Disclaimer: Please be aware that portions of this update have been summarised with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

10 May

2300 hr

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed Pakistan’s violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Source:

Pakistan’s Persistent Disinformation and Escalatory Actions Continue

Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the media to a briefing by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, accompanied by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, on the ongoing developments related to OPERATION SINDOOR.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri began by apologizing for the delay and reiterating that Pakistan’s actions over the past few days had been consistently escalatory and provocative. He emphasized that India had responded defensively and in a measured and responsible manner to these provocations. He noted a continuation of this pattern earlier that morning and invited Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh to provide an update.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh reported that the Pakistani military had persisted with its provocations, employing multiple threat vectors along the western border. This included the use of UCAVs, drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter aircraft targeting both civilian areas and military infrastructure. Pakistan also continued air intrusions using drones and heavy-caliber weapon firing along the Line of Control (LoC).

She detailed that air intrusions and harassment attacks were attempted at over 26 locations from Srinagar to Naliya along the International Border and the LoC. While the Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralized the majority of these threats, limited damage to equipment and personnel was sustained at Indian Air Force stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj. Several high-speed missile attacks were also detected after 01:40 hours at various air bases in Punjab.

Wing Commander Singh highlighted a “deplorable cowardly act” of targeting civilian infrastructure, with Pakistan attacking medicare centers and school premises at the air bases of Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur, again demonstrating irresponsible targeting. In a swift and calibrated response, the Indian Armed Forces conducted precision attacks solely on identified military targets, including technical infrastructure, command and control centers, radar sites, and weapon storage areas. Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter aircraft. Radar sites at Pasrur and the Sialkot aviation base were also targeted with precision munitions, with India ensuring minimum collateral damage during these responses.

She further addressed Pakistan’s “continued malicious misinformation campaign” involving false claims of destroying an Indian S-400 system at Adampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, a BrahMos base at Nagrota, RT gun positions at Dehrangyari, and the Chandigarh Forward Ammunition Depot, along with propagated heavy damage to other military stations on social media. India unequivocally rejected these false narratives.

Along the LoC, Pakistan attempted multiple air intrusions using drones and conducted shelling with heavy-caliber RT guns, targeting civilian infrastructure and resulting in civilian casualties. Heavy exchanges of artillery mortars and small-arm fire continued in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor sectors. The Indian Army responded effectively and proportionately, inflicting extensive damage on the Pakistan Army.

Wing Commander Singh noted the observed movement of Pakistani troops into forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation. She affirmed that the Indian Armed Forces remained in a high state of operational readiness and that all hostile actions had been effectively countered and responded to appropriately. She reiterated India’s commitment to non-escalation, provided it was reciprocated by the Pakistan Military, and presented time-stamped images of Air Force bases in the Punjab and Rajasthan sectors (Sirsa and Suratgarh) to debunk Pakistani claims of destruction, clearly showing normalcy at these stations.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri thanked Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh and added a few concluding points. He reiterated that Pakistan’s claims regarding its actions were heavily laden with lies, misinformation, and propaganda, often peddled by Pakistani state agencies. He specifically refuted claims of destroying the Air Force Stations in Sirsa and Suratgarh, as well as the S-400 base at Adampur and large sections of Indian critical infrastructure, urging the public not to be misled by this “tissue of lies.”

He emphasized Pakistan’s continued “execrable and wanton campaign” of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, along with its consistent attempts to sow discord between communities in India. He highlighted the shelling of Rajouri earlier that morning, resulting in the death of the Additional District Development Commissioner Shri Raj Kumar Thapa, and reported overnight damage to property and injuries to civilians in Ferozepur and Jalandhar.

Shri Misri also dismissed as ludicrous Pakistani claims of India firing missiles towards Shri Amritsar Sahib, stating that these “lame attempts to divide India” were doomed to failure. He noted the Pakistani Army Spokesman’s apparent delight in the Indian public criticizing their own government, stating that such criticism was a hallmark of an open democracy, something Pakistan seemed unfamiliar with.

Finally, he addressed the “completely ludicrous claim” of Indian missiles hitting Afghanistan as a totally frivolous allegation, reminding the audience of Pakistan’s repeated targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure in Afghanistan in the recent past.

