Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan Tensions NEWS Live: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi on Friday said during MEA’s press briefing that Pakistan deployed between 300 and 400 drones across 36 locations along India’s northern and western borders. Preliminary investigations indicate that Turkey’s SONGAR drones were used in the attacks. Colonel Qureshi stated that Indian forces successfully neutralised the drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. She also confirmed that a Pakistani UAV attempted to target a military installation in Bathinda, but the Indian Armed Forces intercepted and foiled the attack.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said that Pakistan’s conduct has been very “irresponsible” so far. She added that Pakistan didn’t even close its airspace after launching the attack on India last night and is in fact using its civilian airlines as a shield.
Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones over key areas on Thursday night amid city-wide blackouts. Airforce and Defence ministry confirmed that three Indian military stations in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were attacked by Pakistan. Defence ministry sources confirmed that 8 missiles were targeted at Jammu city and subsequently thwarted. A blackout was enforced in several districts, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Gurdaspur in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to officials in border areas and directed them to take stock of the situation. Many states have also announced the closure of schools, blackouts in border districts, and cancellation of leave of police personnel and administration officials amid the escalating tensions.
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures. No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” read an update from the Ministry of Defence.
‘Fundamentally, not our problem,’ says US Vice President JD Vance
US Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, said that while the United States is encouraging India and Pakistan to reduce tensions, it has no plans to directly intervene in the conflict. He stressed that the issue lies outside America’s control and influence, and that both nations must make their own decisions. “What we can do is try to encourage these folks to deescalate a little bit, but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it,” Vance said.
Vance added that the US will continue supporting peace efforts through diplomacy. “You know, America can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can’t tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so, we’re going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels,” he said. He expressed hope that the situation won’t grow into a larger regional conflict or nuclear crisis, though he acknowledged concern about the possibility. He stressed that the responsibility lies with leaders in both countries to avoid such an outcome.
‘We are worried about these things. The job of the cooler heads in India and Pakistan is to make sure that this doesn’t become a nuclear war and if it happens, it will be disastrous but right now we don’t think it is going to happen,” Vance said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an All Party Meet on May 8 where various Opposition leaders and Union Ministers were in attendance. The meeting was held at the Parliament in New Delhi to discuss Operation Sindoor. This comes a day after India launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR‘ early Wednesday morning, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As the Indian Army out it, this was a precision strike carried out by the Armed Forces at nine terror base camps in Pakistan. The strikes were in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Track full live coverage of India’s attack on Pakistan terror camps here:
Operation Sindoor Live Updates Here:
Defence stocks rally as India launched Operation Sindoor
Defence stocks saw a rise after India launched Operation Sindoor, two weeks following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders‘ share price went up by more than 2%, reaching Rs 3,035.30. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers’ stock rose by 2%, reaching Rs 1,868.70. Astra Micra’s price increased by 1.8% to Rs 847.35. Hindustan Aeronautics gained 1.6%, reaching Rs 4,581. Paras Defence & Space Technologies saw the biggest increase, with its share price rising over 4%, reaching Rs 1,412.50.
Read More here: Defence stocks rally as India launches Operation Sindoor
Retired Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon said the recent strikes showed how the armed forces, with full freedom from the Prime Minister, coordinated effectively to hit nine terror targets from Bahawalpur to Muzaffarabad and Kotli with great precision, avoiding civilian casualties. He praised the forces for their ability to act decisively and reach wherever needed to bring terrorists to justice. He added that this was not an act of war, but now the next move lies with Pakistan—if it chooses to respond aggressively, India would be justified in treating it as an act of war and retaliating accordingly.
‘Govt of India did exactly what they said,’ says Kiran Bedi
Former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor and ex-IPS officer Kiran Bedi said that all nine locations targeted in Operation Sindoor were centers of terrorist activity, including their residences. She noted that the Indian government acted exactly as it had promised, emphasizing that this was a well-planned operation, not just a reaction. According to her, the strikes were carried out after 15 days of preparation, showcasing the government’s strength and capability.
