LIVE Operation Sindoor: India foils fresh Pak attempts against military sites in Jammu, Pathankot, Jalandhar

Emphasising the need for "immediate de-escalation", US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reiterated his calls for Islamabad to take “concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups”.

Rubio made a similar call today to India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, repeating his concerns about escalation, as per spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Both calls were made on a day when Pakistani drone and missile attacks were reported along the International Border (IB) and on multiple Indian border cities. Sirens were heard and Jammu went into complete blackout as India revealed that it had neutralised an air defence system in Lahore while retaliating to Pakistan’s overnight attempted hit on several Indian cities.

At a press conference on 8 May (9 May IST), the spokesperson for the US department of state Tammy Bruce was asked, 'Is it the view of the United States, along with what India says, that Pakistan is supporting terrorist groups?'

Bruce responded, "Well, you know, obviously — in today's world, that's a concern we've raised for decades."

She also referenced comparable dynamics in West Asia.

Despite some flights cancellations and delays, operations at DIAL remain normal, officials have assured.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport, said, "Please check with your airline for the latest updates. We urge everyone to rely only on official sources and avoid sharing unverified information. We're working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any inconvenience."

On Thursday, at least 90 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled.

Meanwhile, Air India asked travellers to arrive at the airport a minimum of 3 hours before flights to minimise difficulties.

A day ahead of a crucial meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, India on 8 May, Thursday, hinted that it would communicate its views on a bailout package for Pakistan to the global financial body.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said at a media briefing that India's executive director at the IMF will put forward the country's position during the meeting of the board on Friday, 9 May.

"The decisions of the board are a different matter...But I think the case with regard to Pakistan should be self-evident to those people who generously open their pockets to bail out this country," he said.

Misri noted that many of the 24 bailout packages sanctioned by the IMF for Pakistan had not reached a successful conclusion.

In a post on X's Global Government Affairs handle, the platform said it had received executive orders from the Indian government requiring it to block over 8,000 accounts in the country "subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the company's local employees".

"The orders include demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users. In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated India's local laws. For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block the accounts," X said.

It further said that to comply with the orders, it will withhold the specified accounts in India alone.

"We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian government's demands. Blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary, it amounts to censorship of existing and future content..."

X said the decision is not an easy one, but "keeping the platform accessible in India is vital to Indians' ability to access information".

"We believe that making these executive orders public is essential for transparency — lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision-making. However, due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time," it said.

All educational institutions are to remain closed over the next three days in both border states, while Tarn Taran and Fazilka in Punjab have also banned firecrackers during weddings and other events, in the interests of public safety.

A high alert was sounded in Delhi, with all city government employees' leaves were cancelled as hostilities ramped up between India and Pakistan, with several border areas, including Jammu, coming under cross-border shelling.

Strollers at India Gate, the iconic war memorial, were asked to leave, and traffic there regulated. Announcements were made by police, asking people to vacate the area.

Security was heightened across the national capital with additional forces, including paramilitary personnel, being deployed at key installations.

Police sources said special commissioners of all zones are holding meetings with the deputy commissioners of all 15 districts.

Bomb disposal squads have been carrying out anti-sabotage checks at malls, markets, hotels and other vital spots.

A blackout was enforced in several districts of Punjab like Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Mohali and also the Union Territory Chandigarh on Thursday evening, 8 May.

In Jalandhar, some drones were spotted but were neutralised around 11:20 pm by security forces, said officials.

Air raid warning sirens were activated in Pathankot where the blackout was enforced around 8:30 p.m. amid unverified reports of explosive sounds.

The blackout was enforced in some other parts including Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala and Haryana's Panchkula.

Thursday night has seen India swiftly thwarting Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles in several places, including in Jammu and Pathankot.

There have been renewed attempts and intense shelling by the Pakistani forces on the Line of Control(LoC) and the International Border(IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, after India in the morning of 8 May targeted Pakistani air defence systems in multiple cities and announced the one in Lahore was confirmed to have been "neutralised".

As the ministry of defence reiterated that any attack on military sites in India will invite a “suitable response”, foreign secretary Vikram Misri noted in a press briefing that only Pakistan can decide if it wants to de-escalate, since New Delhi was merely responding to the "original escalation" triggered by the Pahalgam massacre.

Blackouts from several cities and towns in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan were enforced as drones were sighted from across the border.

Indian air defence units successfully intercepted at least eight missiles fired by Pakistan towards the border areas of Jammu, including the strategically important Jammu Airport at Satwari on Thursday evening.

The missiles were aimed at key locations, including Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura and Arnia, they said.

"Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism," EAM Jaishankar said in a social media post.

"Underlined India's targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation," he said.

In separate posts, he also referred to conversations of seemingly a similar tenor with Italy's deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani and with Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and also vice-president of the European Commission (EU HRVP).

A loud sound, likely of shelling, was heard in Jaisalmer, per police sources, reports PTI.

A top officer confirmed that a sound was heard in Jaisalmer.

Forces are on high alert and border districts remain under a blackout.

The skies lit up as Pakistan fired missile/drones that were neutralised by India's air defence system, a source said, adding there was no report of any damage.

Further details are awaited.

While military stations in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur have been targetted across the international boundary by missiles and drones from Pakistan, no casualties have been reported.

The threat has been neutralised by the Indian armed forces, the ministry of defence shared in a post on X.

Union food minister Pralhad Joshi has urged people not to pay heed to rumours about the need to hoard essential items, saying the country has more than enough stock of all essential goods.

In a post on X, Joshi said, "In certain parts of the country, rumours are spreading, causing people to rush to collect essential food items and other daily necessities".

The minister categorically said, "We have more than enough stock of everything required across the country".

"Our stock is many times larger than what is needed, and there is absolutely no reason for anyone to rush to the markets in any part of the country," the minister asserted.

Joshi said there is no shortage whatsoever and no one should give any value to such rumours.

Amid escalating tensions along the LoC, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has appealed to its members across the country to mobilise for humanitarian aid and emergency support in the border regions.

In an official statement, the IYC said India is "standing at a critical juncture" as security threats mount along the borders.

