India Delivers Proportionate Response to Pakistan’s Escalation Attempt, Neutralises Air Defence Systems

In a sharp response to Pakistan’s attempted escalation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out proportionate strikes targeting air defence systems inside Pakistan on Thursday morning. The retaliatory action came after Pakistan launched drones and missiles at multiple military targets across Northern and Western India during the night of May 7–8.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistani forces attempted to strike key military installations in locations such as Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. The attacks were thwarted by India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. Debris from the intercepted drones and missiles is being recovered from various sites, confirming the attempted strikes.

India’s response focused on neutralising Pakistani air defence radars and related systems. Notably, an air defence system in Lahore is reported to have been disabled. Officials stated that India’s action matched Pakistan’s attack in domain and intensity but remained limited and calibrated, in line with India’s stated policy of non-escalation.

Simultaneously, Pakistan escalated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, using mortars and heavy artillery in multiple sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. The indiscriminate shelling led to the tragic deaths of sixteen civilians, including three women and five children.

Indian forces were compelled to respond to suppress Pakistan’s mortar and artillery fire to prevent further loss of civilian life. The Ministry reiterated that while India remains committed to a policy of restraint, any further aggression from Pakistan will be met with an appropriate and decisive response.

The situation remains tense as India continues to monitor developments closely.