Shri Misri concluded by stating that the situation was evolving and therefore they would not be taking questions at this time but would continue to provide updates.

New Delhi May 10, 2025

Source:

09 May

Pakistan’s Escalatory Actions and India’s Measured Response

Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal commenced the press briefing, introducing Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, accompanied by Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, to provide updates on the ongoing developments surrounding OPERATION SINDOOR.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri greeted everyone and requested Colonel Sofia Qureshi to begin with a briefing on the events since early morning.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi yielded to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh detailed that during the night of 8th-9th May 2025, the Pakistan military carried out multiple airspace violations along the entire western border with the apparent intention of targeting military infrastructure. Simultaneously, Pakistan resorted to heavy-caliber weapon firing along the Line of Control (LoC).

She reported numerous drone intrusions, approximately 300 to 400 drones across 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek along the International Border and LoC. Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted and downed a number of these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic means. The large-scale aerial intrusions were likely aimed at testing India’s Air Defence systems and gathering intelligence.

Wing Commander Singh stated that forensic examination of the drone debris was underway, with preliminary reports identifying them as ASISGUARD SONGAR drones of Turkish origin. Later that night, an armed Pakistani UAV attempted to target the Bathinda military station but was detected and neutralized.

In response to Pakistan’s aggression, India launched armed drones targeting four air defence sites within Pakistan. One of these drones successfully destroyed an AD radar.

Furthermore, Pakistan initiated artillery shelling across the LoC using heavy-caliber artillery guns and armed drones in areas including Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in casualties and injuries to Indian Army personnel. The Indian retaliatory fire inflicted significant losses on the Pakistan Army.

Wing Commander Singh also highlighted Pakistan’s irresponsible conduct in failing to close its civil airspace despite launching an unprovoked drone and missile attack on 7th May evening. She pointed out that Pakistan was using civil airliners as a shield, fully aware that its attack would provoke a swift Air Defence response from India. This endangered unsuspecting civil airliners, including international flights operating near the India-Pakistan International Border.

She presented a screenshot from Flightradar24 during a high air defence alert in the Punjab sector, illustrating the complete absence of civil air traffic on the Indian side due to declared airspace closure, while civil airlines continued to fly routes between Karachi and Lahore. Notably, an Airbus 320 of Flynas Aviation, originating from Dammam and landing in Lahore, was highlighted as an example of the risk taken by Pakistan. Wing Commander Singh emphasized the Indian Air Force’s considerable restraint in its response, ensuring the safety of international civil carriers.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri then added a few points, referring to Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh’s briefing on Pakistan’s “cowardly actions” the previous night.

He stated that Pakistan’s provocative and escalatory actions targeted Indian cities and civilian infrastructure, in addition to military targets. He affirmed that the Indian Armed Forces responded proportionately, adequately, and responsibly to these attacks.

Shri Misri strongly condemned the Pakistani state machinery’s “blatantly farcical denial” of these attacks as another instance of their duplicity and disinformation campaign.

He also addressed Pakistan’s claims of not targeting religious places, reminding the audience of the attack on a Gurdwara in Poonch the previous day. He denounced Pakistan’s “preposterous and outrageous claim” that the Indian Armed Forces were targeting cities like Amritsar, attempting to shift blame. He asserted that this was a desperate and typical attempt by Pakistan to disown its aggression and deceive the world, which would not succeed. He reiterated that the Gurdwara in Poonch was attacked by Pakistan, resulting in the loss of life of Sikh community members, including the ‘Ragi’ (Sikh religious singer). He suggested that images of this attack were available on television.

Shri Misri further stated that the notion of India attacking its own cities was a “deranged fantasy” characteristic of the Pakistani State, possibly stemming from their own history of such actions.

His final point addressed the disinformation from Pakistan regarding an alleged Indian drone attack on the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. He labeled this as another blatant lie and part of Pakistan’s ongoing disinformation campaign. Drawing a parallel with the Pahalgam attack, he accused Pakistan of desperately trying to impart a communal hue to the situation to create discord, emphasizing that India’s steadfast unity posed a challenge to Pakistan.