"While our brave soldiers face the enemy with unmatched courage and protect our borders, our responsibility begins within the borders — to serve people, to stand by those in need, and to rise as true volunteers of humanity," the statement read.

The Congress youth wing announced the launch of #SOSIYC Relief Camps in various border districts to aid civilians affected by the crisis.

"We appeal to each and every Youth Congress worker to be ready to donate blood, assist in medical emergencies, provide logistical support, or help wherever and however needed," the statement added.

Emphasising the role of youth volunteers, the IYC urged its cadre to transport patients, arrange emergency supplies and stand with displaced families.

"This is our moment not to raise slogans but to raise humanity," it said.

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce has said US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke today with external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, to emphasise the need for immediate de-escalation.

Rubio — who Pakistan state radio claimed has also spoken to their prime minister and president — had expressed to the EAM America's support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.

He also reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.

With a red alert in neighbouring Jammu due to Pakistani shelling across the LoC and a possible drone attack, fans are being evacuated from the stadium in Dharamshala with the IPL match between the Delhi Capitals and the Punjab Kings having been called off.

Floodlights were turned off and then dimmed in what was initially reported to be "significant technical failure", until evacuation commenced and spectators began to be ushered out.

While Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir late evening, the Indian armed forces have been able to retaliate effectively, officials said.

The Boniyar sector of Baramulla and the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district were targeted by Pakistan, but there have been no casualties reported.

A blackout has been enforced in Punjab's Pathankot and Amritsar districts, following reports of a loud noise heard in Pathankot which some feared could be shelling from Pakistan — though there is no confirmation.

District authorities said there was no need to panic and issued appeals for citizens to keep their lights switched off and stay home.

There is a blackout in Gurdaspur as well.

Nepal's foreign ministry has issued a statement saying: "The Nepal government is deeply concerned about the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, in which a Nepali national also lost his precious life."

"During this tragic period, Nepal and India stood in solidarity, united in shared grief and suffering," it said.

It added that Nepal "immediately and unequivocally" condemned the barbaric terrorist attack, "consistent with its resolute stance against all forms of terrorism."

The statement said that Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism, but added, "In line with its principal position, Nepal shall not allow any inimical forces to use its soil against its neighbouring countries."

Sounds resembling blasts have caused panic in Jammu city late this evening as security forces detected Pakistani drones near the heavily guarded airport here, officials said.

It was not immediately known whether the airport, which also houses an Indian Air Force station, is under attack.

Jammu plunged into darkness with electricity snapped soon after two powerful explosions were heard in the vicinity of the airport.

Officials said counter-measures have been initiated and a few Pakistani drones were downed by the Indian anti-drone system.

According to some eyewitness, reports PTI, one of the drones was seen dropping outside the airport.

Pakistani troops are also shelling along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, reports say.

The last rites of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma (32), killed in cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector, was held with full military honours at his native village in Haryana's Palwal.

His father Daya Chand lit the funeral pyre, with several ministers of state in attendance.

"Recruited in 2014, Dinesh was the eldest of my five son. My two sons are Agniveers in the Army," a grieving Daya Chand told reporters.

The lance nayak is survived by his pregnant wife Seema, an advocate, and their children Darshan (5) and Kavya (7).

In a post on X yesterday, the White Knight Corps said, "GOC and all ranks of White Knight Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of L/Nk Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regt, who laid down his life on May 7, 2025, during Pakistan Army shelling.

We also stand in solidarity with all victims of the targeted attacks on innocent civilians in Poonch Sector."

The Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries explained away its trademark application for Operation Sindoor yesterday as pretty much an oversight, as it withdrew its filing and blamed it on a junior employee acting without proper authorisation.

Reliance was the first of four entities to apply for the right to use the term for entertainment purposes yesterday, hours after it was launched and almost as soon as the markets had opened.

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Strict prohibition orders have been issued in the Leh district against use of drones, in view of Pakistani attacks along the LoC

The IPL match scheduled for 11 May has been rescheduled per a BCCI decision early this morning.

Notably, Dharamshala's airport was one of those shut down as a precautionary measure yesterday.

The Rajasthan government has cancelled leave for administrative and police personnel deployed near the international border and closed both government and private schools in five districts — Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Barmer.

A blackout has been instituted in these areas from midnight to 4 a.m. until further orders, as a safeguard against possible air strikes.

All Jodhpur colleges were also ordered to remain closed.

Flight operations at Bikaner, Kishangarh in Ajmer, and Jodhpur airports have been suspended till 10 May as a precaution.

Disaster management protocols are being implemented, with hospitals stocking up on life-saving medications with extra personnel on standby, maintaining an adequate supply of all blood groups at all blood banks and schools being designated as temporary shelters.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch have disbursed immediate relief and ex-gratia assistance from the district Red Cross fund to individuals and their families affected by Pakistani shelling.

Thirteen people, including four children and two women, were killed and more than 40 injured in the district on the night of 6–7 May.

An ex-gratia amount of Rs 6 lakh each has been provided to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to those who sustained serious injuries and Rs 20,000 to individuals with minor injuries, the spokesperson said.

The choice of de-escalation is with Pakistan as it escalated the situation with the Pahalgam terror attack and India only responded to it through Operation Sindoor, said foreign secretary Vikram Misri at today's media briefing.

"Our approach is not to escalate the situation. We only responded to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack," he said.

On de-escalation of the situation, Misri said, "Pakistan escalated the situation; we only responded. Choice is with Pakistan."

He reported that at the UNSC meeting on 5 May, Pakistan had opposed mention of the role of the LeT-linked terror group The Resistance Force (TRF), which had already claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.

The foreign secretary also noted how Pakistan’s retaliatory actions along the LoC were impacting civilians — this is forcing India's hand.

"Pakistan's reputation as the centre of global terrorism is rooted in various terrorist attacks across the globe," Misri said, adding Pakistan has been pursuing cross-border terrorism against India for decades.

He reiterated that India's strikes on 7 May had been restrained and confined to terrorist infrastructure.

