PM Modi Engages with Top Defence Officials Amid Rising Tensions at LoC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held crucial talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and the three armed forces chiefs. The meeting comes at a time of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in light of the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor.’
The discussions primarily revolved around strategies to address Pakistan’s repeated violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. According to sources, the conversation also included deliberations on the next steps for India’s military operations in the region.
In a significant move, PM Modi also engaged with military veterans, including former Chiefs of the Air Force, Army, and Navy, further enhancing the depth of the strategic conversation. These veterans, with their wealth of experience, contributed valuable insights into the evolving situation.
Pakistan’s Airspace Intrusions and Indian Response
Earlier in the day, Indian Armed Forces officials briefed the media about a concerning violation of Indian airspace by Pakistan’s military. On the nights of May 8 and May 9, Pakistan reportedly launched between 300 to 400 drones targeting various military and strategic locations along India’s western border.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed the high-intensity drone strikes, which were suspected to have been carried out using Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones. While forensic investigations are ongoing, the initial findings suggest a clear pattern of aerial incursions aimed at testing India’s air defence systems, as well as potential infiltration attempts.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh elaborated during the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press briefing, stating that Pakistan’s drone attacks appeared to be coordinated to gather intelligence and challenge India’s military preparedness. However, India’s state-of-the-art air defence systems neutralized the threat effectively, shooting down the drones and preventing any damage to key installations.
Pakistan’s Aggression Met with Steely Resolve
The Pakistani forces also launched missile and drone attacks on multiple Indian cities, including critical military infrastructure. However, India’s robust air defence mechanisms, including advanced radar systems and countermeasures, successfully repelled all the attacks, leaving Pakistan’s military reeling.
The women officers of the Indian Armed Forces, who have been at the forefront of these operations, mentioned that investigations into the wreckage of the drones were underway. Preliminary findings suggest that these drones may be of Turkish origin, but confirmation is still pending.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that on the night of May 7 and 8, Pakistan violated India’s airspace multiple times, targeting military infrastructure and firing heavy artillery along the LoC. However, India’s defensive responses were swift and effective, neutralizing Pakistan’s attempts through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
Operation Sindoor: A Retaliatory Strike
India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a direct response to the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including Indian nationals. As part of this operation, India targeted several terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), aiming to dismantle terror infrastructure and send a strong message to Pakistan.
Sources within the military have indicated that India’s swift and precise military actions are sending a clear signal of India’s preparedness to defend its sovereignty at all costs.