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:
‘We share a border of more than 1000 km with Pakistan,’ says Rajasthan Assembly LoP
Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully highlighted that the state shares over 1,000 km of border with Pakistan. He said Pakistan attempted to target Jaisalmer, but India’s advanced air defence systems successfully destroyed the drones mid-air. He added that the strong public spirit across the country reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism, and those who support terrorists should face severe consequences.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha to visit Uri and review ground situation
Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha will be visiting Uri to meet soldiers and review the ground situation, news agency ANI reported.
‘Pakistan is still not ready to stop its misdeed’: Congress leader Pawan Khera
Commenting on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Congress leader Pawan Khera said Pakistan continues its hostile actions and is still attempting to target civilian areas. He stressed that India has stronger technological security and greater international credibility, as it does not target civilians. He also urged the global community to take note of Pakistan’s actions.
Woman killed, 4 injured in Uri as Pak continues heavy artillery shelling
A woman was killed, and four civilians were injured in Uri, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, as the Pakistan army increased artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, The Indian Express reported on Friday. Officials reported that numerous houses were also damaged in the cross-border firing.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India postpones CA final and other exams
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced that, due to the ongoing security situation in the country, the remaining exams for the CA Final, Intermediate, and PQC Examinations (International Taxation–Assessment Test) scheduled between May 9 and May 14, 2025, have been postponed.
Uttarakhand govt directs all hospitals to remain on high alert
The Uttarakhand government has directed all hospitals in the state to remain on high alert. Doctors and hospital staff have had their leaves canceled. In line with instructions from the Central Health Ministry, Uttarakhand’s Health Secretary, Dr. R Rajesh Kumar, has issued essential guidelines, ensuring that 12,000 hospital beds are designated, and all ICUs and ventilators are fully prepared.
Pakistan asks international partners for additional loans
The official account of Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs tweeted that the government is seeking additional loans from international partners due to significant losses caused by the ongoing conflict. Amid rising tensions and a stock market crash, the government has urged global partners to assist in de-escalating the situation.
Read More Here: Pakistan confirms ‘heavy losses’, asks ‘international partners’ for loans; Key IMF meet today
Bihar is on high alert, confirms state BJP President Dilip Jaiswal
Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal stated that, following the central government’s directive, the entire state is on high alert due to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. He highlighted that Purnia, which borders Bangladesh and Nepal, is a particularly sensitive area. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to conduct a security review meeting tomorrow, and all officials’ leaves, including those of health and police personnel, have been canceled. Additionally, a meeting will be held in Raxaul the day after tomorrow, as preparations continue to handle any potential emergency situation in the state.
‘Cabinet ministers will reach the border districts’: Punjab CMO
The Punjab government is taking steps to address the current situation. Today, ministers will review emergency services in the border districts, inspecting hospitals, fire stations, and the availability of supplies and services. After the cabinet meeting, 10 ministers will head to the border areas. Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Dr. Ravjot Singh will visit Gurdaspur, while Ministers Kuldeep Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will oversee Amritsar.
Indian Railways to run three special trains from Jammu and Udhampur to Delhi
Indian Railways will be running three special trains from Jammu and Udhampur to Delhi. The decision has been taken in view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan.
Chandigarh on high alert after air sirens sounded
#watch | Air siren sounded in Chandigarh as part of a precautionary measure to remind citizens to remain alert pic.twitter.com/IOl2RRqW0G
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Air siren sounded in Chandigarh as part of a precautionary measure to remind citizens to remain alert
‘India will teach Pakistan a lesson’: Defence Expert
Defence Expert Sanjay Kulkarni has said that India will “teach Pakistan a lesson”. While speaking to ANI, Kulkarni said, “We have shut several airports, and blackouts have been implemented in several places…Pakistan has seen the capability of Indian security forces and how united we are…India is giving a befitting reply to Pakistan…”
Watch the moment air sirens went off in Chandigarh
The ANI video footage captures the moment air sirens went off in Chandigarh. Watch the video here:
#watch | Air siren sounded in Chandigarh as part of a precautionary measure to remind citizens to remain alert pic.twitter.com/IOl2RRqW0G
‘They’re both our neighbours’ – What China said over India-Pak tensions
On the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the situation, saying that both countries are neighbors to China. He reiterated China’s opposition to all forms of terrorism and urged both nations to act in the interest of peace and stability. He called for adherence to international laws, including the UN Charter, and for both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could escalate the conflict. China also expressed its readiness to collaborate with the international community to help ease the tensions.
Maha CM Fadnavis to hold high-level security meet in Mumbai today
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will preside over a high-level security review meeting in Mumbai today. The meeting will be attended by senior police and administrative officials.
Air raid sirens heard in Chandigarh, netizens advised to stay indoor
Air raid sirens were activated in Chandigarh amid ‘waring of possible drone attack”. DC Chandigarh took to X and advised netizens to remain indoors and away from balconies.
*ALERT*
An Air warning has been received from Air force station of possible attack.
Sirens are being sounded.
All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies.
