Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation following Operation Sindoor.
Blackout mock drills take place across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occuped Kashmir (PoK).
More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/civil-defence-on-alert-to-handle-any-situation-amit-shah-directs-states-after-operation-sindoor-9045642">'Civil Defence be on alert to handle any situation': Amit Shah directs states after Operation Sindoor</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/25/wMdxmhPc5MgjsxUxP3RB.png" alt=" Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an urgent high-security meeting on Wednesday (May 7) and directed border states to stay on alert after Operation Sindoor. Photograph: (PTI) ">
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an urgent high-security meeting on Wednesday (May 7) and directed border states to stay on alert after Operation Sindoor. Shah met the chief ministers and lieutenant governors of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal. Everyone present in the meeting expressed their gratitude to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Operation Sindoor on Wednesday (May 7) in which Indiqa struck nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan. Shah directed states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-blackout-mock-drills-across-india-amid-rising-tensions-with-pakistan-after-operation-sindoor-9045404">WATCH | Blackout mock drills across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/JmVNrU8YGUXCtpL495fE.jpeg" alt=" WATCH | Blackout mock drills across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor Photograph: (X) ">
After Operation Sindoor launched by India against nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan on Wednesday (May 7), India witnessed a short blackout across the nation as part of a mock drill directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). All states across the nation are scheduled to experience a blackout as a practice measure. The motive of the mock drill is to prepare civilians for any state of emergency in the country.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-more-than-200-flights-cancelled-18-airports-shut-after-india-launches-strikes-on-pak-terror-sites-9045445">Operation Sindoor: More than 200 flights cancelled, 18 airports shut after India launches strikes on Pak terror sites</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/qx02k5otLgGpfa6Yl0Ba.png" alt=" Operation Sindoor: More than 200 flights cancelled, 18 airports shut after India launches strikes on Pak terror sites Photograph: (AFP) ">
More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations following the Operation Sindoor, which the Indian Armed Forces carried out early Wednesday (May 7) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pakistani-army-stands-with-let-commander-abdul-rauf-at-funeral-of-terrorists-9045122">This pic says it all: Pakistani Army stands with LeT leader Abdul Rauf at terror camp hit by India under Operation Sindoor</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/Huk4d8XS9RimseqXe3Xw.png" alt=" Pakistani Army stands with LeT commander Abdul Rauf Photograph: (Others) ">
India under code-named Operation Sindoor, targeted key installations of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)&mdash;two Pakistan-based terror outfits on Wednesday midnight. Hours after the attack, visuals emerged showing the Pakistani Army standing with LeT commander Abdul Rauf, attending the funeral of killed terrorists.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pm-modi-cancels-his-3-nation-europe-visit-9045129">Operation Sindoor: PM Modi cancels his 3-nation Europe visit</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/06/7ZIkrpNiJxYjSpyuSshv.png" alt=" Operation Sindoor: PM Modi cancels his 3-nation Europe visit Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his crucial upcoming tour to Europe after Operation Sindoor under which India struck against nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan on Wednesday (May 7).The Indian PM was scheduled to go on a three-nation visit: Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands. The visit was being planned for mid-May.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-targetted-only-those-who-killed-innocent-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-operation-sindoor-9044961">'India targetted only those who killed innocent': India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/pHaerBaXcaCZ2T2c9IDB.jpeg" alt=" 'India targetted only those who killed innocent': India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor Photograph: (ANI) ">
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Indian Army after Operation Sindoor on Wednesday (May 7).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-eam-jaishankar-speaks-with-counterparts-in-europe-and-asia-to-discuss-strikes-on-pakistan-9045720">Operation Sindoor: Indian EAM Jaishankar speaks with counterparts in Europe and Asia to discuss strikes on Pakistan</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/20/lkST9UDib69IAxoZJfiA.jpg" alt=" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Photograph: (PTI) ">
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday (May 7) spoke with his counterparts in Europe and Asia to discuss India&rsquo;s strikes on terror sites in Pakistan, which happened earlier in the day.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-lapse-in-journalistic-ethics-india-schools-chinese-media-for-spreading-misinformation-over-operation-sindoor-9045192">'Serious lapse in journalistic ethics': India schools Chinese media for spreading misinformation over Operation Sindoor</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/kdheFSFmJJFo4LCUfDSQ.jpeg" alt=" 'Serious lapse in journalistic ethics': India schools Chinese media for spreading misinformation over Operation Sindoor Photograph: (Reuters) ">
India schooled the Chinese state media on Wednesday (May 7) after Operation Sindoor in which India struck nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-plotting-assisting-killing-inciting-what-does-pakistan-stand-for-indian-politician-explains-letter-by-letter-9045370">'Plotting. Assisting. Killing. Inciting...': What does PAKISTAN stand for? Indian politician explains letter by letter</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/W1Jrj6iVRfcQMsBbjfYV.png" alt=" Representative Image Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Hours after India launched "Operation Sindoor", carrying strikes in nine terror sites in Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian politician slammed Pakistan, describing what "PAKISTAN" really stands for.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-sharma-announces-retirement-from-test-cricket-9045477">Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/22/ZaixWjfbhz3ZfOPHOx0t.png" alt=" Rohit Sharma Photograph: (AFP) ">
India captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The news came in after Rohit took to Instagram to make the announcement. The 38-year-old has already retired from T20Is following India's T20 World Cup win last year.

Stay informed with our roundup of the most compelling global news stories, delivering key updates and analysis on the latest international happenings. India news | World

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation following Operation Sindoor. Blackout mock drills take place across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occuped Kashmir (PoK). More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations. Click on the headlines for more 'Civil Defence be on alert to handle any situation': Amit Shah directs states after Operation Sindoor Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an urgent high-security meeting on Wednesday (May 7) and directed border states to stay on alert after Operation Sindoor. Shah met the chief ministers and lieutenant governors of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal. Everyone present in the meeting expressed their gratitude to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Operation Sindoor on Wednesday (May 7) in which Indiqa struck nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan. Shah directed states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation. WATCH | Blackout mock drills across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor After Operation Sindoor launched by India against nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan on Wednesday (May 7), India witnessed a short blackout across the nation as part of a mock drill directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). All states across the nation are scheduled to experience a blackout as a practice measure. The motive of the mock drill is to prepare civilians for any state of emergency in the country. Operation Sindoor: More than 200 flights cancelled, 18 airports shut after India launches strikes on Pak terror sites More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations following the Operation Sindoor, which the Indian Armed Forces carried out early Wednesday (May 7) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This pic says it all: Pakistani Army stands with LeT leader Abdul Rauf at terror camp hit by India under Operation Sindoor India under code-named Operation Sindoor, targeted key installations of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—two Pakistan-based terror outfits on Wednesday midnight. Hours after the attack, visuals emerged showing the Pakistani Army standing with LeT commander Abdul Rauf, attending the funeral of killed terrorists. Operation Sindoor: PM Modi cancels his 3-nation Europe visit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his crucial upcoming tour to Europe after Operation Sindoor under which India struck against nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan on Wednesday (May 7).The Indian PM was scheduled to go on a three-nation visit: Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands. The visit was being planned for mid-May. 'India targetted only those who killed innocent': India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Indian Army after Operation Sindoor on Wednesday (May 7). Operation Sindoor: Indian EAM Jaishankar speaks with counterparts in Europe and Asia to discuss strikes on Pakistan Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday (May 7) spoke with his counterparts in Europe and Asia to discuss India’s strikes on terror sites in Pakistan, which happened earlier in the day. 'Serious lapse in journalistic ethics': India schools Chinese media for spreading misinformation over Operation Sindoor India schooled the Chinese state media on Wednesday (May 7) after Operation Sindoor in which India struck nine terror sites in POK and Pakistan. 'Plotting. Assisting. Killing. Inciting...': What does PAKISTAN stand for? Indian politician explains letter by letter Hours after India launched "Operation Sindoor", carrying strikes in nine terror sites in Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian politician slammed Pakistan, describing what "PAKISTAN" really stands for. Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket India captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The news came in after Rohit took to Instagram to make the announcement. The 38-year-old has already retired from T20Is following India's T20 World Cup win last year.

