Delhi Targeted by Pakistani Missile, Shot Down as Fighter Jet Falls in Dogfight

Delhi Targeted by Pakistani Missile, Shot Down as Fighter Jet Falls in Dogfight
The India-Pakistan conflict reached a perilous peak on May 10, 2025, when Indian air defenses intercepted a Pakistani Fateh-2 missile aimed at Delhi, neutralizing it 300 kilometers away in Sirsa, Haryana. In the same wave of hostilities, a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down during intense dogfights, escalating fears of a full-scale war. U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed urgent calls for de-escalation, warning of catastrophic consequences if tensions spiral further.

Missile Strike on Delhi Thwarted
The Pakistani Fateh-2 ballistic missile, launched in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, was intercepted by India’s advanced air defense systems in Sirsa, averting a potential disaster in the densely populated capital. Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir following a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26. The missile’s interception, confirmed by India’s Ministry of Defence, showcased the nation’s robust defense capabilities. However, the audacious attempt to strike Delhi.

Fighter Jet Downed in Fierce Dogfight
Amid the missile incident, Indian Air Force jets engaged in large-scale aerial battles over Jammu, Punjab, and Srinagar, described as among the most significant since World War II. A Pakistani fighter jet, identified as a Chinese-made J-10C, was shot down during these clashes, with wreckage recovered near Pathankot. Indian forces sustained minor losses, including damage to two aircraft, but maintained air superiority. Pakistan’s military confirmed the loss, vowing a “befitting response,” further inflaming the conflict.

Trump’s Urgent Plea for Peace
President Donald Trump, addressing the crisis, urged India and Pakistan to halt hostilities, emphasizing the risk of nuclear escalation. “We don’t want this getting out of hand,” Trump said, offering U.S. mediation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaging both nations, pressing for dialogue to curb violence. The international community, including the UN and G7, echoes Trump’s call, as the conflict disrupts regional stability, trade, and airspace.

Global Stakes and Next Steps
The interception and jet downing highlight the fragile security dynamics in South Asia. With both nations nuclear-armed, the world watches anxiously, hoping diplomacy can prevent a humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe.