SRINAGAR: Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force addressed a joint press briefing in the national capital on Saturday, laying out India’s response to what was described as a “series of provocative and escalatory actions” by Pakistan over the past 72 hours.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, flanked by Army spokesperson Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, detailed India’s measured but firm military retaliation, named Operation Sindoor, and categorically rejected what it called “falsehoods and fabrications” propagated by Islamabad.
“Pakistan’s actions have been provocative and escalatory. As we have stated on earlier occasions, India has responded in a responsible and measured manner, with the sole intent of safeguarding our sovereignty and protecting civilians,” Misri said.
Pakistan, the officials said initiated the latest round of hostilities late Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday. A barrage of long-range missiles, loitering munitions, and armed drones targeted Indian airbases and military installations in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
Col Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that Pakistani fighter aircraft and drones violated Indian airspace at 26 distinct locations, including Udhampur, Pathankot, Bathinda, and Adampur, launching high-speed missiles at approximately 1:40 am targeting IAF infrastructure in Punjab. “Despite these provocations, our response was precise and proportionate. Several key technical and command sites of the Pakistani military were struck, including radar and aviation installations at Rafiqui, Mureed, Chaklala Khan, and Sialkot,” Qureshi said.
The spokespersons stated that it intercepted numerous drones across northern India, including in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, and Akhnoor, and confirmed heavy retaliatory fire along the Line of Control (LoC). “We are witnessing a forward movement of Pakistani troops and a deliberate attempt to escalate. Let me be clear: we are in a high state of operational readiness,” said Qureshi.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh described Pakistan’s offensive as “deplorable and reckless,” revealing that Pakistani munitions had struck civilian infrastructure including a healthcare centre and a school in Awantipore, and residential areas in Srinagar and Udhampur. “These are acts of harassment. In contrast, India’s retaliation was tightly calibrated, focusing solely on military objectives,” Singh said.
She confirmed the use of precision air-to-ground munitions in India’s response, ensuring minimal collateral damage. “Our aircraft struck technical infrastructure, command centres, and radar positions with high accuracy. Military targets in Chanya and Rafiqui were hit using air-launched precision weapons,” she added.
Reports appearing in media suggest that explosions were heard at three Pakistani installations – Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi, Murid air base in Chakwal and Rafiqui air base in eastern Punjab province’s Jhang district.
The officials also rejected claims broadcast by Pakistani media that Indian missile defence systems had malfunctioned or that key installations such as Adampur’s S-400 site, Nagrota’s BrahMos base, and the Chandigarh ammunition depot had been destroyed. “These are outright lies, part of a deliberate disinformation campaign by Pakistan. None of these installations were damaged,” Misri stated.
India also accused Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by using civilian aircraft as decoys during its drone and missile sorties. Misri described this as a grave violation of international norms and a further example of Pakistan’s disregard for responsible state behaviour.
Videos released at the presser showed several Pakistani military positions along the LoC being struck by precision missiles. “These clips are irrefutable evidence of our capability and restraint. We are not interested in escalation, but will not hesitate to act when provoked,” said Misri.
Meanwhile, border districts across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, including Amritsar, Ferozepur, Rajouri, Samba, and Baramulla, remained on high alert. Civilian populations in multiple towns reported overnight shelling and air-raid sirens, though Indian air defence systems reportedly neutralised most incoming threats.
In closing, the foreign secretary called on Pakistan to “step back from the brink” and return to diplomatic norms. “India does not seek escalation. The responsibility to de-escalate now lies with the Pakistani military and its leadership,” Misri said.
The situation remains tense along the western front, with both nations on high military alert. International observers have called for restraint as fears of a wider conflict loom.