Top 10 world news: Amit Shah directs states to be on alert; Civil defence mock drills across India after Operation Sindoor

More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations following the Operation Sindoor, which the Indian Armed Forces carried out early Wednesday (May 7) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The disruption in flight operations came after the Indian Armed Forces launched missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation resulted in the closure of airspaces and security restrictions at major airports in including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, leading to their temporary closure, reported news agency PTI.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-blackout-mock-drills-across-india-amid-rising-tensions-with-pakistan-after-operation-sindoor-9045404">WATCH | Blackout mock drills across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor</a>
Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, along with some foreign carriers, have cancelled services to and from multiple airports. IndiGo has cancelled more than 165 flights.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-plotting-assisting-killing-inciting-what-does-pakistan-stand-for-indian-politician-explains-letter-by-letter-9045370">'Plotting. Assisting. Killing. Inciting...': What does PAKISTAN stand for? Indian politician explains letter by letter</a>
<h2>Around 140 flights cancelled at Delhi Airport</h2>
Around 140 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled on Wednesday (May 7) in the wake of heightened tensions. According to PTI report citing sources, 65 arrivals and 66 departures were cancelled. Two international arrivals were also cancelled.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/india-operation-sindoor-killed-abdul-rauf-masood-azhars-brother-kandahar-hijack-planner-pakistan-9045015">Operation Sindoor killed Abdul Rauf, Air India hijack planner and Masood Azhar's brother: He's behind THESE terror attacks</a>
In its recent advisory, the Delhi Airport stated, &ldquo;All operations across terminals and all 4 runways at Delhi Airport, continue to function normally. However, there have been impact on some flights due to changing airspace conditions.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements. We are working closely with airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to minimize any disruptions to flight schedules. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities,&rdquo; it added.
In an earlier statement, the airport authorities said, &ldquo;Due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements.&rdquo;
Watch | Operation Sindoor killed Abdul Rauf, Air India hijack planner and Masood Azhar's brother: He's behind THESE terror attacks
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The disruption in flight operations came after the Indian Armed Forces launched missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). India news

More than 200 flights were cancelled and 18 airports across northern and western India temporarily shut down operations following the Operation Sindoor, which the Indian Armed Forces carried out early Wednesday (May 7) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The disruption in flight operations came after the Indian Armed Forces launched missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation resulted in the closure of airspaces and security restrictions at major airports in including Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, leading to their temporary closure, reported news agency PTI. Also read | WATCH | Blackout mock drills across India amid rising tensions with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, along with some foreign carriers, have cancelled services to and from multiple airports. IndiGo has cancelled more than 165 flights. Also read | 'Plotting. Assisting. Killing. Inciting...': What does PAKISTAN stand for? Indian politician explains letter by letter Around 140 flights cancelled at Delhi Airport Around 140 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled on Wednesday (May 7) in the wake of heightened tensions. According to PTI report citing sources, 65 arrivals and 66 departures were cancelled. Two international arrivals were also cancelled. Also read | Operation Sindoor killed Abdul Rauf, Air India hijack planner and Masood Azhar's brother: He's behind THESE terror attacks In its recent advisory, the Delhi Airport stated, “All operations across terminals and all 4 runways at Delhi Airport, continue to function normally. However, there have been impact on some flights due to changing airspace conditions.” “Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements. We are working closely with airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to minimize any disruptions to flight schedules. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities,” it added. In an earlier statement, the airport authorities said, “Due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates and alternate travel arrangements.” Watch | Operation Sindoor killed Abdul Rauf, Air India hijack planner and Masood Azhar's brother: He's behind THESE terror attacks

Operation Sindoor: More than 200 flights cancelled, 18 airports shut after India launches strikes on Pak terror sites

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Col. Sofiya Qureshi presented videos showing destroyed terror camps where 'Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training'&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-families-of-pahalgam-attack-victims-react-as-india-strikes-terror-targets-in-pak-9044023">Operation Sindoor: Families of Pahalgam attack victims react as India strikes terror targets in Pak</a>
Of the nine locations that were targeted in India's strike inside Pakistan, the one in the camp in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Muridke was used to train terrorists who orchestrated the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Terrorist Ajmal Kasab and mastermind David Headley were trained in Markaz Taiba in Muridke which is 18-25 km away from the international border.
Col. Qureshi said, "Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed. Including from the Muridke, where those involved in the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks - Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training."
<h3>Mumbai terror attack and associated extradition</h3>
On Thursday (Apr 10), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) successfully extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from US.
It was during David Headley's interrogation that Rana's role in the attacks came to the fore. Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist, mentioned that he had visited India between 2007 and 2008. He highlighted that he visited India five times and his visa was facilitated by his childhood friend Rana. This was done under the guise of an immigration consultancy.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-strike-at-terrorist-camps-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-pakistan-9042302">Operation Sindoor LIVE: Indian military achieved its objectives without any error, PM Modi praises army</a>
Headley visited India to carry out his recce to help execute the attack in financial capital Mumbai, which was later carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Rana, who was born in Pakistan, had also served in the army in the medical corps, after which he moved on to doing business in the US.
&nbsp;

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Col. Sofiya Qureshi presented videos showing destroyed terror camps where 'Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training'. India news

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Col. Sofiya Qureshi presented videos showing destroyed terror camps where 'Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training' WATCH | Operation Sindoor: Families of Pahalgam attack victims react as India strikes terror targets in Pak Of the nine locations that were targeted in India's strike inside Pakistan, the one in the camp in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Muridke was used to train terrorists who orchestrated the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Terrorist Ajmal Kasab and mastermind David Headley were trained in Markaz Taiba in Muridke which is 18-25 km away from the international border. Col. Qureshi said, "Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed. Including from the Muridke, where those involved in the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks - Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training." Mumbai terror attack and associated extradition On Thursday (Apr 10), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) successfully extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from US. It was during David Headley's interrogation that Rana's role in the attacks came to the fore. Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist, mentioned that he had visited India between 2007 and 2008. He highlighted that he visited India five times and his visa was facilitated by his childhood friend Rana. This was done under the guise of an immigration consultancy. Also read: Operation Sindoor LIVE: Indian military achieved its objectives without any error, PM Modi praises army Headley visited India to carry out his recce to help execute the attack in financial capital Mumbai, which was later carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Rana, who was born in Pakistan, had also served in the army in the medical corps, after which he moved on to doing business in the US.

