Operation Sindoor LIVE Updates: Complete Blackout in J&K, Punjab; Indian Air Defence Intercepts Pakistani Drones
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been on the rise since the Pahalgam terror attack.
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Operation Sindoor LIVE Updates: Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise following reports of missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan along the western border at multiple locations on Thursday night. According to defence sources, all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by Indian air defence systems.
This escalation follows India's Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces targeted 21 terror camps across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 May. The operation was carried out in retaliation for the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam.
Military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted on Thursday by drones and missiles originating from Pakistan along the International Border in J&K, as per the Ministry of Defence.
Air raid sirens were heard and a complete blackout has been announced in Jammu.
Blackouts have also been announced in parts of Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Schools and colleges in Punjab have been closed for the next three days.
The attacks coincided with India’s announcement of neutralising a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore as a retaliatory measure.
India directed OTT platforms and streaming services to remove content originating from Pakistan.
'I Hope This Ends Quickly': President Trump
US President Donald Trump gave his first comments on the Indian strikes inside Pakistan and PoK.
"It's a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval Office. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly," he said.
In a statement from his spokesperson, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern, calling for "maximum military restraint from both countries".
"The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," the spokesperson said on behalf of Guterres.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X to say that he was "monitoring the situation" closely and would engage with both India and Pakistan for a "peaceful resolution".
On the other hand, United Arab Emirates foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for restraint on the part of both India and Pakistan.
"His Highness reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity," a statement from the government official read.
Firing Underway at LoC, Pak PM Says 'Will Respond'
Heavy exchange of fire has been underway since the strikes, with at least three Indian civilians having lost their lives, according to multiple reports.
Several injured civilians are receiving treatment at local hospitals in Uri.
CIvilians injured in Pakistani shelling receive treatment at a hospital in Uri, Poonch, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
(Photo: PTI)
A damaged property after alleged heavy firing and shelling by Pakistan military overnight across the Line of Control and International Border, at Irwan Khanetar village in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir.
(Photo: PTI)
In the wake of the strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country will respond to the "unprovoked attack."
"The people of Pakistan and its forces are fully prepared to confront and defeat any threat with our strength and determination. The enemy will never be allowed to achieve its malicious aims," he added.
'Proud of Our Armed Forces': Rahul, Other Oppn Leaders Hail Army Action
Meanwhile, the Congress and other Opposition parties hailed the actions taken by the Indian armed forces against Pakistan on Wednesday.
"Proud of our armed forces. Jai Hind!" said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge applauded the "resolute resolve and courage" of the Indian armed forces, stating that the country has an "unflinching" national policy against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
"Since the day of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian National Congress has categorically stood with the armed forces and the government to take any decisive action against cross border terror," Kharge said.
"National unity and solidarity is the need of the hour and the Indian National Congress stands with our armed forces. Our leaders have shown the path in past, and national interest is supreme for us," he added.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that he "welcomes" the strikes by India's defence forces against terror hideouts in Pakistan.
"The Pakistani deep state should be taught a lesson so that it never takes another step again. Pakistan's terror infrastructure should be destroyed. Jai Hind!" he added.
'Action Against Pakistan Non-Escalatory in Nature'
In the press release, the Ministry of Defence mentioned that nine such sites were targeted. It added that actions by the Indian Armed Forces were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature."
"No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and methods of execution," the statement added.
Army soldiers inspect a building damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
(Photo: PTI)
It further noted: "These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable."
India will hold a detailed briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' at 10:30 AM on Wednesday.
'Five Locations Targeted': Pakistani Media Reports
As per reports by Pakistani media, five sites in cities, including Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province and Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK, were targeted.
"Five locations were targeted across Pakistan, many of these were madrassas," Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) reported.
Bahwalpur is around 200 kilometers from the border with India—and Muzaffarabad is about 50 kilometers from the Line of Control. By striking these cities, India has demonstrated its willingness and ability to strike at targets deep within Pakistan and PoK.
On the other hand, Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry alleged that India targeted civilians in Pakistan, adding that a total of eight people were killed and 35 injured, as per CBS News.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan military spokesman said that two mosques were among the targets hit by India, according to Pakistan's Geo News.
Pakistan's Dawn newspaper stated that the country's military brought down five Indian aircrafts in retaliation for the late-night strikes.
The 9 Sites Struck By India
Of the nine sites struck by Indian armed forces on Wednesday, four are believed to be in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan's Punjab province and Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), The Indian Express reported.
Bahawalpur is believed to be a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammed -- a terror outfit led by Masood Azhar, one of the terrorists swapped by India in exchange for passengers aboard the hijacked Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in 1999.