However, overnight on 7–8 May, the Pakistani military tried to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

There will be an eight-hour blackout starting at 9 p.m. and continuing to 5 a.m. next day in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, district authorities have announced.

This is being imposed until further orders negate the precaution

"Due to the sensitive situation at the Indo-Pak border, as per the directives of the government of India and the government of Punjab, to deal with the emergency situation under the Civil Defence Act 1968, there will be a complete blackout in Gurdaspur district from 8 May starting at 9 pm to 5 am of the next day till further orders," said an order issued by the Gurdaspur deputy commissioner.

While the order will not be applicable on the central jail and hospitals in the districts, their windows should remain shut so that no lights are visible from outside, said the order.

The West Bengal government has cancelled leaves for all state government employees until further notice, citing the "current situation".

The order applies to all categories of employees. Those whose leave had been sanctioned earlier are now required to report back to duty immediately. Only employees on medical leave will be exempt from the directive.

China has again urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may "further complicate" the situation.

At a media briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China was concerned about current developments.

“We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, observe international law, including the UN Charter, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” he said.

“We stand ready to work with the rest of the international community to continue playing a constructive role in easing the current tensions,” he added.

Jian had earlier met with Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and president Asif Ali Zardari.

Union minister for personnel Jitendra Singh held a review with key civil administration officials from the Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua and Samba divisions to assess emergency preparedness and the need to curb fake news regarding the armed conflict underway.

The review was conducted particularly to assess civil defence, emergency services and public reassurance measures, and addressed the need to curb the spread of misinformation.

The minister highlighted the vulnerability of international border villages in Kathua and Samba as well.

Defence officers were present too, and shared updates on civil defence readiness, transport arrangements, maintenance of bunkers, establishment of relief camps and augmentation of medical care.

Security measures have been intensified in districts on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, including Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur, say state police officials.

With famous temples honouring Baba Balak Nath, Maa Chintpurni and Maa Naina Devi located in Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur districts, police have intensified security checks at border points here.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader John Brittas has "regretted" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the all-party meeting called today by defence minister Rajnath Singh — the second such meeting since the Pahalgam attack.

Brittas urged the government to call another all-party meeting with the prime minister attending and also a special session of Parliament.

He also demanded that the government lead an all-party delegation to Kashmir.

In a formal statement shared online, the CPI(M) reported that Brittas had — at the all-party meeting — expressed doubt, given past experience, that the government's objective of eliminating terrorist groups can be achieved by targeted military action.

He advised that the government should continue pursuing diplomatic actions and build international pressure to bring the terrorists to book.

It should be seen that the situation does not escalate, he stressed.

Brittas also asked the Union to rein in the spread of misinformation and hate, stressing that "terror has no religion".

"War against terrorism cannot be conducted without fighting the spread of hate," the CPI(M) said in its statement quoting the Rajya Sabha MP.

"He lauded the people of Pahalgam and Kashmir for showing the path to the entire country by unitedly condemning terrorism with compassion, even after suffering from all its ill-effects," it said.

Brittas had yesterday, 7 May, also urged the government to maintain pressure on Pakistan to hand over the culprits of the Pahalgam terrorist attacks and root out the camps of terror outfits operating within its territory.

An NDTV report has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board is in a bit of a quandary amid the rising cross-border tensions, with the PSL match between the Peshawar Zalmi and the Karachi Kings being cancelled today.

Reportedly foreign players in the league are feeling unsettled, with many seeking to leave Pakistan. The PCB is exploring alternative venues for the remaining matches, the report said.

At a press briefing, Col. Sofiya Qureshi has noted that while India had initially made a point of avoiding Pakistan's military installations as part of Operation Sindoor, the neighbouring nations targetting of Indian military sites led to the Indian armed forces on the intervening night of 7-8 May making good on our promise of apt reprisal if Pakistan should attack India.

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The government has advised OTT platforms to discontinue streaming of all Pakistan-origin content, including web series, films and podcasts, with immediate effect.

The advisory from the ministry of information and broadcasting says:

"In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect."

Congress general secretary (in-charge communications) Jairam Ramesh has posted on X with an appeal to minister of information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw to take action against a Doordarshan anchor who posted "a visual showing the Congress president [Mallikarjun Kharge] and another Congress Lok Sabha MP with the word गद्दार [traitor]" written beneath their image.

"Since the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22nd, the president of the Indian National Congress has been in the forefront calling for unity and solidarity and pledging the Congress's complete support to the Govt while dealing with Pakistan that masterminded these attacks," Ramesh noted.

"Yesterday Kharge-ji, while hailing Operation Sindoor and applauding the armed forces, repeated the call for unity and solidarity," Ramesh added.

Calling the anchor's actions "most objectionable and completely unacceptable", Ramesh demanded an unqualified apology to the Congress president and the MP from the union minister — since Doordarshan as the state channel is under his ministry — and demanded anchor be sacked "right away".

In a post on X, the official Indian Army handle has shared a statement from the Press Information Bureau of India titled 'Pakistan's Bid to Escalate Negated — Proportionate Response by India'.

The press release said that India has had to respond to stop the increased intensity of Pakistan’s unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using mortars and heavy calibre artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

India's armed forces have also foiled attempts by the Pakistani military to engage 15 military targets in northern and western India using drones and missiles last night (7–8 May) and has "reliably learnt" that strikes have destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, the statement says.

"Today morning Indian armed forces targeted air defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan," the ministry said in a readout.

Integrated counter unmanned aircraft systems (grid and air defence systems) have been used to counter the Pakistani military's attempts to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj, the Army says in this statement.

"The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks," it said.

"Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military," the defence ministry has said. 

Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose has condoled the deaths of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch in firing from across the LoC and questioned why border villages were not evacuated in time.

"Shocking and terrible tragedy in Poonch. The killing of innocent civilians in Poonch and border areas by Pakistani artillery deserves strongest possible condemnation," Ghose said in a post on X.

"Qs to Modi government: while we had mock drills across India with a mixed response, why didn't we ensure that all border villages were evacuated well in time? Every life matters," she said.