Operation Sindoor: Training camps of 26/11 terrorists Ajmal Kasab, David Headley DESTROYED

Born in Budgam, Kashmir in 1945, Syed Salahuddin is the supreme commander of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). HM is one of the home-grown militant groups fighting for the independence of Kashmir for more than four decades.&nbsp;
Previously known as Md. Yusuf Saha participated in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in 1987 from Amirakadal constituency. However, following allegations of rigging and subsequent imprisonment, he joined terrorism.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-and-india-agree-to-free-trade-agreement-pm-modi-calls-it-historic-what-is-an-fta-9041310"> PM Modi calls India-UK free trade agreement &lsquo;historic&rsquo;. What is an FTA, and why does it matter?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Supporter of Independent Kashmir</h2>
He had been designated as a global terrorist by the United States of America. Salahuddin was always a vocal anti-India voice in the Kashmir valley. He opposes the Indian sovereignty of Kashmir and once famously vowed to turn Kashmir into a graveyard of Indian forces.
Also Read:<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-members-of-jaish-e-mohammad-chief-masood-azhars-family-killed-in-indian-strike-on-pakistan-9043707">Operation Sindoor | Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar's family members killed in Indian strikes on Pakistan</a>
He also claimed responsibility for the Pathankot military base attack of 2016. He was always outspoken about Pakistan's role in Kashmir's unrest. He once famously said, "The mujahideen struggle serves as a defence line for Pakistan",
Though HM's influence in the region is on the decline, with the rise of other terrorist groups like The Resistance Front (TAF) and People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF)
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-operation-sindoor-rafale-scalp-hammer-the-deadly-triad-india-used-to-strike-terror-camps-in-pakistan-and-pok-explained-9042687"> Inside Operation Sindoor: Rafale, SCALP, HAMMER &ndash; The deadly triad India used to strike terror camps in Pakistan and PoK | Explained</a>
Salahuddin's name continues to come up in intelligence assessments, especially when Indian counterterror Operation Sindoor targets HM infrastructure.
Even though there is no official report linking Salahuddin to the Pahalgam terror attacks or Indian Air Force Strikes. He remains one of the kingpins of terrorism in the Kashmir region.
Indian armed forces struck 9 terror hideouts in the early hours of May 7, including the Headquarters of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) under &lsquo;Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.&nbsp;
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pm-narendra-modi-s-jaishankar-rahul-gandhi-amit-shah-sonia-gandhi-shashi-tharoor-india-react-9042654"> Operation Sindoor: Opposition unites, calls for 'national solidarity' as Home Minister Shah hails Armed Forces | All India reactions LIVE here</a>

Understand Salahuddin's designation as a global terrorist by the US and his outspoken stance against Indian sovereignty in the Kashmir valley. India News

Born in Budgam, Kashmir in 1945, Syed Salahuddin is the supreme commander of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). HM is one of the home-grown militant groups fighting for the independence of Kashmir for more than four decades. Previously known as Md. Yusuf Saha participated in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in 1987 from Amirakadal constituency. However, following allegations of rigging and subsequent imprisonment, he joined terrorism. Also Read: PM Modi calls India-UK free trade agreement ‘historic’. What is an FTA, and why does it matter? Supporter of Independent Kashmir He had been designated as a global terrorist by the United States of America. Salahuddin was always a vocal anti-India voice in the Kashmir valley. He opposes the Indian sovereignty of Kashmir and once famously vowed to turn Kashmir into a graveyard of Indian forces. Also Read:Operation Sindoor | Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar's family members killed in Indian strikes on Pakistan He also claimed responsibility for the Pathankot military base attack of 2016. He was always outspoken about Pakistan's role in Kashmir's unrest. He once famously said, "The mujahideen struggle serves as a defence line for Pakistan", Though HM's influence in the region is on the decline, with the rise of other terrorist groups like The Resistance Front (TAF) and People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) Also Read: Inside Operation Sindoor: Rafale, SCALP, HAMMER – The deadly triad India used to strike terror camps in Pakistan and PoK | Explained Salahuddin's name continues to come up in intelligence assessments, especially when Indian counterterror Operation Sindoor targets HM infrastructure. Even though there is no official report linking Salahuddin to the Pahalgam terror attacks or Indian Air Force Strikes. He remains one of the kingpins of terrorism in the Kashmir region. Indian armed forces struck 9 terror hideouts in the early hours of May 7, including the Headquarters of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) under ‘Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Opposition unites, calls for 'national solidarity' as Home Minister Shah hails Armed Forces | All India reactions LIVE here

Mohammed Yusuf Saha aka Syed Salahuddin- The elusive chief of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted Pakistan's lack of intent to take action against the terrorist infrastructure flourishing on its soil.
On April 23, New Delhi ordered diplomatic measures against Islamabad, setting a deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-india-targets-terror-camps-in-pakistan-with-precision-strikes-9043467">Operation Sindoor: India targets terror camps in Pakistan with precision strikes</a>
Misri said, "It was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22 April attack be brought to justice. Despite a fortnight having passed since the attacks, there has been no demonstrable step from Pakistan to take action against the terror infrastructure on its territory or territory under its control."
He added, "Instead, all it has indulged in denials and allegations. Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. Thus, there was a compulsion both to deter and to preempt."
A fortnight later, India continues to mourn the death of innocent tourists, who we brutally killed in front of their loved ones. The images have numbed the country and they were angered by the dastardly attack. After the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, this one shook the nation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-strike-at-terrorist-camps-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-pakistan-9042302">Operation Sindoor LIVE: 'India's response is proportionate, non-escalatory and responsible,' says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri</a>
Misri said, "The latest attack in Pahalgam has understandably generated deep anger in J&amp;K and other parts of India. Earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond and preempt and deter more such cross-border attacks. These actions were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. We focused on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists likely to be sent across to India."

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted Pakistan's lack of intent to take action against the terrorists on its soil. India news

In the first press briefing after the launch of Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted Pakistan's lack of intent to take action against the terrorist infrastructure flourishing on its soil. On April 23, New Delhi ordered diplomatic measures against Islamabad, setting a deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country. WATCH | Operation Sindoor: India targets terror camps in Pakistan with precision strikes Misri said, "It was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the 22 April attack be brought to justice. Despite a fortnight having passed since the attacks, there has been no demonstrable step from Pakistan to take action against the terror infrastructure on its territory or territory under its control." He added, "Instead, all it has indulged in denials and allegations. Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending. Thus, there was a compulsion both to deter and to preempt." A fortnight later, India continues to mourn the death of innocent tourists, who we brutally killed in front of their loved ones. The images have numbed the country and they were angered by the dastardly attack. After the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, this one shook the nation. Also read: Operation Sindoor LIVE: 'India's response is proportionate, non-escalatory and responsible,' says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Misri said, "The latest attack in Pahalgam has understandably generated deep anger in J&K and other parts of India. Earlier this morning, India exercised its right to respond and preempt and deter more such cross-border attacks. These actions were measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. We focused on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists likely to be sent across to India."