‘Indian forces have avenged the cowardly terror attack,’ says Pushkar Singh Dhami
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor in response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam. He stated that the armed forces have taken revenge by targeting and destroying terrorist hideouts in Pakistan.
The entire nation is proud and happy: BJD MP Sasmit Patra
BJD MP Sasmit Patra praised the Indian armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, saying it reflects the country’s strong determination to eliminate cross-border terrorism. He said the entire nation is proud of the soldiers and fully supports them. Patra also emphasized that at this time, civilians and MPs should avoid making suggestions, as the armed forces are best placed to decide the course of action.
IndiGo cancels over 165 flights amid airspace restrictions after Operation Sindoor
In light of airspace restrictions issued by the government following Operation Sindoor, IndiGo has cancelled more than 165 flights. The cancellations affect services from several airports, including Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar. These flight disruptions will remain in effect until 5:29 AM IST on May 10.
IndiGo has advised passengers to check their flight status through its official website or mobile app before heading to the airport.
Amit Shah to hold meeting with Chief Ministers, DGPs and Chief Secretaries of bordering states
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called for an urgent meeting at 2 pm today which will be held at 2 pm via video conferencing with the Chief Ministers, DGPs and Chief Secretaries of bordering states.
Karnataka CM Backs Operation Sindoor
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed support for Operation Sindoor, saying the Indian Army carried out strikes on nine terrorist sites without harming civilians or other areas in Pakistan. Referring to the brutal Pahalgam attack as the trigger behind the Operation, Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka government stands firmly behind this action and welcomes the military response.
‘We need to take decisive action like Israel,’ says Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan
Calling terrorism a “menace”, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday said that it has to be “eliminated”. He further added that India needs to take “decisive action like Israel”.
All party meeting at 11:00 AM on May 8, confirms Kiren Rijiju
Parliamentary Affairs and Minister Kiren Rijiju took to X and confirmed that the Government has called for All Party meeting at 11:00 am tomorrow. The meeting will be held at Committee Room: G-074, in the Parliament Library Building, Parliament Complex in New Delhi.
Qatar calls for resolving India-Pak crisis through diplomatic means
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Qatar has issued a statement regarding the continued escalation between India and Pakistan. Read here:
Qatar follows with deep concern the continuing escalation between India and Pakistan and calls for resolving the crisis through diplomatic means: Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar pic.twitter.com/PLb92MO3YZ
Congress calls for an urgent CWC meeting
The Congress party has called for an urgent CWC meeting at 3 PM in Delhi today. The meeting will be held at the party’s headquarters.
Masood Azhar confirms family members killed in India’s Operation Sindoor
Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar confirmed on Wednesday that India’s missile strike carried under Operation Sindoor killed 10 members of his family including four close aides. According to a statement attributed to Azhar, those killed in the strike on Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah included his elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, a niece, and five children from the extended family, reported PTI. The statement also said one of his key aides and that aide’s mother, along with two other associates, died in the attack.
‘Pakistan uses lives of innocent people to try and blackmail India,’ says Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed strong appreciation for the armed forces, acknowledging their role in carrying out Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that the attackers came from Pakistan, deliberately targeted civilians based on their religion, and aimed to create unrest in India. He also pointed out that India fully recognizes Pakistan’s tactic of exploiting innocent lives to pressure the country.
Former diplomat G Parthasarathy comments on Operation Sindoor
Former diplomat G Parthasarathy commented on Operation Sindoor, explaining that it was not a large-scale invasion but rather a response to Pakistan’s aggression. He noted that as long as Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism, such retaliatory actions from India are inevitable and justified.
Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora shows gratitude towards PM Modi
Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, the courageous soldiers, and the Indian Armed Forces for their strong response to Pakistan following the strikes on nine terror sites. He acknowledged that “Operation Sindoor” was a tribute to the widows, mothers, and daughters who lost loved ones in the Pahalgam attack. Deora emphasized that the operation has instilled pride and confidence in every Indian, particularly women, assuring them that under Modi’s leadership, the country will remain secure.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina said that the entire nation is proud of the bravery shown by the Indian Army and Air Force, who brought justice to those behind the Pahalgam terror attack. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a strong message to Pakistan on behalf of the women of the country, holding them accountable before the world for the brutal incident in Pahalgam.
