in a meticulously planned militant strike. India has accused Pakistan-based groups of orchestrating the attack and providing them with state-backed support.
In a historic move, India responded by suspending the Indus Water Treaty, a decades-old bilateral agreement governing river water sharing. This was followed by India’s launch of 24 coordinated missile strikes across nine locations inside Pakistan and PoK, reportedly killing 70 terrorists and injuring at least 60 more. The strikes were carried out in under 25 minutes, indicating a high level of military precision and strategic synchronization.
Rajnath Singh’s Strategic Meeting: Reviewing Preparedness
Friday’s high-level security meeting was aimed at assessing the current situation and determining the next course of action. Sources inside the Ministry of Defence described the discussions as “comprehensive,” covering:
- Operational readiness of all three military branches
- Countermeasures against further drone and missile attacks
- Potential cyber, aerial, and ground-based escalations
- Protection of civilian populations in border areas
- Global diplomatic outreach to prevent international fallout
India’s Stand: Strategic Deterrence Coupled with Tactical Precision
Government sources emphasized that India’s response is not aimed at war, but at eliminating threats that compromise its national security. “India does not seek war, but will not hesitate to neutralize danger wherever it originates,” a senior defence official stated.
Meanwhile, global powers including the United States, Russia, and the United Nations have expressed concern over the intensifying situation, calling for immediate de-escalation. However, both India and Pakistan remain firm in their respective national security postures.
