India and Pakistan are facing heightened military tensions following a series of cross-border drone and missile attacks. In a joint briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence detailed Pakistan’s attempted air intrusions at 26 locations, including Srinagar, and reported Pakistani troop movements near the border.
India responded with precision strikes on Pakistani military installations, including Sialkot airbase, while refuting Pakistan’s claims of damaging Indian military assets. Indian officials condemned Pakistan’s use of civilian aircraft as shields and deliberate targeting of civilian areas. The situation remains volatile, with casualties on both sides and international calls for restraint.
Key Developments: Official Statements and Actions
- Joint Briefing on Operation Sindoor:
The Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence jointly briefed the media, detailing the sequence of escalation. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that Pakistan attempted air intrusions and drone attacks at 26 locations, including Srinagar, and that Pakistani troop advancements were also reported near the border. - Indian Precision Strikes in Retaliation:
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that Indian forces carried out precision strikes on multiple Pakistani military installations, including Sialkot airbase. These operations were direct retaliation for Pakistan’s actions, which targeted Indian military bases and civilian areas, including school premises. - Pakistan’s Use of Civilian Aircraft as Shields:
Indian officials reported that Pakistan used civilian aircraft as shields during its attacks. Despite these provocations, India has acted with restraint. “We do not want escalation, but Pakistan must also show seriousness towards de-escalation,” Colonel Qureshi stated. - Refuting Claims of Indian Losses:
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri categorically refuted Pakistani claims about destroying Indian military installations, stating that images and technical evidence show no damage to bases like Sirsa or Surat, nor to advanced systems like the S-400, as falsely reported by Pakistan. - Civilian and Military Casualties:
Misri also confirmed that a senior Indian government officer was killed and two staff members critically injured in Pakistani shelling in Rajouri. He condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and infrastructure, warning that such actions aim to incite unrest and fear. - Dismissing Claims of Strikes on Afghanistan:
Vikram Misri dismissed Pakistan’s claim that Indian missiles struck Afghanistan as “utterly baseless,” adding that Afghan citizens do not need reminding which country has repeatedly targeted their civilians and infrastructure.
Background: Operation Sindoor and the Road to Crisis
The escalation follows the April Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Pakistan launched coordinated attacks on Indian military and civilian targets. Both sides have since engaged in diplomatic expulsions and border closures, with international leaders urging immediate de-escalation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands for peace, dialogue, and empathy. While national security is paramount, the deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of civilian aircraft as shields are deeply concerning and must be condemned. We urge both nations to exercise restraint, prioritise diplomacy, and uphold humanitarian values. In these turbulent times, how can citizens and leaders on both sides foster peace and prevent further loss? Share your thoughts and join the conversation for a future built on harmony and coexistence.