Muridke, which is near Lahore, is the base of the Hafiz Saeed-led Lashkar-e-Taiba, the outfit behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Kotli is across the Line of Control from Jammu and is located in PoK.
'We Will Eradicate Terrorism': BJP Chief JP Nadda
BJP president JP Nadda took to X to hail the Indian military action in Pakistan and PoK on Wednesday.
"India's message on Pahalgam - If you tease us, we won't let you go. Prime Minister Modi said that those who attack the soul of India will be given severe punishment. India is both capable and determined to uproot terrorism from its roots. We will eradicate the scourge of terrorism," he said.
Kin of Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims Hail Army Strikes
The family members of those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack praised the efforts of the Indian armed forces in retaliating against terrorists stationed in Pakistan.
Arathy, daughter of N Ramachandran, one of the victims, expressed hope that the strikes would bring relief to the families of those who were killed.
She also extended a "big salute" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Army and other officials involved behind the decision, PTI reported.
'Long Live Mother India': Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has been reviewing the situation along the LoC, too to X to say, "Long live Mother India".
The defence minister is also believed to have briefed PM Modi along with other officials regarding Operation Sindoor.
'Proud of Our Army': Priyanka Gandhi
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to X to praised the efforts of "our brave soldiers".
"We are extremely proud of our army. Our brave soldiers protect our freedom and integrity. May God protect them and give them immense courage to face challenges with patience and bravery. Jai Hind," she said.
Earlier Rahul Gandhi had also taken to X to say: "Proud of our armed forces. Jai Hind!"
Indian Officials To Address Press Con at 10:30 AM
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are scheduled to address the media at 10:30 AM regarding Operation Sindoor.
Press Conference on Operation Sindoor Underway
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a press conference on Operation Sindoor: "On 22 April 2025, terrorists related to LeT and Pakistan attacked tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam and killed 25 Indian nationals and 1 Nepali citizen... They shot tourists in the head in front of their family members."
"The family were threatened and told to convey the message of that barbarism. Since tourism was again flourishing in J&K, and hence the main aim of the attack was to damage that," he added.
"A group called the Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for Pahalgam attack. This group is connected with Lashkar-e Taiba. Pakistan links have been established in this attack," Misri further said.
The Foreign Secretary added that Pakistan's links with the terrorists have been exposed and that the Pakistani government's "pressure" to remove the reference to The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, shouldn't be exposed.
"Our intelligence agencies monitoring terrorist activities have indicated that there could be more attacks on India, and it was felt essential to both stop and tackle them," Misri added.
The Foreign Secretary said that the Pahalgam terror attack was marked with extreme barbarity.
"The victims mostly killed with head shots at close range and in front of their family...the family members were deliberately traumatised through the manner of killing, accompanied by the exhortation that they should take back the message. The attack was clearly driven by the objective of undermining normalcy returning to Kashmir," he said.
Misri further added that intelligence indicates that further attacks against India are impending.
"Thus, compulsion, both to deter and prevent and hence earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond to deter such more cross-border terrorism... Our actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. They focused on dismantling terrorists' infrastructure," he said.
'Op Sindoor Launched To Give Justice to Pahalgam Attack Victims'
Addressing a press briefing, Indian Army Col Sofiya Qureshi said, "Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed."
Officials further said that Ajmal Kasab and David Headley, two terrorists behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, were trained in one of the camps targeted during Operation Sindoor.
Camps Targeted By Indian Armed Forces
During a briefing on Operation Sindoor, Col Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh shared a list of terrorist camps targeted by Indian armed forces in Pakistan and PoK.
'Have Taken Stock of Situation Along LoC': J&K CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he has been in touch with officials in charge of areas along the LoC amid an exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces.
"I held a video conference with district collectors of the places near the border and LoC...I have taken stock of the situation. I have received news of some losses from some places, but we are currently collecting the reports," Abdullah told news agency ANI.
He further stated that his government has released funds district collectors to deal with any kind of contingency.
"If we have to evacuate civilians, vehicles and ambulances have been arranged for it," Abdullah said.
"None of us want war...we want the situation to improve again, but first our neighbouring country (Pakistan) needs to put their guns down," he added.
'Panic Everywhere': Pakistani Man Shares Eyewitness Account
A local Pakistani man in Muridke, one of the places targeted by Indian armed forces in overnight strikes, said that there was panic everywhere.
"4 drones came...panic everywhere", he told Reuters. "At around 12:45 in the night, first one drone came, followed by three other drones," he added.
