New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting on Saturday to assess the growing military conflict between India and Pakistan. Top defence leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, were present to review the situation and plan the next steps.
The conflict between India and Pakistan intensified since the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7. The operation was carried out in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Since then, both countries have exchanged missile, drone, and artillery attacks.
India confirmed that Pakistan had attacked 26 locations across the country using drones, missiles, and even fighter jets. Important air bases in Udhampur, Pathankot, and Bhuj were targeted, with some damage reported. Medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura, and Udhampur were also hit by high-speed missiles fired around 1.40 am.
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Pakistan moves troops to border areas
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that Pakistani forces are moving troops to the forward areas near the border, suggesting further escalation. She said that India has responded strongly but responsibly. “All of Pakistan’s hostile actions have been effectively countered,” she said.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh added that India is committed to avoiding escalation, but will protect its interests if provoked. She confirmed that the Indian Air Force had destroyed seven Pakistani military targets in a morning operation, including five airbases — Noor Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rafiqi, Murid, and Sialkot — and two radar installations.
False claims
Indian government and military officials denied Pakistan’s claims that it had destroyed the Indian S-400 missile system or damaged Indian airbases like Suratgarh. Singh called these claims part of a “malicious misinformation campaign.” She showed proof that all Indian defence installations were intact and fully operational.
Colonel Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also raised concerns over Pakistan using civilian airliners as shields during military strikes. Pakistan did not close its civilian airspace while attacking Indian targets, potentially putting passenger flights at risk. In contrast, India cleared its own airspace over conflict zones to avoid any civilian harm.
India maintains defensive posture
Foreign Secretary Misri said India has responded in a restrained and focused manner. He blamed Pakistan’s aggressive moves for the rising tension. He also rejected Pakistani claims of attacks on religious sites, calling them “completely false and irresponsible.”
Meanwhile, Indian forces continue to intercept drones and monitor Pakistani troop movements. On Friday night, Pakistani drones were spotted in 26 locations, from Baramulla in Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat, including important cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Jaisalmer and Barmer.
