Key Points
- Indian air defense intercepted and destroyed Pakistan’s Fateh-1 missile targeting a strategic site in western India.
- Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile attacks on 26 Indian cities, all foiled by Indian forces.
- India retaliated with strikes on at least four Pakistani airbases; significant explosions reported in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other cities.
- Both nations closed major airports and airspace; India suspended operations at 32 airports, Pakistan shut its airspace until noon.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level meeting with military chiefs to review security and operational readiness.
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached their highest point in decades following a series of cross-border attacks and military operations. The latest escalation began after India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision strike campaign targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Pakistan Fires Fateh-1 Missile, India Responds Swiftly
On Saturday, Pakistan launched a Fateh-1 ballistic missile aimed at a strategic target in western India. The Indian Air Defense System successfully detected, intercepted, and destroyed the missile mid-air, averting potential devastation. The Fateh-1 is a guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) developed with Chinese technology, capable of delivering both conventional and potentially nuclear warheads up to 140 kilometers. Its advanced guidance and rapid launch capability make it a significant threat, but Indian defenses-using systems like the Akash and Barak-8-proved effective in neutralizing the missile.
Massive Drone and Missile Barrage Thwarted
In addition to the missile attack, Pakistan launched a coordinated wave of drone strikes targeting 26 Indian cities from Jammu & Kashmir to Gujarat. These attacks, which began late Friday, focused on populated areas and key military installations. Indian air defense units, leveraging a multi-layered shield of S-400, Akash, and Barak-8 systems, intercepted and destroyed all incoming threats, preventing any major damage. In Ferozpur, three civilians were injured by debris from a downed drone.
India Retaliates: Strikes on Pakistani Airbases
India responded forcefully, targeting at least four Pakistani airbases, including those in Rawalpindi, Murid (Chakwal), Rafiqui (Shorkot), and Noor Khan. These strikes reportedly caused significant damage to military installations and assets. Explosions were reported in major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad and Lahore, as air raid sirens sounded and civilian flights were grounded.
Airspace Closures and Civilian Disruptions
In response to the escalating conflict, Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights from 3:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on May 10, causing widespread disruption at Islamabad, Lahore, and Sialkot airports. India, meanwhile, suspended operations at 32 airports across northern and western regions, including Srinagar and Amritsar, until May 14 for security reasons. Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir also ordered the closure of all educational institutions amid the devolving situation.
High-Level Security Meetings and Global Concern
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held urgent discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to assess the operational situation and prepare for further escalation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reviewed the security scenario with top military and intelligence officials, emphasizing India’s readiness and measured response[15]. The international community, including the G7, has called for maximum restraint and direct dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
“India’s actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selecting targets and methods of execution.”
- Ministry of Defence, India
Summary Table: Key Events
| Event | India | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Missile Attack | Intercepted Fateh-1 missile | Launched Fateh-1 at strategic Indian site |
| Drone Strikes | All 26 attacks foiled, minor injuries | Coordinated drone strikes on Indian cities |
| Retaliatory Strikes | Hit 4 Pak airbases, destroyed launch pads | Claimed Indian missile strikes on airbases |
| Airspace Closure | 32 airports closed until May 14 | Nationwide airspace shut till noon, May 10 |
| Civilian Impact | Schools/colleges closed in Punjab, J&K | Explosions, flight disruptions in cities |
| Leadership Response | High-level security meetings, restraint urged | Operation “Bunyanun Marsoos” announced |
