Pakistan Launched 400 Drones Across 36 Locations; India Responds with Strategic Restraint
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 9th May 2025: In a major escalation of hostilities along the western front, Pakistan launched a coordinated aerial and ground offensive targeting Indian defence installations in Jammu and Kashmir. The assault involved approximately 400 drones across 36 sensitive locations and heavy artillery shelling in Jammu, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri, and adjoining areas.
Despite the scale of the attack, the Indian defence forces exhibited strategic restraint and executed a calibrated counter-response, neutralizing key threats without triggering wider conflict.
At a press briefing in Delhi, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed the attempted drone infiltration and emphasized that India’s air defence systems remain uncompromised. “Pakistan’s provocations, including this large-scale drone incursion, have failed to impact our national security,” she said. According to officials, most drones were intercepted using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic counter-drone measures.
Preliminary forensic analysis indicates the use of Turkish-manufactured drones in the offensive by Pakistan.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh detailed the Indian response to an attempted drone strike on the Bathinda Air Force Station. The Indian Air Force not only thwarted the infiltration but also conducted a retaliatory strike, destroying a Pakistani air defence radar installation. On the ground, Indian forces faced heavy shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), leading to injuries among army personnel. In response, India deployed four combat drones and neutralized at least one Pakistani radar.
Despite issuing a No Aviation Order, Pakistan continues to operate civilian flight routes between Karachi and Lahore. Indian officials allege that Islamabad may be using civilian aircraft as shields—an act that violates international aviation norms and raises serious security concerns.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, strongly condemned Pakistan’s actions, labeling its narrative “absurd and misleading.” He denied allegations that India initiated drone strikes on Pakistani territory, including an alleged incident in Nankana Sahib, which he called “entirely fabricated.” Misri stressed, “India has ensured no harm to civil aviation. Pakistan is spreading disinformation to mask its aggression.”
Pakistani shelling near a missionary school across the LoC killed four students and injured several civilians. Indian officials stated that religious sites—including temples, gurdwaras, and convents—have also been targeted, sparking international condemnation.
Citing security concerns, the Indian government has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Kartarpur Corridor. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has briefed U.S. officials through high-level diplomatic channels.
As tensions continue to simmer, Indian forces remain on high alert along the western border. Officials reaffirmed that while India will not initiate conflict, it reserves the right to respond firmly to safeguard territorial integrity and civilian safety.
