The latest developments significantly raise tensions between India and Pakistan, underscoring how rapidly a counter-terror operation can spiral into broader military engagement. Here's a consolidated breakdown of the key elements:
Pakistan's Retaliation and IAF's Defence
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On Wednesday night, Pakistan attempted a coordinated aerial assault on Indian military installations using drones and missiles.
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The Indian Air Force’s S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ systems—deployed in Pathankot, Rajasthan, and Gujarat—played a central role in intercepting the incoming threats.
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Targets included Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Bhuj, indicating a broad geographic spread of Pakistan’s attempted strikes.
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None of the projectiles breached Indian defences, showcasing the efficacy of the S-400 system’s advanced radar and missile interception capabilities.
India's Precision Response
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On Thursday morning, India retaliated by striking Pakistani air defence radars, notably destroying a key installation near Lahore.
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The Indian military described the response as “in the same domain and intensity,” indicating a strategic focus on air-defence parity rather than offensive escalation.
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These strikes are seen as part of a measured strategy, consistent with the approach of Operation Sindoor, which was designed to avoid civilian casualties and military installations.
Operation Sindoor: Strategic Context
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Launched in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror camps of JeM and LeT in Pakistan and PoK.
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It involved Rafale airstrikes and Army’s missile units, resulting in over 100 terrorists killed, as per Indian sources.
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India asserted that all targets were non-military and selected to minimize collateral damage.
Official Indian Stand
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The Ministry of Defence reiterated a commitment to non-escalation, clearly stating that further Indian strikes depend on Pakistan's actions.
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India also emphasized the proportionality and necessity of its response, both in Operation Sindoor and the subsequent counter to Pakistan’s attempted aerial strike.
Strategic Implications
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The use of S-400 systems in a real-world conflict scenario for the first time in South Asia signals a shift in regional air defence dynamics.
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India's stated restraint, paired with visible military preparedness, sends a dual message of deterrence and diplomatic maturity.
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The situation remains volatile, with the risk of further escalation hinging on how Pakistan chooses to interpret and respond to India's calibrated operations.