Several Airports Shut in North India
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, airports have been shut down in a number of north Indian cities, such as Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Dharamsala and Chandigarh.
Moreover, several Indian airlines issued flight advisories for those travelling across north India.
Hours After Op Sindoor, PM Modi Addresses Nation
Hours after Operation Sindoor was launched against Pakistani terror outfits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the Global Conference on Space Exploration.
However, his speech did not feature any details on the recent retaliatory strikes against Pakistan.
Fake Visuals Show Indian Aircraft Shot Down By Pakistan
Fake visuals are doing the rounds on social media claiming to be of Pakistani aircrafts shooting down an Indian fighter jet.
The Quint also found several news websites publishing this visual as recent and linked to this operation. You can view some of these links here and here.
The visual, in fact, shows the crash of a MiG-29 fighter jet in Rajasthan's Barmer in September 2024, as opposed to what is being claimed.
Read more here.
Amit Shah Calls Meeting With CMs of Border States
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Home Minister Amit Shah has called a meeting with the chief ministers of all border states as well as DGPs and chief secretaries at 2:00 PM, news agency ANI reported.
The states/UTs whose officials will be participating in the meeting include Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
Old Images Used To Claim IAF Jet Shot Down By Pakistan
A set of two images showing a wrecked fighter jet is going viral online to claim that it Indian Air Force's Jaguar fighter jet was destroyed in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Who shared it?: This image was shared by several social media users who claimed that the report was shared by media outlet Republic Bharat.
(Archives of similar claims can be seen here, here and here.)
What's the truth?: This image is unrelated to Operation Sindoor and shows wreckage at a site after a Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Gujarat on 2 April 2025.
Read more here.
PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet meeting following strikes in Pakistan and PoK.
Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari among others were in attendance.
Earlier, PM Modi had also called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to brief her about the situation.
Willing To Play Constructive Role To Ensure Peace: China
China said on Wednesday that it was willing to play a "constructive role" in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
“We are willing to work together with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tensions,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, as per AFP.
PM Modi Apprises President of Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu to apprise her of strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Govt To Chair All-Party Meet on 8 May
The Narendra Modi government will chair an all-party meeting on Thursday, 8 May, in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
'Govt Has Avenged My Son': Father of Pahalgam Ponywallah
The father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a Kashmiri Ponywallah who was killed while protecting tourists during the Pahalgam terror attack, said that the strikes on Pakistan have "avenged" his son.
“I am very happy today that the forces and (PM Narendra) Modi have avenged the killing of 26 persons. It makes me happy that those (victims) will rest in peace today,” Shah’s father, Syed Haider Shah, was quoted as saying by PTI.
10 Indian Civilians Killed Amid Cross-Border Firing By Pak
At least 10 civilians, including two minors, have been killed and 38 others injured in heavy cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.
This closely follows India’s targeted missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
You can read more here.
Mock Drills To Be Held Today
Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, mock drills are scheduled to be held across India on Wednesday, 7 May to enhance the preparedness of the civilian population in case of retaliation by Pakistan.
The drills, codenamed 'Operation Abhyas' will be held in several locations across the country.
Pakistan Authorises Its Armed Forces To Respond to Indian Strikes
Following strikes by India, Pakistan’s National Security Council (NSC) stated that it has authorised the country's armed forces to undertake retaliation “at a time, place, and manner of its choosing”, news agency PTI reported.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over the NSC meeting, in which a number of senior Cabinet members and service chiefs were present.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorised to undertake corresponding actions in this regard,” a statement from Pakistan's NSC read.
'Armed Forces Ensured Civilian Population Wasn't Harmed': Rajnath Singh
Hours after India launched strikes in Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that while the Indian Armed Forces displayed "valour and bravery" against the enemy, they also showed "sensitivity in ensuring that civilian population is not affected at all".
"Last night, our Indian armed forces displayed their valour and bravery, and scripted a new history. Indian armed forces took action with precision, alertness and sensitiveness. The targets we decided where accurately demolished at the right time with precision," Singh said.
"Our armed forces also showed sensitivity in ensuring that civilian population is not affected at all. In a way, we can say that Indian jawans showed precision, alertness and humanity. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the jawans and officers. I also congratulate PM Modi for supporting the armed forces," the defence minister added.
Jammu Under Attack, Sirens Heard
Multiple areas in Jammu — including the airport — as well as parts of Rajasthan and Punjab reportedly came under rocket attack from across the International Border, marking a major escalation in the situation. Jammu airport faced multiple targeted strikes, while drone activity was also detected along the border, prompting air raid sirens and a citywide blackout.