"Those civilians living on the border deserve all our attention and empathy. Just because TV cameras don't reach there, doesn't mean their plight must not be highlighted. Prayers for the bereaved families in Poonch," the Rajya Sabha MP said, with the hashtag #PoonchIsBleeding.

At least 13 people were killed in the area, and over 50 injured, some critically.

Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has adopted a unanimous resolution congratulating the armed forces for Operation Sindoor.

PAC chairperson K.C. Venugopal said in the first meeting of the newly constituted panel for 2025–26 that a resolution was adopted supporting and congratulating the armed forces for the operation.

Referring to the PAC agenda for the next one year, he said members were of the view that people-related issues should be examined besides audit paragraphs of CAG reports.

The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

The Border Security Force has stopped its daily evening ceremonial retreats at all three border checkposts along the Pakistan LoC in Punjab, in view of public safety.

"As per directions, there will be no ceremonial show at all three joint check posts (JCP) till the next order. No public will be permitted keeping in view their safety and security," the force said in a statement.

The Indian flag is lowered every evening by the BSF troops in synchronisation with the Pakistan Rangers at the joint checkposts at Attari (Amritsar) border checkpoint, opposite Pakistan's Wagah; Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district, across from Ganda Singh Wala; and Sadki in Fazilka district.

Earlier, a few days after the Pahalgam attack, the BSF had said that it would continue to conduct this public ceremony, but without opening the border gates and forgo the traditional handshake between the BSF and the Rangers.

Now, the public are no longer allowed at the border posts.

Noting that he was unable to share technical details pertaining to national security since Operation Sindoor was still ongoing, defence minister Rajnath Singh did share that at least 100 terrorists had already been killed in India's strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The defence minister also informed the various party leaders present that India will hit back if Pakistan attacks in the wake of India's targeted strike.

Read more here

Party leaders present at the all-party meeting today also raised the issue of security of the people living in the border areas, said Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge.

Those who have lost their lives in shelling in Jammu and Kashmir should be taken care of, Kharge added, saying "The government assured us that they would take all kinds of steps."

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi has again demanded that a Parliament session be called so that a good message goes out to the people, the Congress president added.

"If a session is called, MPs can put forward their views and enhance the confidence of the people," Kharge said, though he admitted the government had offered no assurance of that.

"He (PM Modi) was not present last time as well. However, this is a difficult time and we don't want to criticise anyone," said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Speaking of the various opposition leaders present, he said, "All of us have said that we are with them during this hard time."

Confidential matters relating to national security could not be divulged, he said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, chairing the meeting, had said Operation Sindoor was still ongoing, thus a technical briefing was not possible.

The Congress chief did register his disappointment, however, albeit mildly.

"We wanted the Prime Minister to attend this meeting and briefly share his views on the incident that occurred, and more importantly, on the action India has taken today against the terrorists," Kharge said, adding, "We especially salute and commend the bravery shown by our soldiers."

"We were hoping that the Prime Minister himself would come and speak, as that would have had a powerful impact on everyone," he added, "But he did not come, and he hadn’t come to the last meeting either, which is very disappointing."

Speaking to the press after the all-party meeting in Delhi, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi said, "I have complimented our armed forces and the government for #OperationSindoor."

He also suggested that India should run a global campaign against the Resistance Front (TRF). "I also suggested that the government should request the USA to designate it (TRF) as a terrorist organisation," he said, adding, "We should also make efforts to grey-list Pakistan in the FATF..."

Vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that India has always believed in global peace, fraternity and welfare, and noted that in a multi-polar world, alliances keep shifting.

Addressing an event in Delhi, he said in a multi-polar word with shifting alliances, a "fly-by-night" concept is seen.

"Same can be seen with alliances," he said.

Citing Kautilya, the vice president added that a neighbouring state is an enemy and an enemy's enemy is a friend.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has shot dead a Pakistani intruder along the International Border in Punjab, officials say.

The man was shot during the intervening night of May 7-8 in the Ferozepur sector, they said.

He was found crossing the international border purposefully in the dark, the officials said, adding that the body has been handed over to the Punjab police.

Speaking to the media after the all-party meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, union minister Kiren Rijiju said, "The discussions were conducted in a constructive and serious manner, given the gravity of the issue at hand."

He added, "Each leader expressed their views with responsibility and maturity, recognising the major challenge the country is currently facing."

He noted that several valuable suggestions were also put forward.

"Across party lines, political leaders said that there is no place for politics in such critical times. All leaders unanimously congratulated our armed forces on the success of Operation Sindoor and assured their full support to the government, with no dissent whatsoever," Rijiju, who is minister of parliamentary affairs, said.

He highlighted a statement from the defence minister as well, saying 'We do not form a government just to rule'.

RJD MP Manoj Jha said the armed strike under Operation Sindoor was necessary in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that political voices across the spectrum are united and the matter should be addressed collectively.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the all-party meeting, asserted that India will retaliate strongly if Pakistan attempts any further strikes, reinforcing the government's firm stance on national security.

Following the conclusion of the all-party meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said all political parties demonstrated maturity. He added that MPs shared suggestions and concerns, emphasising the need for continued vigilance.

The all-party meeting is currently underway, with the Central government briefing political leaders on the recent military strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was suspended on Thursday after heavy rains caused landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district. A flash flood also hit Ramban market, though no casualties have been reported, according to officials.

Comparative satellite images released by Maxar Technologies reveal significant structural damage to key terror camps in Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor. The visuals highlight the extent of destruction across critical locations targeted in the missile strikes.

Residents of border villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district returned to their homes on Thursday, 8 May after evacuating due to intense shelling by Pakistani forces on Wednesday.

The returning villagers reported significant damage to their properties and began to return only after the shelling subsided. Many had fled with their families and livestock to seek safety from the artillery fire.

A holiday has been declared for all government and private schools in Rajasthan’s border districts, including Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer. Schools in Barmer will remain closed starting Thursday, 8 May until further notice.

The UK Parliament recently debated the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, with Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer calling for both nations to engage in dialogue. He emphasized the need for a swift, diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation of tensions.

For a more detailed news report, click here.

Eyewitness reports in the media said that there was a ‘missile attack‘ in Lahore followed three explosions thereafter. Lahore airport has been closed amid other precautionary measures.

US President Donald Trump expressed concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan, offering his help to de-escalate the situation.

Speaking at the Oval Office on 7 May, Trump reiterated his good relationships with both countries and called for them to end their tit-for-tat conflict. He assured that if needed, he would step in to assist in resolving the tensions.

For a detailed news report, click here.

UK MP Priti Patel condemned the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, calling it a brutal act of violence. Speaking in the House of Commons, she expressed condolences and emphasised the need for the UK to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with India.

Patel also highlighted the ongoing cross-border terror threat from Pakistan-based groups and urged recognition of the danger they pose.

The government has set up central control rooms across Kashmir with a key facility being established at the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) in Srinagar, under the supervision of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Similar control rooms have been established in all 10 districts of the union territory to ensure a coordinated and timely response to any developments.

An all-party meeting has been called on 8 May 2025 in New Delhi to brief political leaders on the army’s recent strikes. Meanwhile, Pakistan violated the ceasefire yet again, targeting areas along the Line of Control in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor with mortar and artillery fire during the intervening night of 7-8 May, 2025.

The Indian Army responded appropriately to the provocation. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to tourists and locals to share any information, photos, or videos related to the recent terror attack on pilgrims in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including that of a Nepalese citizen.

Pakistani forces continued cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district for the second consecutive day, targeting civilian areas in the Karnah sector after midnight on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

The Indian Army responded firmly to the unprovoked attack. No casualties have been reported, with most civilians having already relocated to safer zones following earlier shelling.

As panic buying gripped parts of Jammu amid heightened tensions along the Indo-Pak border, the Jammu Traders' Federation today appealed for calm, assuring the public that there is no shortage of essential supplies.

The federation announced reactivation of 'war rooms' to distribute free ration and medicines to border residents affected by the current hostilities. The reassurance came as authorities evacuated hundreds of civilians from villages along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) following intense cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army.

At least 12 civilians, including four children, were killed and 57 others injured in the heavy artillery and mortar attacks targeting forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

"People are panic buying due to fear (of war), but there is absolutely no need to worry. We have enough ration to last three months," President of the Jammu Traders' Federation Deepak Gupta told reporters in Jammu.

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a sharp escalation in cross-border shelling by Pakistan has seen a transition from small arms fire to heavy artillery, targeting the civilian population residing near the Line of Control (LoC), killing at least 11 people and leaving 40 injured, as per an Indian Express report.

The report says while intense artillery fire was also heard in Uri and Tangdhar sectors of Kashmir Valley, the worst affected was Poonch town in Jammu, "which saw artillery shells hit residential and government buildings, besides public places, for the first time since the 1971 India-Pakistan war".

Many locals moved out to safer places, with the local administration making arrangements at designated locations in Chandak, Lassana, Sanai and Sathra.

In Punjab, people in some border villages of Ferozepur district began moving to safer areas. Villagers in Ferozepur said they have begun shifting their belongings despite no official evacuation orders from the Border Security Force, Indian Army or any government agency so far.

Read more here

Mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios such as air raids, multiple fire emergencies, and search and rescue operations were carried out in several states and Union Territories (UTs) today as part of the nationwide mega civil defence mock drill codenamed 'Operation Abhyaas'.

The drill was conducted on the instructions of the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), which had asked all states and UTs to organise such exercises in light of the "new and complex threats" following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

Read more here

Pakistan today briefed Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong about the latest escalation with India.

In retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces early on Wednesday carried out missile strikes codenamed Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, including Bhawalpur, a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit.

According to the foreign office, the ambassador of China called on deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar amid ongoing tension with India.

“The deputy prime minister briefed the Chinese ambassador on the serious situation following India’s ‘unprovoked violation’ of Pakistan’s sovereignty and the tragic loss of innocent lives,” the foreign office said.

There will be a power blackout from 8-8.15 pm across Lutyens' Delhi today as part of the nationwide civil defence mock drill, the New Delhi Municipal Council has announced.

"All residents are requested to please cooperate and bear with the situation," an NDMC official said.

The blackout drill will not involve hospitals, dispensaries, Rashtrapati Bhawan, PMO, metro stations and other important establishments, the official said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed to all tourists, visitors and local people who might have any more information, photographs or videos relating to the Pahalgam terror attack to immediately contact it.

The probe agency has already taken possession of a sizeable number of photographs and videos showing various aspects of the attack and is examining them, officials said.

The NIA, which is officially in charge of the investigation into the terror attack, is keen to examine the content in thorough detail to search for any possible clues to the assailants and their modus operandi, they said.

Tourists and others might have, advertently or inadvertently, seen, heard or recorded some relevant detail that could help unravel the conspiracy behind the unprecedented attack on tourists in Kashmir, officials said.

"It has now decided to scale up its efforts even more intensely to ensure that no useful information or evidence is missed out in its investigation into the horrendous crime against humanity," the NIA said in a statement.

The NIA has urged all informers to call the agency on 96549 58816 and/or (011) 2436 8800 to share the information.

The targets set under Operation Sindoor were destroyed with precision as per plan, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said today, hours after the Indian military carried out strikes against nine terrorist-related locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"India has exercised its 'right to respond' to the attack on its soil. Our action has been taken very thoughtfully and in a measured manner," Singh said.

"We only killed those who killed our innocents," Singh said at the inauguration of Border Roads Organisation's 50 infrastructure projects across six states and two Union territories. "With the aim of breaking the morale of the terrorists, this action has been limited only to their camps and other infrastructure."

Indian army has acted with precision, alertness and sensitivity, Singh said, adding, "We have shown sensitivity by not allowing any civilian population to be affected at all.

"With Operation Sindoor, our forces have given a befitting reply by destroying terrorist training camps... I salute the bravery of our armed forces."

A day after India’s air and missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and PoK, scheduled mock drills are being held across Indian districts. The drills, codenamed ‘Operation Abhyas’, are part of a longer list of civil defence measures to be observed in 244 districts across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh, designated as civil defence districts based on threat perception.