DC Chandigarh
Blackout for over 7 hours in parts of border districts of Kutch and Banaskantha
A widespread blackout lasting over seven hours was imposed across several areas in the border districts of Kutch and Banaskantha in Gujarat on Thursday night, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. These districts share a border with Pakistan, prompting heightened security measures. Officials confirmed that several towns in Kutch, including Bhuj, Nalia, Nakhatrana, and Gandhidham, experienced a complete blackout as a precautionary step to prevent any potential threats from Pakistan. The power outage began around 10 pm on Thursday, and electricity was restored by 5:30 am on Friday. In Banaskantha district, blackouts were also declared in Suigam and 20 surrounding villages. Additionally, authorities in the neighbouring Patan district enforced a blackout in 8-10 villages within the Santalpur taluka.
‘Pakistan is in fear today’: Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa told ANI that the entire nation is united in support of the Armed Forces. He mentioned that Pakistan is fearful today and pointed out that in past conflicts like those in 1965 and 1971, Pakistan had targeted Indian civilians. He suggested that all countries should isolate Pakistan and shared that, as a member of a border town, he has donated his monthly salary to the National Defence Fund (NDF). He urged all citizens to contribute to the nation’s defense efforts.
Rajasthan locals say, ‘no need to be afraid’
Following last night’s drone threat, local residents expressed confidence in India’s air defence systems, stating that all attacks were successfully intercepted and there was no cause for panic. People in the area strictly followed blackout protocols and voiced strong support for the Indian Army, asserting that any hostile attempts by Pakistan would fail. Another local said that India remains firm and accurate when it comes to national security. Residents added that if required, even civilians are ready to stand with the Army in defence of the nation. Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence units near the border during the night.
Pakistan completely denies launching drone and missile strikes on multiple locations in India
Pakistan on Friday completely dismissed the news of Pakistan launching attacks on multiple locations in India. The Foreign Office described these claims as “entirely unfounded” and part of a “reckless propaganda campaign”. Pakistan also said that such narratives could further threaten peace in the region. Meanwhile, Indian officials reported that on Thursday night, the Indian military successfully intercepted and neutralised an attempted strike by Pakistan targeting military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and several other areas using missiles and drones.
Amritsar airport shut until further notice
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, security has been significantly increased around Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar where airport operations have been suspended until further notice. According to ACP Airport, Amritsar, Yadwinder Singh, strict security arrangements are in place, with access restricted solely to airport staff. Police teams are conducting regular patrols in the area, and nearby villagers have been briefed about the safety protocols they need to follow.
Omar Abdullah heads to Jammu to review current situation
In the visuals coming from Udhampur just now, ANI reported that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was seen headed to Jammu along with his convoy. Omar will be reviewing the situation after last night’s failed Pakistani drone and missile attacks directed at Jammu city and other areas of the division.
Devotees in Assam gather at Kamakhya temple to seek blessings
In Guwahati, Assam, devotees were seen gathered at the Kamakhya temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for the Indian Army amid rising tensions along the border, reported ANI. On the same day, Pakistan attempted to send swarm drones across various locations along the LoC and International Borders. However, the Indian Army swiftly responded with a major counter-drone operation. More than 50 drones were intercepted and destroyed by Air Defence units in regions including Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot. The successful action highlights India’s strong defence preparedness in the face of growing security threats.
News agency ANI early Friday morning shared videos and images of the damage done by Pakistan shelling. The footage showed shops of residents living in a border village along the LoC. A shop owner told ANI, ” After we closed our shop last night, shelling started. This morning I saw that my shop is completely damaged. This is like target killing of civilians.”
Centre debunks false claims of suicide attack on Army unit in Rajouri
The government on Friday refuted rumours circulating on social media about a suicide attack on an Army brigade in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, and a drone strike in Jalandhar, Punjab. According to the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit, there was no such “fidayeen” or suicide attack at any Army facility in J&K. It also clarified that the video being shared as evidence of a drone attack in Jalandhar was actually footage of a fire on farmland.
A Recap of May 8 – Sequence of Events and Key Developments
In a major escalation, Pakistan carried out a planned aerial attack using drones and missiles, aiming at India’s military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, located near the international border in Jammu & Kashmir. However, all their attacks were thwarted by the Indian Armed Forces.
Read More Here: The night India foiled Pak’s terror storm – All key developments
A gate at Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam in Ramban opened
According to ANI, one of the gates at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam built on Chenab River in Ramban has been opened. Watch Here:
#watch | Jammu and Kashmir | A gate at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam built on the Chenab River in Ramban has been opened.
(Visuals from the spot shot around 8:15 am) pic.twitter.com/wDsQQqnOzf
All schools, colleges, and universities across Jammu and Kashmir to remain closed
All schools, colleges, and universities across Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed on May 9 and 10 as a precautionary measure amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was announced by J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday.
‘If Pakistan further escalates, it could turn into a full-fledged war’: Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava
Commenting on the interception of Pakistani swarm drones by Indian air defence, Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava said India’s defence systems worked exceptionally well and successfully protected the country. He warned that if Pakistan continues to escalate tensions, it could trigger a full-scale war—something that could have devastating consequences for Pakistan, possibly even threatening its survival as a nation. He added that Pakistan’s aggressive actions towards India could lead to its downfall, and its leadership must recognise the seriousness of the situation.