New #Delhi – In a firm response to #Pakistan’s multiple airspace violations, extensive drone intrusions, and attempted targeting of military infrastructure on the night of May 8th and 9th, 2025, #India launched retaliatory strikes against #Pakistani air defense sites. This action followed a period of intense cross-border activity initiated by #Pakistan.According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), after #Pakistan’s armed UAV attempted to target the Bathinda military station – a threat that was successfully detected and neutralized by #Indian forces – #India took measured action. Armed drones were launched targeting four specific air defense sites located within #Pakistan.

The MEA confirmed that the #Indian retaliatory strikes achieved a significant objective: one of the armed drones successfully destroyed a #Pakistani air defense radar. This targeted action aimed to degrade #Pakistan’s capabilities that were being used in the aggressive posture along the border.

The spokesperson for the MEA, in a briefing that included inputs from Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, emphasized that #India’s response was proportionate, adequate, and responsible. This characterization of the response aimed to differentiate #India’s actions from the large-scale and seemingly indiscriminate nature of #Pakistan’s provocations, which involved hundreds of drones and heavy caliber shelling.

#Pakistan’s actions on the intervening night also included significant artillery shelling across the #Line of Control in various areas of #Jammu and #Kashmir, such as Sangar, Uri, Poonch, Mandar, #Rajouri, Akhnoor, and #Udhampur. These actions by the #Pakistan army resulted in some losses and injuries to #Indian army personnel. However, the MEA spokesperson also stated that the #Pakistan army suffered major losses in the #Indian retaliatory fire, indicating that #India’s response extended beyond the targeted air defense sites.

The decision to target air defense installations underscores #India’s intent to counter the infrastructure supporting #Pakistan’s aggressive aerial activities. By neutralizing a radar, #India aimed to impact #Pakistan’s ability to effectively monitor and respond to aerial movements along the border.

The MEA highlighted #Pakistan’s irresponsible behavior throughout the incident, particularly its failure to close its civil airspace despite initiating unprovoked attacks. This point was contrasted with #India’s declared closure of its airspace on the #Indian side, demonstrating a concern for civilian safety that #Pakistan allegedly disregarded.The #Indian armed forces, while responding effectively to the military threats, also demonstrated considerable restraint, particularly in ensuring the safety of international civil carriers, a point specifically noted by Wing Commander Singh.

The retaliatory strikes on #Pakistani air defense sites represent a clear message from #India that aggression will be met with a firm response, specifically targeting the capabilities enabling such hostile actions. The MEA reiterated #India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked aggression.