India’s Counterattack: Drone Strikes Hit Lahore and Sialkot, Pakistani Air Defences Crippled

In a sharp and decisive counterattack, India launched precision drone strikes targeting military installations in Lahore and Sialkot. The strikes came just hours after Pakistan carried out drone and missile attacks on multiple Indian states including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This high-stakes exchange has further heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and raised concerns globally.

How Pakistan Escalated the Conflict

Late Thursday night, Pakistan initiated a coordinated offensive using drones and guided missiles. High-value targets such as the Jammu airport and an army post in Udhampur were among the intended sites. Other sensitive areas like Akhnoor, Pathankot, and Jaisalmer were also reportedly on the radar. Indian defence officials revealed that the attacks were swiftly intercepted by advanced defence systems, including the formidable S-400 air defence system.

Two Pakistani drones were downed near Jammu University, while additional sightings were reported in the Kutch region of Gujarat. In anticipation of further attacks, security forces initiated controlled blackouts in several vulnerable zones across Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Former Police Chief Confirms Impact

Former J&K Director General of Police, S.P. Vaid, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) confirming the intensity of the situation. “There is a complete blackout in Jammu. Loud blasts are being heard. Possible bombing or missile activity suspected. But our faith in Mata Vaishno Devi and the brave Indian Armed Forces remains unshaken,” he wrote.

Operation Sindoor: Root of the Escalation

This marks the second Pakistani attack in just 24 hours and is widely seen as a retaliation to “Operation Sindoor”—India’s covert missile strikes on terrorist camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deeper inside Pakistan. Indian intelligence claims that nine terror hubs were destroyed in that operation.

Defence sources confirmed that the Indian response to Pakistan’s latest aggression was calibrated and proportionate. Early Friday morning, kamikaze drones launched by India reportedly disabled a Pakistani air defence system near Lahore, delivering a serious blow to Pakistan’s aerial defences.

India Thwarts Major Pakistani Offensive

The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that Pakistan had planned to hit 15 military locations spread across northern and western India, including key bases in Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhatinda, and Bhuj. All of these attempts were neutralised using India’s integrated counter-drone systems and air defence platforms.

Remnants of Pakistani drones and missiles are being recovered across multiple sites, further confirming the scale of their assault. However, none of the intended targets sustained significant damage due to India’s preparedness.

Global Powers Watching Closely

As tensions escalate, global stakeholders including the United States, Russia, and the European Union have called for restraint. Diplomatic efforts are underway behind the scenes to prevent the conflict from spiralling into a full-scale war.

Conclusion: India Demonstrates Strategic Maturity

India’s measured but strong response has demonstrated both its military preparedness and strategic restraint. While retaliating with force, New Delhi has also kept open channels for international diplomacy. The message is clear: India will not tolerate cross-border aggression, but it is not seeking escalation—unless provoked beyond the limit.