States and UTs have been asked to operationalise air raid warning sirens, and put in place crash blackout measures in selected areas.

Civilians, including students, will be trained on safety protocols during an aerial or ground assault. Rehearsals of evacuation plans and early camouflaging of vital installations such as power plants and military-linked infrastructure will also be done.

Top Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, met in Delhi to discuss the current situation after Operation Sindoor.

AICC general-secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said the leaders would discuss Operation Sindoor and lauded the courage and achievements of the armed forces.

Senior party leaders including AICC treasurer Ajay Maken, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, general-secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala, former Union minister Anand Sharma and deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were present at the emergency informal meeting at 24 Akbar Road.

Villages near the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran remain calm with people carrying on with routine work amid soaring tensions between the two countries.

Authorities have ordered schools and the Amritsar international airport to be shut. However, people in the two districts remained calm.

Gurmeet Singh, a resident of the border village Chinna Bidhi Chand in Tarn Taran, said there was no panic in the village. Children were at their homes due to the school closure.

Sucha Singh, who lives in the border village Naushera Dhalla in Tarn Taran, said people are busy with their day-to-day work and farmers are in their fields. He said no government official has asked them to leave their homes or move to safer places.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation has called for de-escalation and diplomacy to avoid another India–Pakistan war.

CPI(ML) Liberation said while the Indian authorities have attributed the operation to credible intelligence inputs, it noted that "Pakistan, however, talks of civilian casualties including women and children. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, there are already reports of cross-border firing and several civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir."

On the mock-drills being carried out across the country as per instructions of the Union home ministry, the CPI(ML) said the last time mock drills had happened on such a scale was in 1971, when India and Pakistan had actually been involved in a major war, and said it must be ensured that such drills do not "vitiate India's internal climate and create a jingoistic clamour for war".

Read more here

Left parties extended support to the government on Operation Sindoor, while stressing the need for continued pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure as well as for India to pursue diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) in a statement said, "Given the grave provocation and loss of innocent lives, CPI believes that India had little choice but to respond firmly against the sources of such terrorism."

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said, "Along with these actions, pressure should be continued on Pakistan to hand over those responsible for the massacre of innocent people in Pahalgam and to ensure that no terrorist camps operate from its territory.

The CPI noted that the targeted nature of India’s strikes — avoiding Pakistani military assets and focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure — demonstrates a calibrated and non-escalatory approach, prioritising accountability without inviting full-scale conflict

It added, however, "We reiterate the importance of pursuing diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation and preserve peace in our region and also to arrive at political solutions."

The CPI also called upon the Pakistan government to dismantle all terror networks operating from its soil, saying that their country has also suffered from the scourge of terrorism.

China has called on India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint in the "larger interest of peace and stability" of the region and said it will play a "constructive role" in easing the tensions by working with the international community.

"We are concerned about the ongoing situation," China's foreign ministry said.

"India and Pakistan are and will always be each other's neighbours. They are both China's neighbours as well," it added.

"China opposes all forms of terrorism," it said, in an apparent reference to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.

"We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation," the statement said.

"China finds India's military operation early this morning regrettable," it added.

At least 9 people have been killed and 28 others injured in the cross-border artillery and mortar shelling in this border district of Jammu and Kashmir alone.

The Pakistani shelling was not only restricted to Poonch, but was also witnessed in the forward areas of nearby Rajouri district in Jammu, as well as Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors of Kupwara district.

The indiscriminate shelling, described by residents and officials as “barbaric and cowardly”, started around 2 a.m. in the entire border belt, leaving dozens of homes damaged and their inhabitants running for cover after being woken up by the deafening sound of explosions.

The shelling left a trail of destruction — damaged houses, broken shops, burnt vehicles, bloodstains and debris-littered streets. Even heritage sites like the Poonch Fort and ancient temples were not spared.

“We were not expecting such a situation at the dead of the night. We were lucky to survive the shelling," said a resident of Dhaki.

Read more in our overnight report here. More on the current status here.

Union home minister Amit Shah has chaired a meeting with chief ministers, DGPs and chief secretaries of all states sharing borders not only with Pakistan but also Nepal on the northern side.

The chief ministers of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal were present. The lieutenant governors of Jammu and Kashmir and of Ladakh also participated in the meeting.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray says war was not a solution to the problem of terrorism and the government should give priority to finding the perpetrators of terror attacks.

Even as Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the union home minister called for a meeting with chief ministers of all border states, Thackeray said the government must be questioned about why a terror attack could take place in Pahalgam in the first place.

"War is no answer to a terrorist attack. In the US, they (terrorists) toppled the Twin Towers, attacked the Pentagon. The US did not wage a war. They killed those terrorists," said the MNS chief, speaking to reporters in Mumbai.

"You have not found the terrorists who attacked (tourists in Pahalgam). Why there was no security in a place where thousands of tourists are going for the last many years? The airstrike, distracting people... this, war cannot be the solution," he added.

Instead of Wednesday's planned civil defence mock drills, he proposed a "combing operation" should be carried out all over the country.

More here

An important target of the Indian Air Force's intelligence-driven strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been the Jaish-e-Mohammad's communication network concealed in a primary health centre in Tehra Kalan village in Sarjal, which was a longstanding concern for security agencies, official sources have said.

The site, which housed a high frequency (HF) communication setup — which could be used to coordinate infiltration and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir — was destroyed during the precision strike conducted by the Indian armed forces on terror hideouts early today.

The camp at Sarjal, located in Shakargarh, Punjab, in Pakistan, was identified as a critical target.

The sources said targeting this facility may potentially dismantle communication with their 'masters' across the border for infiltrating terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security in the national capital has been intensified, with additional police personnel and paramilitary forces deployed at key locations, an official has said.

A senior police officer said that the national capital was already on high alert and multiple agencies will carry out mock security drills at 4 p.m. today.

"We have deployed more security personnel at key locations. Delhi Police is fully alert and no one will be allowed to breach law and order. Teams are keeping strict vigil on vital locations and monitoring social media platforms," said the officer.