'Operation Sindoor was a compulsion' after Pakistan failed to take any step in fortnight: Indian Foreign Secretary

Donald Trump and JD Vance had called Modi a 'tough negotiator.' While the trade deal with the US is in its final stages as per reports, India has finalised a long-awaited free trade agreement with the United Kingdom after three years of on-and-off negotiations. The pact aims to boost bilateral trade by approximately $34 billion&mdash;by the year 2040. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
It&rsquo;s Britain&rsquo;s most substantial trade agreement since Brexit and signals India&rsquo;s increasing willingness to open its markets, particularly in sectors like automobiles, food, and whisky. The deal was concluded following last-minute ministerial talks in London.<o:p></o:p>
The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer said, "Well, this is a historic day for the United Kingdom and for India, because this is the biggest trade deal that we the UK have done since we left the EU - and it's the most ambitious trade deal that India has ever done. And this will be measured in billions of pounds into our economy and jobs across the whole of the United Kingdom. So, it is a really important, significant day."<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">UK&ndash;India seal free trade agreement</h2>
Under the agreement, whisky tariffs will be reduced from 150 to 75 per cent immediately, and eventually lowered to 40 per cent over the next decade. Auto tariffs&mdash;currently over 100 percent&mdash;will drop to 10 per cent under a controlled quota system. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
The UK will cut tariffs on 90 per cent of its goods, while 99 per cent of Indian exports, including textiles, will benefit from zero duty. British firms will also gain expanded access to Indian government contracts, and new rules of origin provisions will make it easier for manufacturers using global inputs to qualify for lower tariffs.<o:p></o:p>
The deal includes a social security agreement to prevent double contributions by temporarily posted workers, and modest improvements in professional mobility. However, it does not affect student visas, nor does it alter the UK&rsquo;s broader immigration policy. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Critics have raised concerns about labour provisions, but UK trade officials maintain that the changes are balanced and necessary. While legal services were excluded, talks on a separate bilateral investment treaty&mdash;covering financial services&mdash;will continue. Business groups welcomed the deal, calling it a rare positive sign amid rising global protectionism.<o:p></o:p>
(With inputs from the agencies)<o:p></o:p>

Business & Economy: The United Kingdom and India have finalised a long-awaited free trade agreement after three years of on-and-off negotiations. The pact aims to boost bilateral trade by approximately 34 billion dollars—by the year 2040.

Donald Trump and JD Vance had called Modi a 'tough negotiator.' While the trade deal with the US is in its final stages as per reports, India has finalised a long-awaited free trade agreement with the United Kingdom after three years of on-and-off negotiations. The pact aims to boost bilateral trade by approximately $34 billion—by the year 2040. It’s Britain’s most substantial trade agreement since Brexit and signals India’s increasing willingness to open its markets, particularly in sectors like automobiles, food, and whisky. The deal was concluded following last-minute ministerial talks in London. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer said, "Well, this is a historic day for the United Kingdom and for India, because this is the biggest trade deal that we the UK have done since we left the EU - and it's the most ambitious trade deal that India has ever done. And this will be measured in billions of pounds into our economy and jobs across the whole of the United Kingdom. So, it is a really important, significant day." UK–India seal free trade agreement Under the agreement, whisky tariffs will be reduced from 150 to 75 per cent immediately, and eventually lowered to 40 per cent over the next decade. Auto tariffs—currently over 100 percent—will drop to 10 per cent under a controlled quota system. The UK will cut tariffs on 90 per cent of its goods, while 99 per cent of Indian exports, including textiles, will benefit from zero duty. British firms will also gain expanded access to Indian government contracts, and new rules of origin provisions will make it easier for manufacturers using global inputs to qualify for lower tariffs. The deal includes a social security agreement to prevent double contributions by temporarily posted workers, and modest improvements in professional mobility. However, it does not affect student visas, nor does it alter the UK’s broader immigration policy. Critics have raised concerns about labour provisions, but UK trade officials maintain that the changes are balanced and necessary. While legal services were excluded, talks on a separate bilateral investment treaty—covering financial services—will continue. Business groups welcomed the deal, calling it a rare positive sign amid rising global protectionism. (With inputs from the agencies)

UK and India strike landmark trade deal, aims to boost bilateral trade

What is Operation Sindoor? Several international airlines have changed their flight routes after India launched precision strikes on terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday. The Indian Armed Forces carried out the operation, named Operation Sindoor, in response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Pahalgam last month.
Following the strikes, Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights for 48 hours.
<h2>Which airlines are changing course?</h2>
At least five major airlines have rerouted their flights to avoid flying over Pakistani territory. These include:
<ul>
<li>Air France</li>
<li>Lufthansa</li>
<li>British Airways</li>
<li>Swiss International Air Lines</li>
<li>Emirates</li>
</ul>
According to Reuters, some of these flights are now flying over the Arabian Sea before turning north toward Delhi, extending travel time. Several flights faced delays, while others had to be redirected to different airports.
<h2>What is Operation Sindoor?</h2>
In the early hours of Wednesday, India announced Operation Sindoor, a targeted military action against terrorist infrastructure across the border. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that nine specific sites were hit in Pakistan and PoK. These included known terror launchpads and training camps.
In a statement shared at 1:44 am by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government said, &ldquo;India announces Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in Pakistan. A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched &lsquo;OPERATION SINDOOR&rsquo;, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted."
"Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the statement added.
"These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable. There will be detailed briefing on &lsquo;OPERATION SINDOOR&rsquo;, later today,&rdquo; it said.
<h2>Army says &lsquo;Justice is served&rsquo;</h2>
Minutes after the strikes, the Indian Army posted on X (formerly Twitter):
&ldquo;Justice is served. Jai Hind!&rdquo;
This came shortly after reports emerged of explosions in places like Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur in Pakistan.
The strikes follow the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam&rsquo;s Baisaran Valley, where gunmen killed 26 people, most of whom were tourists.

India Operation Sindoor | The Indian Armed Forces carried out the operation, named Operation Sindoor, in response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month.

What is Operation Sindoor? Several international airlines have changed their flight routes after India launched precision strikes on terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday. The Indian Armed Forces carried out the operation, named Operation Sindoor, in response to the brutal killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month. Following the strikes, Pakistan closed its airspace to all flights for 48 hours. Which airlines are changing course? At least five major airlines have rerouted their flights to avoid flying over Pakistani territory. These include: Air France Lufthansa British Airways Swiss International Air Lines Emirates According to Reuters, some of these flights are now flying over the Arabian Sea before turning north toward Delhi, extending travel time. Several flights faced delays, while others had to be redirected to different airports. What is Operation Sindoor? In the early hours of Wednesday, India announced Operation Sindoor, a targeted military action against terrorist infrastructure across the border. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that nine specific sites were hit in Pakistan and PoK. These included known terror launchpads and training camps. In a statement shared at 1:44 am by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government said, “India announces Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in Pakistan. A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted." "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," the statement added. "These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable. There will be detailed briefing on ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, later today,” it said. Army says ‘Justice is served’ Minutes after the strikes, the Indian Army posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Justice is served. Jai Hind!” This came shortly after reports emerged of explosions in places like Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur in Pakistan. The strikes follow the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, where gunmen killed 26 people, most of whom were tourists.