Pahalgam victim’s wife thanks PM Modi, Armed Forces for swift response through Operation Sindoor
Ashanya Dwivedi, the wife of Shubham Dwivedi who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian armed forces following the launch of Operation Sindoor, reported PTI. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a response to the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives. Early Wednesday, the Indian military carried out precision missile strikes on nine terrorist bases, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad hub in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke. Ashanya said she and her family always had faith in PM Modi and the armed forces, and the recent strikes have reinforced that belief. She also hoped that the action would deter terrorists from launching similar attacks on innocent civilians in the future.
Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah seen leaving PM Modi’s residence
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were just seen leaving from the official residence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi.
Pakistan open to wrapping things up if India steps back: Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
Pakistan is willing to ease the current tensions with India if New Delhi chooses to de-escalate, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said while speaking to Bloomberg Television. His statement came shortly after India launched military strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Asif said that Pakistan has consistently maintained over the past two weeks that it will not initiate any hostile action against India. However, he added that if Pakistan is attacked, it will respond accordingly. “If we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension,” he said.
J-K administration orders evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas
The J-K administration has ordered evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas, The Indian Express has reported. Meanwhile border areas in rajasthan have been put on high alert. Even the schools and airports are shut.
PM Modi postpones visit to Croatia, Netherlands, and Norway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delayed his scheduled visits to Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway in light of the current situation, according to a report by News18. The decision comes after the Indian armed forces launched coordinated military strikes on terror targets in Pakistan earlier today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recorded video message to the nation was played by the TV channels today after the Government of India and Indian Army held a media briefing on Operation Sindoor. His 3-nation visit to Europe has been cancelled for the time being.
Tourists in Pahalgam hail Indian Army – Watch here
Tourists in Pahalgam were seen hailing the Indian Army with cheers and chants. See video here:
#watch | Tourists in Pahalgam hail Indian Army after India strikes nine terror sites in Pakistan, PoJK in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed pic.twitter.com/rsm77DRKT5
‘We obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint,’ says France
French Foreign Minister Barrot reacted to India’s Operation Sindoor by acknowledging India’s right to defend itself against terrorism. However, he also urged both India and Pakistan to show restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure the safety of civilians.
Amit Shah directs Army Chiefs to call back all paramilitary personnel on leave
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has told all paramilitary force chiefs to bring back their staff who are currently on leave. He is regularly speaking with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shah has asked them to make sure people living near the border are kept safe. He also instructed officials to get bunkers ready so civilians have a safe place to stay if there’s an emergency.
US Mission in Pak releases security alert
The US Mission in Pakistan released a security alert on Wednesday, urging American citizens to stay away from regions experiencing active conflict. This follows India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, aimed at targeting terror infrastructure within Pakistan. The advisory, titled ‘Military Activity and Closed Airspace’, stated, “We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.”
PM Modi chairs Cabinet meet over Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Union Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, just hours after the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. According to sources, he is also expected to lead a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the current situation. The CCS may also adopt a resolution acknowledging the overnight military action. In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian armed forces carried out coordinated missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror camp sites, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s camp in Muridke.
Himachal CM calls urgent meeting at state secretariat to review current situation
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has cancelled his planned visit to Banjar on Wednesday, May 7. This comes after the Indian Air Force carried out strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan. Instead, the Chief Minister has called an urgent meeting at the state secretariat to review the current situation. In the meeting, he will talk with top officials about security and other important matters.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman said took to X and said that Operation Sindoor sent a clear message with the Indian Army striking terror bases in Pakistan. She further said, “India shall never tolerate terrorism.” India will not accept terrorism in any form. Sitharaman added that under PM Modi’s leadership, every terrorist involved will be held accountable.