Shri Misri then opened the floor for a limited number of questions.

  • Siddhant (CNN News18) inquired about the status of the Kartarpur Corridor. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri responded that due to the prevailing security situation along the entire India-Pakistan border, the services of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor had been suspended until further notice, with updates to be provided as the situation changes.
  • Rishabh (Times Now) asked about the reported attack on the Carmelite Nuns Church in Jammu, in addition to the Gurdwara. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri expressed deep regret and condemnation for this incident. He detailed that during heavy shelling across the LoC on the morning of 7th May, a Pakistani shell landed behind the Christ School in Poonch, tragically hitting the home of two students who lost their lives, with their parents severely injured. Another Pakistani shell struck a Christian Convent of Nuns, damaging water tanks and solar panel infrastructure. He noted that several priests, nuns, school staff, and local residents took refuge in an underground hall during the shelling. He highlighted a pattern of Pakistan targeting places of worship, including Gurdwaras, convents, and temples, calling it a new low.
  • (Approximate translation) Pranay Upadhyay (Amar Ujala) referred to Shri Misri’s previous remarks on Pakistan’s IMF bailout and the Indus Water Treaty, which drew a sharp reaction in Pakistan, followed by border incursions. He sought an assessment of Pakistan’s bailout and actions, and whether India would respond in kind to the recent 24-hour actions. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri reiterated that the Indus Water Treaty was in abeyance, with no further comments beyond the Cabinet Committee on Security’s decision. Regarding the IMF bailout, he noted the ongoing board meeting and India’s intention to present its perspective, with the final decision resting with the board. On India’s response, he affirmed that India had responded to the morning’s developments in a responsible and proportionate manner, based on the briefings provided.
  • Siddhant (WION) asked about External Affairs Minister’s conversations with his counterparts, specifically the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri stated that the discussions focused on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s subsequent response on 7th May. The US Secretary of State shared his thoughts, and the Indian Minister appreciated the US’s commitment to counter-terrorism, underlining India’s targeted measures in Op SINDOOR and its firm stance against further escalation. He also mentioned subsequent conversations with the UK Foreign Secretary and the Norwegian Foreign Minister, both centered on countering terrorism following the Pahalgam attack.
  • Sudhi Ranjan Sen (Bloomberg) inquired about the strike on Bahawalpur, connected to the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl, seeking details on reports received. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri confirmed that Bahawalpur was the headquarters of the UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad, led by Maulana Masood Azhar. He acknowledged the connection to Daniel Pearl’s killing, noting Jaish-e-Mohammad’s direct or indirect responsibility through Ahmad Omar Saeed Sheikh. He described these as connected figures, individuals, and institutions, suggesting the attack on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s facility in Bahawalpur was a fitting part of the unfortunate incident.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal concluded the press briefing, thanking everyone for their participation.

New Delhi May 09, 2025

Source:

08 May

India Responds to Pakistan’s Drone and Missile Attacks, Sets the Record Straight on Escalation

Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal initiated the briefing, introducing Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofia Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to address the ongoing developments concerning OPERATION SINDOOR.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri began by referencing the information released by the Ministry of Defence regarding overnight events. He then requested Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh to provide an update.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi deferred to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh reported that on the night of 7th-8th May 2025, Pakistan attempted to strike multiple military targets across Northern and Western India using drones and missiles. The targeted locations included Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Nal, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Falaudi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. She confirmed that these attacks were successfully neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter Unmanned Aerial System and other Air Defence systems. Debris recovered from various sites served as irrefutable proof of Pakistan’s aggression.

Wing Commander Singh further stated that in response, the Indian armed forces targeted Air Defence radars and systems at several locations within Pakistan earlier in the morning. She emphasized that India’s response was proportionate and within the same domain as Pakistan’s actions. Credible intelligence indicated the neutralization of an Air Defence system in Lahore.