Operation Sindoor | Pakistan shuts airspace for 48 hours after India targets terror camps; Emirates, BA, Lufthansa reroute | Check list

Amid heightened tension between Pakistan and India, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in yet another interview, said, 'if our existence is threatened, then nobody will exist.'
Khwaja hinted at the use of nuclear assets, but he isn't the first to raise the nuke bogey. On Saturday (May 3), Pakistan's envoy to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, said the country will retaliate with 'full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear'.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-macu3ca7-mw0ow2ts-9cpukzen">
Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif- "If India dares to attack Pakistan &amp; Pak's existence comes under threat, nobody will survive in this world." He clearly said, they won't let any other country live on this planet if Pak can't. <a href="https://t.co/EtttwFN8MN">pic.twitter.com/EtttwFN8MN</a>
&mdash; War &amp; Gore (@Goreunit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Goreunit/status/1919625565700817346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
In an interview with news outlet Samaa TV, Asif said, "God forbid; if our existence is under threat, then nobody will exist. Pakistan will retaliate, and the generation will remember. As the international community is watching both nuclear-armed nations, Pakistan test-fired two missiles in a span of three days. This in an attempt to exhibit military prowess.
Sources revealed that during the UNSC closed-door session on Kashmir, many members expressed concern that Pakistan&rsquo;s missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to internationalise the situation also failed. They were advised to sort out the issues bilaterally with India.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pahalgam-attack-pak-defence-minister-threatens-india-again-over-indus-treaty-says-will-strike-any-structure-built-to-divert-water-9029371">Pak defence minister threatens India again over Indus treaty, says 'will strike' any structure built to divert water</a>
This isn't the first time for the Pak defence minister to make such remarks. In a recent interview with Sky News, Asif admitted that the country had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba in the 'past'. He added, "Lashkar-e-Taiba doesn't exist in Pakistan anymore; it is extinct."
Validating his claims, Asif told the interviewee, "My dear, if the parent organisation does not exist, how can the offshoot (The Resistance Front) take birth here?" While the defence minister was confidently shrugging off everything and calmly associating it with the country's past. In less than a minute later, he was seen admitting to training terrorists and doing this 'dirty work for the West'.

Amid heightened tension between Pakistan and India, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in yet another interview, said, 'if our existence is threatened, then nobody will exist.' Pakistan

Amid heightened tension between Pakistan and India, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in yet another interview, said, 'if our existence is threatened, then nobody will exist.' Khwaja hinted at the use of nuclear assets, but he isn't the first to raise the nuke bogey. On Saturday (May 3), Pakistan's envoy to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, said the country will retaliate with 'full spectrum of power, both conventional and nuclear'. Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif- "If India dares to attack Pakistan & Pak's existence comes under threat, nobody will survive in this world." He clearly said, they won't let any other country live on this planet if Pak can't. pic.twitter.com/EtttwFN8MN — War & Gore (@Goreunit) May 6, 2025 In an interview with news outlet Samaa TV, Asif said, "God forbid; if our existence is under threat, then nobody will exist. Pakistan will retaliate, and the generation will remember. As the international community is watching both nuclear-armed nations, Pakistan test-fired two missiles in a span of three days. This in an attempt to exhibit military prowess. Sources revealed that during the UNSC closed-door session on Kashmir, many members expressed concern that Pakistan’s missile tests and nuclear rhetoric were escalatory factors. Pakistan’s efforts to internationalise the situation also failed. They were advised to sort out the issues bilaterally with India. Also read: Pak defence minister threatens India again over Indus treaty, says 'will strike' any structure built to divert water This isn't the first time for the Pak defence minister to make such remarks. In a recent interview with Sky News, Asif admitted that the country had been associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba in the 'past'. He added, "Lashkar-e-Taiba doesn't exist in Pakistan anymore; it is extinct." Validating his claims, Asif told the interviewee, "My dear, if the parent organisation does not exist, how can the offshoot (The Resistance Front) take birth here?" While the defence minister was confidently shrugging off everything and calmly associating it with the country's past. In less than a minute later, he was seen admitting to training terrorists and doing this 'dirty work for the West'.

Pak Defence Minister Khwaja Asif raises nuke bogey, says 'nobody will exist if...'

The Indian government on Tuesday (May 6) released a video describing measures to be taken in case of an emergency ahead of the civil defence drills, which are set to take place on Wednesday (May 7). This comes amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-7-india-mock-drills-bjp-calls-leaders-students-to-volunteer-and-make-the-difference-9041087">May 7 mock drills: BJP calls leaders, students to volunteer and 'make the difference'</a>
The video, which was shared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), opens with a disclaimer: &ldquo;These measures must be adopted in all situations hostile to our National Security.&rdquo;
The clip further explains what should be done in case of an emergency at school and at home. It advises students and teachers to switch off lights, cover the windows with thick curtains, and duck under benches and cover their heads. It further says doors should be kept locked.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-mock-drills-in-india-will-it-affect-daily-services-heres-what-all-will-be-closed-and-open-tomorrow-9041017">Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow</a>
It also encourages parents to ask children what they learnt at school so they can apply it at home. The advisory also recommends people to keep basic medical kits, medicines, and torch ready for any kind of situation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-macsqkyz-bxevqbyi-zmx7btot">
India's safety begins with You. Stay Calm stay preparedness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MockDrills?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MockDrills</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CivilDefenceMockDrill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CivilDefenceMockDrill</a><a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a><a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airnewsalerts</a><a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://t.co/LP9AaxcXMl">pic.twitter.com/LP9AaxcXMl</a>
&mdash; NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia/status/1919787744563249400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
The government also encourage people to protect each other in times of emergencies.
<h2>Civil defence mock drills</h2>
Amid heightened tensions with neighbouring Pakistan, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced civil defence mock drills will be conducted on May 7. During these exercises, people are likely to hear sirens and experience blackouts alongside the training. As per the MHA&rsquo;s plan, key steps will include:
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-may-mock-drill-india-pakistan-war-news-dg-civil-defence-mha-when-and-where-blackout-time-all-you-need-to-know-9040843">Nationwide civil defence mock drill: Here's all you need to know</a>
<ul>
<li>Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens</li>
<li>Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.</li>
<li>Provision of crash blackout measures</li>
<li>Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations</li>
<li>Updation of evacuation plan &amp; its rehearsal</li>
</ul>
Watch | India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0605_ARJUN_DRILLS_7PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0605_ARJUN_DRILLS_7PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=100&amp;tags=pahalgam, terror, wion" title=" India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7" id="PL_iframe_block-macsqcse-rqw408y4-c2sk5itu"></iframe>

The clip further explains what should be done in case of an emergency at school and at home. It also encourages parents to ask children what they learnt at school so they can apply it at home. India news

