Missiles, drones, blackouts: Indo-Pak conflict deepens

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared dangerously on May 8, following a series of missile and drone attacks launched from across the border into Indian territory.

As air raid sirens blared and cities such as Jammu experienced blackouts, Indian officials confirmed a retaliatory strike that “neutralized” an air defense system in Lahore.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for “immediate de-escalation” in a conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and urged Islamabad to take “concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.”

The US also backed continued dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

International reactions continue to emerge, with China urging both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid further complicating the situation.

Rubio also called on both nations to de-escalate, while Indian-American leader Nikki Haley defended India’s right to retaliate.

“Terrorists launched an attack that killed dozens of Indian citizens. India had every right to retaliate and defend itself,” Haley said.

The flare-up comes days after India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which has triggered a wave of military and civilian security responses.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri identified the April 22 Pahalgam attack as the “first escalation,” saying that India was delivering a “measured response.”

Earlier, in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani drones and missiles targeted military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.

Although no casualties were reported, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that all threats were “swiftly neutralized using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities.”

“India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” the Ministry of Defence said.

The ministry confirmed that Pakistan attempted to strike military targets in 16 Indian cities, including Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, and Srinagar.

These were intercepted by India's Integrated Counter UAS Grid and air defense systems. Indian forces reportedly struck an air defense system in Lahore in a preemptive action.

Security has been tightened in Himachal Pradesh’s border districts — Hamirpur, Una, and Bilaspur — due to their proximity to Punjab. Patrolling has been intensified around prominent temples in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and reiterated India’s stance of avoiding escalation.

“India has no intention to escalate the situation… However, any military attack on India will be met with a very firm response,” he said.

On the ground, India has ramped up security measures nationwide. CRPF battalions have been rushed to Jammu & Kashmir, airport security across the country has been raised to the highest level, and border states have implemented emergency protocols.

Meanwhile, India continues to recover debris from thwarted Pakistani drone and missile attacks across Northern and Western India, including targeted Air Force stations in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, Barmer, and Phalodi.

With the situation continuing to evolve, top officials remain on high alert across India’s 1,000-kilometer western frontier.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has mandated 100% secondary ladder-point checks for passengers and tightened screening of cargo and personnel.

Random baggage checks prior to airport entry and enhanced surveillance of ground staff are also in effect until at least May 18.

Air India issued a nationwide travel advisory urging passengers to arrive at airports three hours prior to departure due to enhanced aviation security measures.

Blackouts in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Chandigarh were lifted after consultations with defense authorities, while Kapurthala extended its shutdown until 4:00 am on May 9.

Delhi has canceled all leaves for government employees and installed air raid sirens as a precaution.

Punjab’s Gurdaspur district will undergo nightly blackouts from 9 pm to 5 am until further notice, excluding cantonment zones and hospitals.

Deputy Commissioners in six border districts — Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Pathankot — have also imposed a ban on fireworks.

Educational institutions in these districts are closed, and police personnel have been recalled from leave.

In Punjab, schools, colleges, and universities have been closed for three days. Hoshiarpur district has announced an indefinite blackout at the Indian Air Force’s direction.

In Jammu & Kashmir, all educational institutions have been ordered shut for two days. Senior officers have been assigned to border districts to manage communication and emergency preparedness.

The closures follow Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on Indian military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, which the Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralized.

India remains on high alert as tensions with Pakistan escalate following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives.

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border, prompting heightened security measures across northern states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting with key Union Secretaries, stressing alertness, operational readiness, and countering misinformation.

“All ministries are fully prepared to respond to emerging situations,” reads a government statement.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party, called for restraint. “My heart goes out to the people of Jammu, especially those living along the borders who are once again caught in the terrifying uncertainty of conflict,” she said.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board also urged both nations to resolve tensions through dialogue, stating that “war is not a solution” and that both countries “cannot afford” further escalation.

India has also called on the International Monetary Fund to reconsider its support to Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Misri urged the IMF Board to “look deep within” before approving further bailout packages, citing misuse of previous funds.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a directive to all OTT and media platforms to immediately remove Pakistani-origin content, citing national security under the IT Rules, 2021.

“We have received the request and are working to comply in accordance with the law,” said a Spotify spokesperson.

Earlier, while addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “Pakistan attacked a Sikh Gurdwara in Poonch that killed Sikh community members. A total of 16 civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling along the LoC.”

He dismissed Pakistan's allegation of India targeting the Neelum-Jhelum dam as a “complete fabrication” and warned of consequences for further escalations.

“Our approach is not to escalate the situation. We only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack,” Misri said.

He reiterated that the group responsible, The Resistance Front (TRF), has known links to Lashkar-e-Taiba and had publicly claimed the attack twice. He also criticized Pakistan’s efforts to deny any ties to terrorism.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted continued Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control, which has resulted in 16 civilian deaths, including women and children.

“Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military,” she said.