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:
All schools in Leh to remain closed on May 9 and 10 as concerns over India-Pak conflict rises
The Leh administration has ordered the closure of all schools—both government and private—in the district on May 9 and 10 due to the current tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision comes after India intercepted an attempted missile and drone strike by the Pakistani military on several key locations including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur late Thursday night. Officials said the move is a precautionary measure considering the current situation. Residents have been advised to stay alert and report any emergencies by dialing 112.
Indian markets expected to open lower after last night’s Indo-Pak tensions
Indian stocks are set to open lower on Friday as investor sentiment is likely to take a hit after the country’s army said that Pakistan armed forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along India’s entire western border on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
The Gift Nifty futures were trading at 23,974.5 as of 8:10 a.m. IST, indicating the Nifty 50 will open about 1.2% below Thursday’s close of 24,273.8.
Bihu functions cancelled in Assam: CM
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, ‘all remaining Bihu functions scheduled from 10th May onwards be kindly cancelled.’
Over the past month, we have joyfully celebrated Bihu across Assam through numerous cultural events. I sincerely thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation and contributions.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 9, 2025
However, the time has now come to conclude this festive season. I humbly appeal that all…
Army releases video of neutralising Pak drones
OPERATION SINDOOR
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 9, 2025
Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous cease fire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/WTdg1ahIZp
After releasing a video of India neutralising Pak drones, army states, attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the ceasefire violations.
All nefarious designs will be responded with force: ADG PI
Detailing Pakistan’s overnight offensive against India ADG PI today stated that all drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the ceasefire violations.
‘Indian army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignity and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force,’ the statement read.
Full ADG PI Statement on Pak’s night of Terror
ADG PI statement – “Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along entire Western Border on the intervening night of 08 and 09 May 2025. Pak troops also resorted to numerous ceasefire violations (CFVs) along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The drone attacks were effectively repulsed and befitting reply was given to the CFVs. #indianarmy remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignity and territorial integrity of the Nation. All nefarious designs will be responded with force.”
India neutralized over 50 Pak swarm drones along border last night: ANI
Citing sources, ANI is reporting that the Indian Army successfully foiled a large-scale attempt by Pakistan to deploy “swarm drones” – multiple drones sent in a coordinated manner – across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Borders (IB) last night.
A widespread counter-drone operation by Army Air Defence units in areas like Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot led to the neutralization of over 50 drones.
This operation extensively employed advanced anti-aircraft systems and counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) equipment, including L-70 guns, Zu-23mm, and Schilka systems. The effective neutralization of such a significant number of aerial targets demonstrates the Indian Army’s strong and modern capability to defend against drone incursions and other aerial threats.
A day after Pak terror rocked the border cities of India, sirens remain silent but India is on high alert. Following recent military action and retaliatory fire that have escalated tensions with Pakistan, states and cities nationwide are activating emergency protocols. Across the country, responses vary from school closures in Punjab and flight cancellations in Srinagar to increased police patrols in Delhi and blackout drills in Rajasthan, reflecting India’s cautious and coordinated approach to the threat.
Read Full Report Here: What’s open, What’s shut, and how states are preparing across India
Explosions heard near LoC in Poonch and Rajouri
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the sound of explosions was heard near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir early Friday morning.
Meanwhile, the Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Boundary in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
The attempt was made around 11 pm on May 8.
Air traffic in Mumbai saw a huge surge after carriers re-route flights
Air traffic controllers in Mumbai are operating with heightened vigilance as flights through the city’s airspace have surged by over 60% following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, multiple officials said, even as scores of more flights were scrapped on Thursday.
Omar leaves for Jammu after last night’s failed terror bid
Omar Abdullah posted on social media that he is going to Jammu to take stock of the situation after last night’s failed Pakistani drone attack directed at Jammu city & other parts of the division.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma holds high-level meet
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a high-level meeting at his office regarding the tensions that arose on the border.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Director General of Intelligence, and the Additional Director General of Law and Order.
This meeting comes after Pakistani drones were intercepted by the Indian air defense in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard, and flashes were seen in the sky. Blackouts were also enforced in Bikaner and parts of Punjab, as well as in Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, Amritsar, and Jalandhar.
Does US agree that Pak supports terror? Tammy Bruce answers
US State Dept Spox Tammy Bruce was questioned, if it is the view of the United States along with what India says that Pakistan is supporting terrorist groups. She stated, “Obviously, in today’s world, that’s a call that we have been making for decades. It is the dynamic that we’ve seen in the Middle East disrupting lives and clearly what happened in Kashmir is awful and we’ve all send our condolences. The world has rejected the nature of that kind of violence…”
All citizens must remain indoors: Amritsar DPRO
Amritsar authorities have urged all citizens to stay indoors and away from the windows and keep lights turned off and the window curtains drawn.
“There is no need to panic, a siren will blow now and we will pass the message again once it is clear. Our armed forces are on the job, and we need to support them by staying indoors. There is no need to panic,” Amritsar DPRO stated
US: Pakistan wants an independent investigation on Pahalgam attack
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce says, “There’s some discussion that Pakistan wants an independent investigation as to what has happened regarding the terrorist attack. We want the perpetrators to be held accountable and are supportive of any efforts to that end.”