The Indian government on Tuesday (May 6) released a video describing measures to be taken in case of an emergency ahead of the civil defence drills, which are set to take place on Wednesday (May 7). This comes amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Also read | May 7 mock drills: BJP calls leaders, students to volunteer and 'make the difference' The video, which was shared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), opens with a disclaimer: “These measures must be adopted in all situations hostile to our National Security.” The clip further explains what should be done in case of an emergency at school and at home. It advises students and teachers to switch off lights, cover the windows with thick curtains, and duck under benches and cover their heads. It further says doors should be kept locked. Also read | Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow It also encourages parents to ask children what they learnt at school so they can apply it at home. The advisory also recommends people to keep basic medical kits, medicines, and torch ready for any kind of situation. India's safety begins with You. Stay Calm stay preparedness. #MockDrills #NewIndia #CivilDefenceMockDrill@HMOIndia@MIB_India@PIB_India@airnewsalerts@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/LP9AaxcXMl — NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) May 6, 2025 The government also encourage people to protect each other in times of emergencies. Civil defence mock drills Amid heightened tensions with neighbouring Pakistan, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced civil defence mock drills will be conducted on May 7. During these exercises, people are likely to hear sirens and experience blackouts alongside the training. As per the MHA’s plan, key steps will include: Also read | Nationwide civil defence mock drill: Here's all you need to know Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. Provision of crash blackout measures Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations Updation of evacuation plan & its rehearsal Watch | India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7

WATCH | Indian govt releases video describing measures to take in emergency ahead of nationwide mock drills

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi again highlighted putting the Indus-Waters Treaty in "abeyance".
In other news, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the next chancellor of Germany after winning a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (May 6).
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-indias-water-was-being-given-to-others-now-will-flow-for-our-benefit-pm-modis-latest-dig-at-pakistan-over-indus-waters-treaty-9041811">'India's water was flowing outside, now will STOP for our benefit': PM Modi's latest dig at Pakistan over Indus Waters Treaty</a>
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Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi again highlighted putting the Indus-Waters Treaty in "abeyance", stressing that earlier India's water was being given to others, but now, it will flow for India's benefit.&nbsp;
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Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the next chancellor of Germany after winning a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (May 6) in his second attempt. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has formally appointed Merz, officially marking the start of the conservative leader&rsquo;s time in office.
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The Indian Air Force will carry out a large-scale military exercise in Rajasthan, close to the international border with Pakistan. The drill was confirmed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Tuesday.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/06/tzRKgIupV0456mOVAe58.png" alt=" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer Photograph: (Reuters) ">
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempt-to-manipulate-misguide-india-rejects-new-york-oics-statement-on-pahalgam-attack-calls-it-absurd-9041820">&lsquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s attempt to manipulate, misguide&rsquo;: India rejects New York OIC&rsquo;s statement on Pahalgam attack, calls it &lsquo;absurd&rsquo;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/22/gAfdEwGu1NsB9G9KCJZt.jpg" alt=" Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, External Affairs Ministry, Photograph: (ANI) ">
India on Tuesday (May 6) hit back at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York over its recent statement on the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling it &ldquo;absurd and misguided.&rdquo; It also blamed Pakistan for manipulating the group and rejected the OIC&rsquo;s interference.
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US President Donald Trump on Monday posted on his Truth Social that there will be two new holidays, November 11 and May 8. However, this designation will come with a caveat; they will not be recognised as federal holidays, meaning businesses and offices will remain open, as the US already has too many holidays.
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Fighter jets from the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes on Yemen&rsquo;s capital on Tuesday, targeting Sanaa International Airport. The airport is under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
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Carrying the pride of his roots, Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh walked the Met Gala red carpet in a royal look inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.
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Iceland Cricket, which is famous for its light-hearted and often irreverent commentary on the sport, has again been making news by putting out a satirical "IPL 2025 Frauds and Scammers XI" on social media. Presented as a tongue-in-cheek criticism, the pseudo team includes top players who, in their opinion, have underachieved in the current IPL 2025 season. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is leading the charge, and he has been jokingly appointed as the captain of the team.

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world.

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi again highlighted putting the Indus-Waters Treaty in "abeyance". In other news, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the next chancellor of Germany after winning a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (May 6). Click on the headlines for more 'India's water was flowing outside, now will STOP for our benefit': PM Modi's latest dig at Pakistan over Indus Waters Treaty Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi again highlighted putting the Indus-Waters Treaty in "abeyance", stressing that earlier India's water was being given to others, but now, it will flow for India's benefit. 'Very talented, very good': Trump calls Canada PM Carney’s win ‘greater than his’ in surprisingly warm White House welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, in a long-awaited meeting that came after weeks of strained relations over tariffs and talk of annexation. Friedrich Merz becomes next German chancellor, wins parliamentary vote in second attempt Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as the next chancellor of Germany after winning a parliamentary vote on Tuesday (May 6) in his second attempt. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has formally appointed Merz, officially marking the start of the conservative leader’s time in office. India to hold major air force drills near Pakistan border two weeks after Pahalgam terror attack: Why it matters The Indian Air Force will carry out a large-scale military exercise in Rajasthan, close to the international border with Pakistan. The drill was confirmed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Tuesday. 'Historic milestone': India, UK successfully conclude Free Trade Agreement after years of negotiations India and the UK successfully concluded a "mutually beneficial" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday (May 6), Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced, calling it a "historic milestone". ‘Pakistan’s attempt to manipulate, misguide’: India rejects New York OIC’s statement on Pahalgam attack, calls it ‘absurd’ India on Tuesday (May 6) hit back at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York over its recent statement on the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling it “absurd and misguided.” It also blamed Pakistan for manipulating the group and rejected the OIC’s interference. Trump announces two new national holidays, but expects people to work on them US President Donald Trump on Monday posted on his Truth Social that there will be two new holidays, November 11 and May 8. However, this designation will come with a caveat; they will not be recognised as federal holidays, meaning businesses and offices will remain open, as the US already has too many holidays. 'There will be bangs': Netanyahu makes good on threat as Israel strikes Yemen's Sanaa airport after Houthi strike on Tel Aviv Fighter jets from the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes on Yemen’s capital on Tuesday, targeting Sanaa International Airport. The airport is under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Why Diljit Dosanjh wasn’t allowed to wear $2.5 billion ‘Maharaja of Patiala’ necklace at Met Gala Carrying the pride of his roots, Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh walked the Met Gala red carpet in a royal look inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Iceland Cricket's viral 'Scammers XI' dig targets pricey IPL stars, Rishabh Pant named captain Iceland Cricket, which is famous for its light-hearted and often irreverent commentary on the sport, has again been making news by putting out a satirical "IPL 2025 Frauds and Scammers XI" on social media. Presented as a tongue-in-cheek criticism, the pseudo team includes top players who, in their opinion, have underachieved in the current IPL 2025 season. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is leading the charge, and he has been jokingly appointed as the captain of the team.