Additionally, she reported a significant increase in unprovoked firing by Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC) using mortars and heavy-caliber artillery in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Tragically, this indiscriminate firing resulted in the loss of sixteen innocent lives, including three women and five children. Consequently, India was compelled to retaliate to halt the Pakistani mortar and artillery fire. Wing Commander Singh reiterated the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to non-escalation, contingent upon reciprocal respect from the Pakistan military.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri then took the floor, emphasizing that the current developments were a direct consequence of the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd. He aimed to contextualize the events since then, addressing the commentary and significant disinformation emanating from across the border.

Shri Misri stressed that the original escalation was the terror attack in Pahalgam. He drew attention to the involvement of The Resistance Front (TRF), a known front for the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. He reiterated that India had previously shared information about the TRF with the UN 1267 Sanctions Monitoring Committee and would be providing further updates soon. He highlighted the TRF’s multiple claims of responsibility for the Pahalgam attack immediately after the incident, followed by a retraction that lacked credibility.

The Foreign Secretary asserted that India’s intention was not to escalate but to respond to the initial escalation in a targeted, precise, controlled, and measured manner, focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, with no military targets selected.

He then addressed several instances of unfounded disinformation from Pakistan. Regarding Pakistan’s denial of any involvement with terrorism, Shri Misri pointed to Pakistan’s long-standing reputation as the epicenter of global terrorism, citing concrete evidence available to numerous governments and agencies worldwide. He reminded the audience of Osama Bin Laden’s discovery in Pakistan and the subsequent glorification of him. He also highlighted Pakistan’s decades-long pursuit of cross-border terrorism into India and its past attempts to mislead the international community, such as the Sajid Mir case. Pakistan’s harboring of numerous UN-proscribed terrorists, including leaders of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, was also underscored. Shri Misri noted that even Pakistani leaders had previously acknowledged their country’s involvement in international terrorism.

Addressing calls for a joint investigation into the Pahalgam attack, Shri Misri expressed skepticism based on past experiences. He recalled India’s cooperation and provision of evidence in previous terror attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot attack, only to be met with stonewalling and a lack of progress from Pakistan. He suggested that Pakistan might use any evidence provided by India to cover its tracks and protect the terrorists.

Regarding claims that only civilians were killed in India’s strikes on May 7th, Shri Misri pointed to media coverage of funerals for those killed, noting the presence of Pakistani flags draped over coffins and the according of state honors. He questioned the narrative of solely civilian casualties under such circumstances, reiterating that India targeted only terrorist infrastructure and that the individuals eliminated were terrorists. He condemned the practice of giving state funerals to terrorists.

Shri Misri vehemently denied Pakistan’s accusation of deliberately attacking religious sites, asserting that the targets were solely terrorist infrastructure and facilities connected to cross-border terrorism. He countered by stating that Pakistan itself misuses religious sites to radicalize, direct, indoctrinate, and train terrorists. He further highlighted Pakistan’s targeted attack on the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir, where a Gurdwara and homes were attacked, resulting in at least three deaths. He noted that Pakistan’s retaliatory actions have primarily impacted civilians, with a total of 16 civilians killed and 59 injured since the previous morning.

He also addressed Pakistan’s attempts to communalize India’s actions against cross-border terrorism, suggesting that the Pakistan Army Chief’s speech on April 16, 2025, was a prime example of communal rhetoric. He drew a potential link to the religious profiling observed during the Pahalgam attack, asserting that such nefarious designs would not succeed in India and that people of all faiths globally had condemned the attacks.

Shri Misri reiterated that India’s actions were a response to Pakistan’s initial escalation on April 22nd. He emphasized that India’s response on May 7th was restrained, targeting only non-civilian, non-military terrorist camps. He stated that any further escalation by Pakistan would be met with an appropriate response.

Addressing allegations of targeting the Neelam Jhelum project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Shri Misri categorically denied this as an absolute fabrication and lie. He reaffirmed that India only targeted terrorist infrastructure, the details of which had been shared previously. He warned that if this false claim was a pretext for targeting Indian infrastructure, Pakistan would bear full responsibility for the consequences.