These attacks came as India announced it had neutralised an air defence system in Lahore, a retaliatory move following Pakistan’s overnight attempts to target several Indian cities.
Nightly Blackouts Announced in Punjab
As tensions continue to rise along the India-Pakistan border, authorities in Punjab's Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, and Amritsar have enforced a district-wide blackouts starting tonight (Thursday night). In a related move, deputy commissioners across six border districts in Punjab have imposed a ban on the use of fireworks to prevent any potential security risks.
Blackouts have also been announced in Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh).
All Government Employees' Leaves Cancelled in Delhi
According to a notice issued by the Delhi Government on Thursday, 8 May, no leave will be granted to government officials in Delhi until further notice, due to the escalation in tensions.
(Photo: Sourced by The Quint)
Pakistan Launches 8 Missiles at Indian Border; All Intercepted by Air Defence
Pakistan launched 8 missiles at Jammu airport, Akhnoor, Samba, Pathankot, Satwari, RS Pura and Arnia in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night, all of which were intercepted by Indian air defence as per defence sources, reported ANI.
An F-16 supersonic fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force was also shot down in the evening by an Indian surface-to-air missile defence system, reported NDTV.
IPL Match Between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala Called Off
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, originally scheduled to take place in Dharamshala, has been called off due to attacks from Pakistan in various parts of India on Thursday night. The match was halted after 10.1 overs while PBKS was batting.
Further details regarding the rescheduling or alternate arrangements are awaited.
Schools Shut in Border Towns of Punjab
All schools in six border districts of Punjab, including Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, have been shut until further notice, reported PTI.
'Any Escalation Will See a Strong Response', Says S Jaishankar
In a series of tweets, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that he had discussed the ongoing developments with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (EU HRVP), the US Secretary of State, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Italy.
“India has been measured in its actions. However, any escalation will receive a firm response,” Jaishankar added.
'No Casualities or Material Losses,' says Ministry of Defence
According to a statement put out by the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan launched missiles and deployed drones to target military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur—areas situated near the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir.
"No casualties or material losses were reported," said the statement.
In a post on post on X (formerly Twitter), the Integrated Defence Staff reiterated this, and added that the Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted and neutralised all threats in line with standard operating procedures.
Airport Security Enhanced: SLPC for All Passengers, Visitor Entry Banned
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airlines and airports nationwide to tighten security protocols. All passengers at airports will undergo a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC).
Visitor entry into terminal buildings has also been suspended, and Air Marshals will be deployed as required, according to sources from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
US Urges Pakistan PM to Act Against Terror Groups
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, urging Islamabad to take decisive action to eliminate any backing for terrorist organisations, said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Rubio, reportedly, stressed the importance of immediate de-escalation and reaffirmed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, encouraging both sides to maintain open lines of communication.
Amit Shah Holds Meeting of Top Officials to Review Border Security
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with the Director Generals of India’s border guarding forces to assess the situation along the borders following multiple attacks by Pakistan, reported ANI.
He also reportedly spoke with the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to review airport security measures.
Over 8000 Accounts Blocked on Indian Government's Orders, says X
Social media platform X said on Thursday that it has blocked over 8,000 accounts in India following executive orders from the Indian government.
The company noted that in many instances, no evidence or justification was provided for the bans, and it faced threats of “potential penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment of the company’s local employees.”
"To comply with the orders, we will withhold the specified accounts in India alone...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, and is contrary to the fundamental right of free speech," read the statement.
Two Pakistani Drones Shot Down by Indian Army Air Defence Units in Naushera: Defence Sources
Two Pakistani drones were shot down by Indian Army Air Defence units in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir late Thursday night, as heavy artillery exchange between Indian and Pakistani forces continues in the region according to defence sources, reported PTI.
Cross-border tensions between the two nations escalated significantly on Thursday night following reports of missile and drone attacks originating from Pakistan at multiple locations in India along the western border.
Delhi on High Alert: India Gate Cleared Amid Security Concerns
A high alert has been issued and security has been tightened across Delhi. Authorities were seen evacuating people from the India Gate area and imposing traffic restrictions around the historic monument.
“Police will remain vigilant. Night patrols have been intensified, and additional forces will be deployed in all sensitive areas,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
The measures follow reports of Pakistani drone attacks that triggered loud explosions, air raid sirens, and blackouts across several border districts.
Power Restored in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Chandigarh
After consultations with defence authorities, the administration has decided to restore electricity in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Chandigarh, according to the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts.
"We are now clear to restore the power supply. We thank our armed forces for their brave fight today and forever. Also we request the citizens to stay safe and alert," read the Tweet by DC Mohali.