Top 10 world news: PM Modi says India's water 'will stop for our benefit'; Trump meets Canada PM Carney, and more

India on Tuesday (May 6) hit back at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York over its recent statement on the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling it &ldquo;absurd and misguided.&rdquo; It also blamed Pakistan for manipulating the group and rejected the OIC&rsquo;s interference.
The statement released by the OIC Group in New York on Monday (May 5) questioned India&rsquo;s narrative on the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Pahalgam.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-hold-major-air-force-drills-near-pakistan-border-two-weeks-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-why-it-matters-9041355">India to hold major air force drills near Pakistan border two weeks after Pahalgam terror attack: Why it matters</a>
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement: &ldquo;The OIC statement, issued at the behest of Pakistan, is absurd in refusing to recognise the facts of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This is yet another attempt by Pakistan, a country that has long engaged in cross-border terrorism, to manipulate and misguide the OIC Group to issue a self-serving statement. We reject the OIC&rsquo;s interference in matters that are internal to India,&rdquo; the statement read.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-7-india-mock-drills-bjp-calls-leaders-students-to-volunteer-and-make-the-difference-9041087">May 7 mock drills: BJP calls leaders, students to volunteer and 'make the difference'</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-macpvsd2-8ptww512-4rjwpgaf">
Our response to media queries on the statement issued by OIC Group in New York 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/YR2uXe6tXH">https://t.co/YR2uXe6tXH</a> <a href="https://t.co/BuzLLBA1Pd">pic.twitter.com/BuzLLBA1Pd</a>
&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1919766286839468090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>What did OIC say in its statement?</h2>
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York issued a statement expressing &ldquo;deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia.&rdquo; It termed India&rsquo;s allegations against its neighbour &ldquo;unfounded&rdquo; following the terror attack.
&ldquo;The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group in New York expresses its deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia, exacerbated by India's unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which are inflaming tensions in an already volatile region,&rdquo; OIC said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-mock-drills-in-india-will-it-affect-daily-services-heres-what-all-will-be-closed-and-open-tomorrow-9041017">Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow</a>
&ldquo;The OIC Group reiterates its principled position against, and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever, and reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism,&rdquo; it added.
<h2>India-Pakistan tensions</h2>
The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.&nbsp;
India has taken strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance and closing the integrated Attari Check Post.
Watch | India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7
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The statement released by the OIC Group in New York on Monday (May 5) questioned India’s narrative on the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. India news | world

India on Tuesday (May 6) hit back at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York over its recent statement on the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling it “absurd and misguided.” It also blamed Pakistan for manipulating the group and rejected the OIC’s interference. The statement released by the OIC Group in New York on Monday (May 5) questioned India’s narrative on the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Also read | India to hold major air force drills near Pakistan border two weeks after Pahalgam terror attack: Why it matters In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement: “The OIC statement, issued at the behest of Pakistan, is absurd in refusing to recognise the facts of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages.” “This is yet another attempt by Pakistan, a country that has long engaged in cross-border terrorism, to manipulate and misguide the OIC Group to issue a self-serving statement. We reject the OIC’s interference in matters that are internal to India,” the statement read. Also read | May 7 mock drills: BJP calls leaders, students to volunteer and 'make the difference' Our response to media queries on the statement issued by OIC Group in New York 🔗 https://t.co/YR2uXe6tXH pic.twitter.com/BuzLLBA1Pd — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2025 What did OIC say in its statement? The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York issued a statement expressing “deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia.” It termed India’s allegations against its neighbour “unfounded” following the terror attack. “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group in New York expresses its deep concern over the deteriorating security environment in South Asia, exacerbated by India's unfounded allegations against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which are inflaming tensions in an already volatile region,” OIC said. Also read | Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow “The OIC Group reiterates its principled position against, and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomsoever and wherever, and reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of all attempts to associate any country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism,” it added. India-Pakistan tensions The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. India has taken strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance and closing the integrated Attari Check Post. Watch | India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7

‘Pakistan’s attempt to manipulate, misguide’: India rejects New York OIC’s statement on Pahalgam attack, calls it ‘absurd’

After raising the hackles across the border with his &ldquo;blood will flow in the river&rdquo; remark while addressing his constituency, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday switched his tone and talked of walking the path of peace amid growing tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir.
Speaking in the National Assembly during the session on Tuesday, Bilawal said, &ldquo;If India wishes to walk the path of peace, let them come with open hands and not clenched fists. Let them come with facts and not fabrication. Let us sit as neighbours and speak the truth. He said, &ldquo;Let India decide. Will it be dialogue or destruction? Cooperation or confrontation?&rdquo;
&ldquo;If they do not &hellip; then let them remember that the people of Pakistan are not made to kneel. The people of Pakistan have a resolve to fight, not because we love conflict, but because we love freedom.&rdquo;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-battle-within-7-soldiers-killed-in-ied-blast-in-balochistans-mach-9041492">Pakistan&rsquo;s battle within: 7 soldiers killed in IED blast in Balochistan</a>
In the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in one of the deadliest assaults in Jammu and Kashmir since 2000.&nbsp; Bilawal said, &ldquo;Pakistan had no hand in that crime. We do not export terror, we are the victims of terrorism.&rdquo; Tensions have spiked and Pakistan is expecting an incursion from India.&nbsp;
Pakistan&rsquo;s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Monday (May 5, 2025) that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-failed-state-gen-munirs-remarks-nonsensical-oppn-leader-asaduddin-owaisi-9032050" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir&rsquo;s remarks nonsensical&rsquo;: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi</a>
<h2>PM Shehbaz Sharif, services chiefs visit ISI headquarters for briefing</h2>
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and the services chiefs visited the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Tuesday and received a detailed briefing on the prevailing security environment, with a particular focus on preparedness for conventional threats in light of India&rsquo;s increasingly aggressive and provocative posture along the eastern border.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office said that the top civil and military leadership was apprised of security developments, threat matrix, conventional military options, and hybrid warfare tactics.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a>
&ldquo;The entire nation is behind our brave armed forces. The Pakistan Army is one of the most professional and disciplined forces in the world,&rdquo; said PM Shehbaz Sharif.

India News | South Asia | Pakistan: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Monday (May 5, 2025) that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

After raising the hackles across the border with his “blood will flow in the river” remark while addressing his constituency, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday switched his tone and talked of walking the path of peace amid growing tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir. Speaking in the National Assembly during the session on Tuesday, Bilawal said, “If India wishes to walk the path of peace, let them come with open hands and not clenched fists. Let them come with facts and not fabrication. Let us sit as neighbours and speak the truth. He said, “Let India decide. Will it be dialogue or destruction? Cooperation or confrontation?” “If they do not … then let them remember that the people of Pakistan are not made to kneel. The people of Pakistan have a resolve to fight, not because we love conflict, but because we love freedom.” Also Read | Pakistan’s battle within: 7 soldiers killed in IED blast in Balochistan In the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in one of the deadliest assaults in Jammu and Kashmir since 2000. Bilawal said, “Pakistan had no hand in that crime. We do not export terror, we are the victims of terrorism.” Tensions have spiked and Pakistan is expecting an incursion from India. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned on Monday (May 5, 2025) that India could carry out a military strike at any moment along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Also Read | ‘Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir’s remarks nonsensical’: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi PM Shehbaz Sharif, services chiefs visit ISI headquarters for briefing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and the services chiefs visited the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Tuesday and received a detailed briefing on the prevailing security environment, with a particular focus on preparedness for conventional threats in light of India’s increasingly aggressive and provocative posture along the eastern border. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said that the top civil and military leadership was apprised of security developments, threat matrix, conventional military options, and hybrid warfare tactics. Also Read | ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation “The entire nation is behind our brave armed forces. The Pakistan Army is one of the most professional and disciplined forces in the world,” said PM Shehbaz Sharif.