Finally, Shri Misri addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that fundamental changes in circumstances necessitated a reassessment of obligations. He noted that India had been communicating with Pakistan for the past 18-24 months, requesting negotiations for modifications. He highlighted India’s consistent adherence to the treaty for over six decades, even during times of conflict, while accusing Pakistan of violating the treaty by deliberately creating legal obstacles to India’s legitimate water rights. He pointed to the preamble of the treaty, emphasizing its intended spirit of goodwill and friendship, which he argued Pakistan had disregarded. Given Pakistan’s refusal to engage in government-to-government negotiations for reassessment, India had taken the step of putting the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.

Following his statement, Shri Misri indicated limited time for questions and reiterated the evolving nature of the situation, requesting consideration and restraint in reporting operational details.

In the question and answer session:

  • Rishabh (Times Now) inquired about the strategic advantage gained by hitting Lahore’s Air Defence system and if other strategic air defense locations were targeted. Shri Misri referred to the Ministry of Defence press release and declined to comment on operational details due to the evolving situation.
  • Smita Sharma asked about claims of contact between the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan and whether a complete severance of diplomatic ties was under consideration. Shri Misri stated he had no information on NSA-level contacts and that no further diplomatic steps beyond those announced on April 23rd were currently under consideration.
  • (Approximate translation) Manish Jha (TV9 Bharatvarsh) highlighted the misinformation from Pakistani leaders, including false claims about shooting down Indian aircraft. Shri Misri expressed no surprise at such misinformation, citing Pakistan’s long history of lies and disinformation dating back to its inception.
  • Siddhant (WION) questioned India’s response to potential further escalation from Pakistan and if any global powers were attempting de-escalation. Shri Misri reiterated India’s stance of responding appropriately to any further Pakistani escalation, emphasizing that the choice lay with Pakistan. Regarding global powers, he pointed to the widespread condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and recognition of India’s right to self-defense, along with a desire for de-escalation expressed by many nations.
  • Mausami (India Today) sought details on the number of terrorists killed in OPERATION SINDOOR, including any high-profile figures, referencing reports of Masood Azhar’s family members and Rauf Asghar. Shri Misri stated he had no specific information to share at that time, requesting patience given the short time since the operation and assuring that information would be shared in due course.
  • Sudhi Ranjan (Bloomberg) asked if India had engaged the IMF or World Bank regarding Pakistan’s bailout situation and its actions. Shri Misri mentioned India’s Executive Director at the IMF would present India’s position at an upcoming board meeting. He suggested that Pakistan’s track record with IMF bailouts should be self-evident to those considering further financial assistance.
  • Siddhant Mishra (CNN News18) inquired about the response from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, noting their strong condemnation of the attack and support for India. He also asked about the visit of the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister. Shri Misri confirmed that India had been in touch with numerous countries, including those mentioned, and that the general tenor of their messages reflected an understanding of the barbaric nature of the Pahalgam attack and India’s right to respond responsibly. He acknowledged the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs’ visit and meeting with the External Affairs Minister, stating that further details would be shared if available.

Shri Misri concluded the briefing, thanking the media for their time and indicating that another briefing would be held soon.

New Delhi May 08, 2025

Source:

07 May

India Responds Decisively to Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a strongly worded briefing this morning, Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri addressed the nation regarding the government’s response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack, perpetrated by Pakistani and Pakistan-trained Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, resulted in the brutal murder of 26 individuals, including a Nepali national. Shri Misri emphasized the extreme barbarity of the attack, where victims were predominantly killed with close-range headshots in front of their families, a deliberate act aimed at traumatizing survivors and spreading fear.

The Foreign Secretary underscored that the attack was a blatant attempt to destabilize the returning normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly targeting the vital tourism sector, which witnessed a record 23 million visitors last year. The intention, he stated, was to hinder the region’s growth and development, thereby fostering an environment conducive to continued cross-border terrorism orchestrated from Pakistan. Furthermore, the attack was designed to incite communal discord, a design that was ultimately foiled by the resilience of the Indian people and the government’s efforts.

Shri Misri highlighted the role of The Resistance Front (TRF), a known front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, which claimed responsibility for the attack. He pointed out that India had previously shared intelligence with the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee regarding the TRF’s function as a cover for Pakistan-based terror groups. Pakistan’s subsequent attempts to remove references to TRF in a UN Security Council press statement further underscore its complicity.

