What happened?
On the night of 7-8 May 2025, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military sites in Northern and Western India, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems intercepted and neutralized these attacks.
On 8 May 2025, Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems in Pakistan, reportedly neutralizing an Air Defence system at Lahore. The Indian government stated that India’s response was “in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan”.
Pakistan also increased unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC) using Mortars and heavy-calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, causing 16 civilian deaths, including 3 women and 5 children. India responded to halt the fire.
Why it matters to India
India’s retaliation, including the neutralization of Pakistan’s air defence system, demonstrates its military capability and its willingness to respond decisively to cross-border aggression. Pakistan’s continued firing across the LoC and the resulting civilian casualties highlight the destabilizing impact of its actions on the region and the need for India to protect its citizens.