Police have increased day and night patrolling across different areas in the city with a special focus on tourist and market places. Special patrol units have been mobilised to cover key areas, including Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Palace, Gole Market and other vital installations.

"With security as a top priority and to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain public security, police teams have intensified vehicle inspections at key entry and exit points. This proactive measure aims to deter and prevent any potential terror-related threats. We request the cooperation of all residents and commuters during this time," said the police officer.

Authorities in Delhi will carry out mock drills at 55 locations in the city at 4 pm as part of the nationwide civil defence exercise 'Operation Abhyaas' directed by the Centre.

The drill will simulate multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, multiple fire emergencies, and search-and-rescue operations, among others. Sirens will be sounded by police teams across the 15 police districts in the city as part of the exercise.

Sheikh Sajjad Gul, a 50-year-old Kashmiri who is head of the Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), has emerged as the mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, officials claim.

This is not the only operation to his name either

The NIA had designated Gul a terrorist in April 2022 and placed a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head.

Read more here

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal has announced that party president Mallikarjun Kharge has convened an emergency but informal meeting of senior party leaders in Delhi at 3 p.m. to discuss the security situation in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

A state of emergency has been declared in Pakistan's Punjab province, even as all educational institutions closed in the wake of missile attacks as part of Operation Sindoor, reports PTI from Lahore.

“Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a state of emergency across the province,” a Punjab government statement said.

Pakistani airspace, which was closed for all flight operations following the Indian attack, is now partially being opened, however, the report states.

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar confirmed on Wednesday, 7 May, that a missile strike by India on the group’s headquarters in Bahawalpur claimed the lives of 14 people, including 10 of his relatives and 4 close associates.

According to a statement attributed to Azhar, those killed in the strike on the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah premises included his elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, a niece, and five children from his extended family.

The statement also noted the deaths of one of Azhar’s long-time associates, the associate’s mother, and two additional close aides in the attack. 

Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and a few foreign airlines cancelled their services to and from various airports.

Sources say that at least 18 airports in the northern and western parts of the country have been temporarily shut — including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala and Jamnagar.

IndiGo alone has cancelled around 160 flights. "We are anticipating changes in flight schedules across our network and sincerely advise all customers to stay updated on their flight status before heading to the airport," the airline said in a post on X.

In an update on X, SpiceJet too noted airport closures in parts of northern India, adding that departures, arrivals and connecting flights may be impacted as well. Affected passengers can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight as per availability, it added.

Besides, four international departures were cancelled. Foreign carriers, including American Airlines, cancelled some of their services from the Delhi airport.

Akasa Air, in a post on X, said that due to the prevailing situation in the region, all its flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled.

Regional carrier Star Air said its flights to/from Nanded, Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh and Bhuj stand cancelled for the day.

"Kindly note, due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport," DIAL said in a post on X.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, in a post on X, said it has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to Pakistani airspace closure.

Schoolchildren across the country have been practising emergency drills as part of nationwide civil defence exercises.

Images have been coming in from Patna, Prayagraj, Ranchi, and Delhi NCR, among others.

Pakistan is ready to "wrap up" tensions with India, if New Delhi de-escalates the situation, the neighbouring country’s defence minister Khawaja Asif has said, per Bloomberg Television.

His remarks came hours after India’s Operation Sindoor military strike on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Asif was reported as saying by Bloomberg Television that Pakistan will only respond if attacked.

"We have been saying all along in the last fortnight that we’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we're attacked, we'll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension," he said.

“We are deeply concerned about the intensifying military confrontation between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack near the city of Pahalgam,” Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by state-run news agency TASS.

Russia strongly condemns acts of terrorism, opposes any of its manifestations and emphasises the need to unite the efforts of the entire world community to effectively combat this evil, Zakharova said.

“We call on the parties involved to exercise restraint in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the region,” she said.

"We hope that the differences between New Delhi and Islamabad will be resolved through peaceful, political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999,” the spokesperson said in a statement

The Kartarpur corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district has been shut down for the day.

The Kartarpur corridor links the Darbar Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan, the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district.

The corridor has been opened to the public on 9 November 2019, on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Indian pilgrims of all faiths were allowed to undertake round-the-year visa-free travel to the historic gurdwara, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, along the Kartarpur corridor — until now.

As per the agreement signed between India and Pakistan, 5,000 pilgrims per day could cross over to the neighbouring country to pay obeisance at the historic gurdwara.

Read more

“Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terror modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. There was thus a compulsion both to deter and to preempt,” said foreign secretary Vikram Mistri at a press briefing on Operation Sindoor.

He added that a fortnight after the PahalgamTerroristAttack, Pakistan had only offered "denial and allegations" — so India exercised its right to respond.

Read more here

Hailing Operation Sindoor, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar told reporters that no country could be a mute spectator in the aftermath of a terror attack, and now a message has gone out in the world that "India is aggressive".

A former defence minister himself, Pawar noted, "... there was anxiety among the people of the country."

"While responding to these terrorist attacks, it was necessary to take steps cautiously. All these strikes have taken place on the terrorist camps in POK which are supported by Pakistan," he added.

At the same time, he added that while some people in the country harboured suspicion about the Kashmiri people after the Pahalgam attack, the Kashmiris themselves stood up in support of the country and strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

Asked about the international response, he noted that countries like the US, Japan and other key global powers have extended their support to India.

"The only concern is China, which has taken a different stance. But India has every right to protect its sovereignty," he said.

Refraining from speculation on Pakistan’s possible counterstrike, he only said, "Pakistan knows the limits of its power, and it knows India's power too.

The security alert from the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan advised, titled ‘Military Activity and Closed Airspace’, has alerted Americans, American citizens to “depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place”.

"US citizens are reminded of the 'Do Not Travel' advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State’s 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Pakistan generally,” the alert said.

“India’s actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature," said the Indian embassy in Waashington, adding, "No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted."

The embassy added that the India Army had “credible leads, technical inputs”. 

More here

 Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has noted that Pakistan has "gone out of its way" to target the civilian population in the union territory, following India's missile strikes targeting terror infrastructure in the neighbouring country.