‘It’s very, very disappointing. It should not escalate,’ US hopes
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce went on to add that they are focusing on the fact that this should not escalate.
“This has been an issue for decades and with what we saw over the last few weeks, after the terrorist attack. It was not surprising but very, very disappointing. It should not escalate and communication was fundamentally key that there should be talks, there should not be silence, and that America was at the center of this in speaking with a variety of leaders of both countries over the last two days…”
US urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible solution
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, in a statement to the media stated that US is continuously urging India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible solution in this.
“We also want to say that what matters in this particular incident is that we are remaining engaged with both governments at multiple levels. We, though, will not engage in the nature of discussing what the conversations have been, or what we have conveyed.”
Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu & Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones.
— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) May 8, 2025
No losses.
Threat neutralised by #indianarmedforces as per SoP with kinetic & non-kinetic means.#opsindoor… pic.twitter.com/TZlU9BSR9U
In a social media post Indian Air Force confirmed that Pakistan used missiles and drones to attack military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur.
These sites, in close proximity to the border, in Jammu & Kashmir were targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones.
There have been no losses. and the threat was neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per Standard operational protocol with kinetic & non-kinetic means.
Poonch: Explosions heard near LoC, details awaited – Watch Video
ANI shared a video of Poonch district where explosions were heard near the LoC. As of now more details are awaited. Until then, here’s the video:
#watch | Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir: Explosions heard near Line of Control (LoC). More details awaited
(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/q8r2FTqkMT
Father of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, who was killed during ceasefire violation breaks silence
Daya Chand, father of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar who lost his life during a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control on May 7, said he is proud of his son’s sacrifice. He shared that Dinesh was posted in Kashmir and that two of his other sons are also serving in the Indian Army.
India strengthens Naval fleet with delivery of indigenous warship ‘Arnala’
India’s maritime defence received a significant boost as the Indian Navy took delivery of ‘Arnala’, the first in a series of eight indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs), on May 8, 2025. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli, the vessel was developed under a Public-Private Partnership model. The warship was designed and constructed following the Indian Register of Shipping’s classification rules, marking a milestone in India’s collaborative defence manufacturing efforts.
Complete blackout in Jammu
According to the footage shared by news agency ANI, a complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu after the sounds of sirens filled the air. Watch here:
#watch | A complete blackout has been enforced after siren sound heard in Jammu. Blast sounds and sirens are audible in the video.
(Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/caGhNN5dzS
What’s happening in Punjab?
In Punjab, the state police cancelled all leaves, except in emergency situations. An official order stated that any leave would need approval from the appropriate authority.
The Punjab government also closed all schools in six border districts: Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, until further notice.
Blackouts were imposed on Thursday evening in several areas including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Gurdaspur, as well as Chandigarh, the Union Territory that serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
Border Facts you can’t miss
– Punjab shares a 532 km border with Pakistan.
– Rajasthan has a border of about 1,070 km.
– Gujarat shares 506 km with Pakistan.
– West Bengal has a 2,217 km border with Bangladesh.
Leave cancelled, schools shut: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan among states on high alert
As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, several states have taken strict safety steps. These include shutting down schools, enforcing blackouts in border areas, and cancelling the leave of police and government staff.
The measures were announced by Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar following India’s strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed.
West Bengal government cancels approved leaves of all employees
The West Bengal government has canceled all previously approved leave for its employees, except for medical reasons, due to the rising tensions with Pakistan and the need to ensure uninterrupted public services.
According to a notification dated May 7 and shared on Thursday, no government employee is allowed to leave their headquarters without written approval from their department head.
The order, issued in the interest of public service, will remain in effect until further notice.
From failed drone attacks to air sirens and blackouts in Jammu – All you need to know
India has successfully stopped Pakistan’s attempt to strike military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and a few other locations using missiles and drones, a PTI report said. The situation comes amid rising tensions between the two countries, raising concerns about a possible larger conflict.
Loud sirens and multiple explosions were heard in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, Kupwara, and several nearby areas, as the Indian military conducted intense aerial patrols along the border with Pakistan.
Following the successful defence, the Ministry of Defence stated that India is “fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people.”
#watch | Jammu and Kashmir: A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu.
(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/tGjlSunsl9
‘Pakistanis attack from behind like cowards and Indian Muslims attack from the front’: Col Sofiya Qureshi’s father-in-law
Col Sofiya Qureshi’s father-in-law, Ghausasab Bagewadi, while speaking to ANI expressed his pride in her achievements. He shared that many people from their village have been visiting to congratulate him, and he is filled with happiness. He also mentioned a conversation with his son, who assured him that there was no need to worry about her safety. Reflecting on the situation, he remarked that while enemy forces may resort to sneaky attacks, Indian Muslims like Sofiya Qureshi face challenges with courage and strength.
Red alert and blackouts in Rajasthan border districts amid rising India-Pak tensions
Authorities in Rajasthan’s border districts have declared a red alert due to increasing tensions along the Line of Control.
Blackout in Ramban – Watch video here
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Blackout observed in Ramban following Pakistan's failed attack along India's western borders.
(Disclaimer: Deferred Visuals)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/63lpyiQagp