Investigations into the Pahalgam attack have revealed communication links extending into Pakistan, and the Foreign Secretary asserted that the identification of the attackers is progressing based on eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence. He reiterated Pakistan’s long history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism and its reputation as a safe haven for internationally proscribed terrorists, citing the Sajid Mir case as a stark example of Pakistan’s deceptive practices.

Following the deep anger and concern generated by the Pahalgam attack, the Government of India initially announced certain measures on April 23rd. However, given the lack of any demonstrable action from Pakistan against its terrorist infrastructure and persistent intelligence indicating impending attacks, India was compelled to act preemptively.

In this context, Shri Misri announced that earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond to and deter further cross-border terrorism. He emphasized that these actions were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible, with a clear focus on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists poised to infiltrate India. He also drew attention to the UN Security Council’s April 25th press statement, which stressed the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of the Pahalgam attack accountable.

Joining the Foreign Secretary for the briefing were Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who provided details of OPERATION SINDOOR. Wing Commander Singh stated that the operation was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families, resulting in the successful destruction of nine terrorist camps.

Wing Commander Singh elaborated on Pakistan’s systematic development of a complex terror infrastructure over the past three decades, encompassing recruitment centers, training facilities, and launch pads located both within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). She displayed a map illustrating the approximate locations of some of these well-known training camps.

The selection of targets for OPERATION SINDOOR, she explained, was based on credible intelligence inputs and their direct involvement in perpetrating terror activities. The locations were carefully chosen to avoid civilian infrastructure and casualties. The strikes were executed with precision capability and niche technology weapons, ensuring minimal collateral damage, with specific buildings or groups of buildings targeted at each location.

Wing Commander Singh affirmed that all targets were neutralized with clinical efficiency, highlighting the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces. She emphasized that no military establishments were targeted and that India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, she also asserted the Indian armed forces’ full preparedness to respond to any escalatory misadventures by Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri concluded the briefing by stating that due to the evolving situation, no questions would be taken at this time. He assured the media that further updates and briefings would be provided shortly.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

22 April

Savage Terror Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam

On April 22, 2025, the serene landscape of Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir was shattered by a brutal act of terrorism. Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba unleashed a savage attack on a group of Indian tourists, leaving a trail of death and horror. In this despicable act, 26 innocent lives were extinguished, including one national of Nepal. This marked the deadliest terrorist attack on civilians in India since the horrific Mumbai attacks of November 26, 2008.

The attack was characterized by its extreme barbarity. The terrorists, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, targeted the tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Most of the victims were murdered with point-blank headshots, often carried out in front of their traumatized family members. This deliberate cruelty was compounded by the terrorists’ exhortations to the surviving family members to “take back the message,” highlighting their intention to sow fear and terror.

Eyewitness accounts reveal the chilling details of the attack. The militants reportedly singled out the men, asking for their names and religion. Hindu and Christian tourists were specifically targeted and shot after being separated from Muslim individuals. Some tourists were forced to recite the Islamic declaration of faith, the ‘kalima’, to identify themselves. Tragically, a local Muslim pony ride operator who bravely attempted to resist the attackers was also killed. The victims included newlywed couples, their dreams and lives brutally cut short.

The intent behind this horrific attack was clear: to undermine the hard-won normalcy returning to Jammu & Kashmir. By striking at the heart of the region’s economy – tourism, which had seen a record 23 million visitors in the past year – the perpetrators aimed to create an atmosphere of fear and instability. Their calculated objective was to hinder growth and development, hoping to keep the Union Territory backward and fertile ground for their continued cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Furthermore, the manner of the attack was designed to provoke communal discord, both within Jammu and Kashmir and across the nation. However, these divisive plans were ultimately thwarted by the resilience and unity displayed by the government and the people of India.

Responsibility for this atrocity was claimed by a shadowy group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF). However, this organization is widely recognized as a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba. Disturbingly, India had previously shared intelligence with the UN Sanctions Committee, highlighting the TRF’s role as a cover for Pakistan-based terror outfits. Pakistan’s subsequent efforts at the United Nations to downplay the TRF’s involvement further underscored its complicity in this act of terror.

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