On the midnight of May 09, 2025, India found itself at the receiving a massive and unprovoked escalation by Pakistan. In a clear violation of international norms and an audacious provocation, Pakistan launched a wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting 26 Indian cities. These included major civilian areas and strategic locations from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, endangering thousands of innocent lives. In response, India launched a meticulously planned and powerful retaliatory operation that dismantled Pakistan’s offensive capabilities and reaffirmed India’s commitment to defend its sovereignty with absolute resolve.
Pakistan's Provocation: Ballistic Missiles and Armed Drones Rain on Indian Cities
According to the official briefing by the Indian Ministry of Defence, at approximately 2:00 AM IST, Pakistan fired a barrage of ballistic missiles into Indian territory, targeting 26 cities across the northern and western belts. The strikes included key civilian zones, defense infrastructure, and even religious places — a shocking violation of wartime humanitarian principles.
"Pakistan continued its hostilities on 10 May 2025 by targeting places of worship like the famous Shambhu Temple and residential areas in Jammu. Multiple armed drones have been sent through the night, endangering civilians and religious sites. The Indian Armed Forces remain vigilant and are committed to defending the sovereignty of the nation," the Defence Ministry stated.
Despite India’s prior calls for restraint and peace, Pakistan chose escalation. Indian intelligence sources confirmed that these attacks were launched using tube-launched drones and advanced missile systems, some of which were intercepted, while others caused damage in border regions.
India Strikes Back with Precision and Power
India’s response was swift, strategic, and stunningly effective. As the sun rose on May 10, 2025, India confirmed that the Indian Air Force had launched punitive strikes on at least five major Pakistani air bases. These included:
- Nur Khan Air Base, Rawalpindi
- Murid Air Base, Chakwal
- Rafiqui Air Base, Jhang
- Peshawar Military Air Installation
- Sargodha Airbase
- Rahim Yar Khan
These bases were confirmed to be operational hubs from where the initial attacks were coordinated. India’s strikes left them heavily damaged, neutralizing runways, radar systems, and aircraft hangars. Explosions were reported throughout Pakistan, with video footage and satellite imagery (can be seen in our official Instagram handles) showing plumes of smoke and debris at these facilities.
"India’s response was not only justified, it was necessary. India have sent a clear message — any aggression against India will be met with overwhelming retaliation," a senior official from the Defence Ministry stated.
Pakistan’s Lies and Disinformation Campaign
As has become a recurring theme in recent conflicts, Pakistan’s DG ISPR, LG General A.S Chaudhary resorted to blatant misinformation, falsely claiming that India had fired missiles on its own cities and even in Afghanistan to provoke regional instability. This was quickly refuted by international observers and Indian authorities.
India's Defence Ministry categorically denied these claims and pointed out that missile debris discovered in regions like Sirsa, Haryana, was from intercepted Pakistani Fateh-II ballistic missile.
Pakistan also accused India of using Afghanistan as a launchpad for attacks — a claim immediately denied by Afghan authorities, who confirmed no such activity from Indian forces on their soil.
Terrorist Launch Pads and Drone Bases Destroyed
In the morning of May 10, after an unsuccessful air attack on Indian northern region, Defence forces also struck terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan, especially in regions like Looni, Sialkot (opposite Akhnoor). According to the BSF, these launch pads were being used to deploy tube-launched drones and infiltrators across the LoC.
"The terrorist launch pad at Looni, district Sialkot, Pakistan, opposite Akhnoor area, was completely destroyed by the BSF," defence sources confirmed.
Retaliation and Air Battle: Operation Bunyan Marsoos and India’s Aerial Supremacy
Following the destruction of its air bases, Pakistan launched a retaliatory offensive titled Operation Bunyan Marsoos in the morning of May 10. Pakistani jets targeted Indian military positions in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, leading to a series of aerial dogfights and engagements over the volatile LoC region.
India’s air defense systems in Srinagar, Punjab, and Rajasthan were immediately activated. Indian Air Force squadrons intercepted and shot down three Pakistani fighter jets near Srinagar, thwarting a potentially disastrous second wave of attacks.
At around 04:30 AM IST, Pakistan announced its retaliatory action under the codename Operation Bunyan Marsoos. Fighter jets scrambled from PAF bases in Multan and Mianwali attempted to breach Indian airspace in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
Dogfights and Defence:
- Indian Air Force engaged PAF jets in aerial dogfights over Srinagar, successfully shooting down three Pakistani fighter jets, identified as JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
- Surface-to-air systems activated in Samba, Gurdaspur, and Leh intercepted multiple drone and missile threats.
- All Indian military sites remained safe, with no confirmed breach of strategic installations.
Nuclear Posturing by Pakistan and India’s Firm Response
In a dangerous and irresponsible move, the Pakistani Prime Minister held meetings with nuclear command authorities, threatening the possibility of using nuclear weapons if India continued its retaliation. This threat has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders, including members of the G7 and the UN.
India, in its official response, maintained a calm yet firm posture:
"India is fully prepared for any eventuality — conventional or otherwise. Our armed forces are equipped, positioned, and mentally ready to defend the sovereignty and integrity of our nation."
Military Mobilization at the Border: War Clouds Loom Large
Durning briefing of MoD, wing commander Vyomika Singh &Col. Sofia Qureshi said, Pakistan has begun heavy troop mobilization along the LoC and the International Border. Satellite imagery has shown tanks, artillery units, and infantry regiments moving into forward positions. India, while not escalating unnecessarily, has also matched this deployment with readiness drills, troop mobilization, and the fortification of sensitive zones.
Indian Army stated:
“We are not the aggressors. But if war is thrust upon us, we will defend our land with the full might of our Armed Forces.”
India has made it clear — any provocation, terror export, or attack on its sovereignty will be met with unflinching and powerful retaliation. The events of May 2025 have redrawn the security map of South Asia. Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s defense doctrine: Shakti ke saath Shanti.
With both nations now at a dangerous crossroads, the world watches anxiously. But for India, the path is clear — peace, if possible; power, if necessary.