"As reports are coming, Pakistan has gone out of its way to target the civilian population. So I have taken stock of the situation and we are dealing with the situation as it develops," Abdullah told PTI Videos after chairing a review meeting in Srinagar.

The chief minister said India had, on the other hand, gone out of its way to ensure that no military and civilian targets were hit in its Operation Sindoor strikes.

Read more here

The Pakistan army has resorted to heavy artillery and mortar shelling targeting villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, reports PTI, leaving 9 people dead and 41 others injured, per officials.

The officials said the Indian Army is responding to the shelling in a befitting manner, resulting in many casualties on the enemy side after several of their posts engaged in firing were destroyed.

The worst-hit in the Pakistani shelling was Poonch district which accounted for all the civilian deaths, the officials said, adding 28 persons were also injured and the condition of some of them was stated to be critical.

Ten persons, including five minor children were also injured in cross-border shelling in Uri sector of Baramulla district, while three others were injured in Rajouri district, the officials said.

Sources claim union home minister Amit Shah has directed chiefs of all paramilitary forces to call back all personnel on leave.

Shah has also asked Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah to move the civilian population along the border areas to safer places, they added.

He also asked the authorities concerned to keep bunkers ready for the shelter of the civilian population in case of an emergency, the sources said.

The home minister has also directed the chiefs of all Central Armed Police Forces to call back personnel on leave.

Following missile strikes on targets inside Pakistan by Indian Armed Forces, authorities this morning closed Rajkot and Bhuj airports in Gujarat for civilian aircraft. Bhuj airport is located in Kutch, a district bordering on Pakistan.

"We have received NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) today morning that the Rajkot International Airport will remain shut for three days," said Rajkot district collector Prabhav Joshi.

It will remain operational round the clock for military aircraft for the next three days, said another official.

Air India has announced that it will not operate any flight for Rajkot, Bhuj and Jamnagar airports in Gujarat until 5.30 a.m on 10 May. Also affected are flights to and from Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh.

"Air India flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on closure of these airports...," said the airline in a new post on X, updating its early morning advisory that had announced a pause only till 7 May.

At least 35 flights to and from the Delhi airport have been cancelled by various airlines, including foreign carriers, in the wake of India's armed forces carrying out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan.

A source said 23 domestic departures and eight arrivals were cancelled. Besides, four international departures have been cancelled since midnight last night.

Foreign carriers, including American Airlines, cancelled some of their services from the Delhi airport, the source added.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital is the country's busiest airport and handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. "Kindly note, due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport," Delhi International Airport Ltd said in a post on X.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty witnessed high volatility in early trade today after India launched missile strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Markets faced extreme volatile trends during early trade. The Sensex hit a day's high of 80,844.63 and an intra-day low of 79,937.48. The Nifty hit a high of 24,449.60 and a low of 24,220.

China has called on India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint in the "larger interest of peace and stability" in the region.

The statement by China's foreign ministry came as Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

Read more here

Jammu & Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha said the government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality arising out of heavy cross-border shelling by Pakistan.

Sinha said he is closely monitoring the situation. "Took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police & district officials including DCs of all the border districts. I'm closely monitoring the situation & govt is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality," the L-G said on his official X handle.

Sinha said he has directed the deputy commissioners to shift villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medical care and transportation.

Pakistani troops have resorted to heavy shelling in several border districts of J-K following airstrikes by India .

South Korea’s Korean Air has announced that it will avoid Pakistan’s airspace for flights between Incheon and Dubai. The announcement follows similar moves by several other international carriers, including Air France and Lufthansa.

As Indian armed forces struck terror targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under 'Operation Sindoor', a barrage of misinformation emerged from Pakistani media outlets and government-affiliated sources.

Multiple Pakistani government-linked media houses and social media accounts began circulating unverified and misleading claims in the hours following the strikes.

Read more here

All schools in border districts of Punjab's Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar and Gurdaspur were closed today in the wake of tension along the border with Pakistan.

Earlier today, in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack which India says was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke.

The Ferozepur deputy commissioner issued an order that all schools in the district will remain closed today, officials said, adding that all schools in Pathankot will also remain shut for the next 72 hours. Officials said schools have also been shut in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Fazilka districts.

The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', two weeks after the massacre of 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met President Droupadi Murmu to brief her on Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Army in the form of air and missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Union home minister Amit Shah has held a video conference with CMs, DGPs and chief secretaries of states bordering Pakistan and Nepal — Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal.

The Indian strikes come two weeks after the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, in which 25 Indians and a Nepalese citizen were killed.

The targeted facilities include Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM); Markaz Taiba in Muridke, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT); and Sarjal in Tehra Kalan, another JeM stronghold.

Among the prominent casualties of Operation Sindoor are 10 family members and four close associates of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar.

Seven persons, including a woman and two children, were killed and 38 others injured as the Pakistan Army pounded dozens of forward villages with artillery and mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The Indian Army is responding to the shelling in equal measure, they said on the ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces after India carried out missile strikes against nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

All the seven deaths were reported in the worst-hit Poonch district with another 25 persons injured, the officials said.

Ten persons were injured in Uri sector of Baramulla district and three others were injured in Rajouri district, the officials said.

Analysts say the Indian Army launched a strategic offensive targeting nine terror hideouts linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation struck four locations deep inside Pakistan’s territory and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Following Operation Sindoor. Singh also discussed the alertness situation post the strikes, reported media.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said "India has an unflinching National Policy against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and PoK."

“Hail India! There should be neither terror nor separatism! We are proud of our brave soldiers and the Indian Army,” Tejashwi posted. His father and RJD chief Lalu Prasad said, “Jai Hind! Jai Hind ki Sena!”

Selecting nine terrorist-linked locations to target in Pakistan — and avoiding Pakistani military installations to avoid escalation, per defence minister Rajnath Singh — India commenced Operation Sindoor at around 2.00 am on 7 May, in retaliation against the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, as well as a Nepali citizen and a local pony operator.

A defence ministry statement said, "A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."

The Indian Army, posted an image that read Operation Sindoor with the text: #PahalgamTerrorAttack. Justice is Served. Jai Hind!”