Bilawal switches tone, talks of walking ‘the path of peace’ after ‘blood will flow’ remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that India and the United Kingdom have successfully concluded the Free Trade Agreement talks and said that the FTA between the two nations will be &lsquo;mutually beneficial&rsquo;. The announcement was greeted with glee by economic experts at a time when global markets are feeling the heat of tariff wars. What is there to be happy about?
<h2>What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?&nbsp;</h2>
A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries or blocs to reduce or eliminate trade barriers like tariffs and quotas for promoting trade and investment amongst them.&nbsp;
FTAs are inked by countries and blocs to eliminate or reduce import duties on a maximum number (90-95 per cent) of goods traded between them. The agreement also minimises non-trade barriers on imports from partner nations while easing regulations to boost service exports and bilateral investments.
This agreement makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to trade across borders, leading to higher economic growth and better as well as easy access to an array of goods and services.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/historic-milestone-india-uk-successfully-concludes-free-trade-agreement-after-years-of-efforts-9041174">'Historic milestone': India, UK successfully conclude Free Trade Agreement after years of negotiations</a>
FTAs mostly reduce or eliminate barriers, both tariff and non-tariff, that make it difficult for businesses to trade internationally. These agreements are negotiated for mutual benefit by creating a more level playing field for businesses in the participating countries. Not just tariffs, FTAs can also cover a wide range of topics like trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and more.&nbsp; FTAs also include provisions for intellectual property rights and investment protections. India has been actively pursuing FTAs to boost exports and attract foreign investment, with agreements already in place with countries like Mauritius, the UAE, and Australia.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-promoters-of-free-trade-says-german-amb-dr-ackermann-as-he-pushes-for-india-eu-fta-8918751" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'We are promoters of free trade' says German Amb Dr Ackermann as he pushes for India, EU FTA</a>
<h2>India's various trade agreements&nbsp;</h2>
India already has 13 active Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), while negotiations are ongoing with more countries. India is also re-evaluating its investment treaties and preferential trade agreements to ensure a balanced approach between global investor protection and national interests.
Besides the UK, India has been in talks with the US, the EU, and ASEAN and is also exploring new agreements with Africa, Latin America, and the Arab Gulf.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/7-may-mock-drill-india-pakistan-war-news-dg-civil-defence-mha-when-and-where-blackout-time-all-you-need-to-know-9040843">Nationwide civil defence mock drill: Here's all you need to know</a>
Besides FTAs, India has other trade agreements with nations and blocs, like Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) that offer selective tariff reductions on specific goods; Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that focus on protecting and promoting investments by ensuring fair treatment and dispute resolution mechanisms; and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) that aim for economic integration among multiple countries.

Business & Economy | World | India News: Besides the UK, India has been in talks with the US, the EU, and ASEAN and is also exploring new agreements with Africa, Latin America, and the Arab Gulf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that India and the United Kingdom have successfully concluded the Free Trade Agreement talks and said that the FTA between the two nations will be ‘mutually beneficial’. The announcement was greeted with glee by economic experts at a time when global markets are feeling the heat of tariff wars. What is there to be happy about? What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries or blocs to reduce or eliminate trade barriers like tariffs and quotas for promoting trade and investment amongst them. FTAs are inked by countries and blocs to eliminate or reduce import duties on a maximum number (90-95 per cent) of goods traded between them. The agreement also minimises non-trade barriers on imports from partner nations while easing regulations to boost service exports and bilateral investments. This agreement makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to trade across borders, leading to higher economic growth and better as well as easy access to an array of goods and services. Also Read | 'Historic milestone': India, UK successfully conclude Free Trade Agreement after years of negotiations FTAs mostly reduce or eliminate barriers, both tariff and non-tariff, that make it difficult for businesses to trade internationally. These agreements are negotiated for mutual benefit by creating a more level playing field for businesses in the participating countries. Not just tariffs, FTAs can also cover a wide range of topics like trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and more. FTAs also include provisions for intellectual property rights and investment protections. India has been actively pursuing FTAs to boost exports and attract foreign investment, with agreements already in place with countries like Mauritius, the UAE, and Australia. Also read: 'We are promoters of free trade' says German Amb Dr Ackermann as he pushes for India, EU FTA India's various trade agreements India already has 13 active Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), while negotiations are ongoing with more countries. India is also re-evaluating its investment treaties and preferential trade agreements to ensure a balanced approach between global investor protection and national interests. Besides the UK, India has been in talks with the US, the EU, and ASEAN and is also exploring new agreements with Africa, Latin America, and the Arab Gulf. Also Read | Nationwide civil defence mock drill: Here's all you need to know Besides FTAs, India has other trade agreements with nations and blocs, like Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) that offer selective tariff reductions on specific goods; Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) that focus on protecting and promoting investments by ensuring fair treatment and dispute resolution mechanisms; and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) that aim for economic integration among multiple countries.

PM Modi calls India-UK free trade agreement ‘historic’. What is an FTA and why does it matter?

As India prepares for the nationwide mock drill to train its citizens, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urges students to come forward and volunteer. The party emphasised that their 'participation will make all the difference.'
These drills come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the dastardly terror attack in J&amp;K's Pahalgam on April 22. The attack on tourists claimed 26 lives, and the nation still mourns the death of the innocents.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-mock-drills-in-india-will-it-affect-daily-services-heres-what-all-will-be-closed-and-open-tomorrow-9041017">Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow</a>
In a tweet, the BJP wrote that its an 'appeal to all citizens, BJP Karyakartas and leaders, students to come forward and volunteer.'
The tweet read: "The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to ensure preparedness and effectiveness of civil defence mechanisms."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-macjzvwl-s30f0z7y-09solvqy">
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐁𝐉𝐏 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to ensure&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/7V3bMT9vYd">pic.twitter.com/7V3bMT9vYd</a>
&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1919634374317752829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
"Key components of the drill include activating air raid warning sirens, training civilians and students in self-protection during hostile attacks, implementing crash blackout measures, initiating early camouflage of critical infrastructure, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans," it added.
<h2>What are civil defence mock drills?</h2>
The objective of the drill is to check the preparedness of the country in unforeseen hostile times. It is also to train the citizens to safeguard themselves and offer help to those in need. Proactive actions, presence of mind and essential skills are taught during these drills.
<h2>What will happen on May 7?</h2>
Mock drills will be conducted in the 244 categorised districts. People in these areas are likely to hear sirens and experience blackouts alongside the training.
Training: Citizens will be trained on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
Evacuation: Volunteers will train people to carry out evacuation in the time of need and to do so with creating a situation of panic. This is also to acquaint people with processes to ensure safety.
Air raid: The effectiveness of air raid warning systems will be assessed, along with the operationalisation of hotline/radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.
Control room: The functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms will be checked.
Blackout: People will be trained to act responsibly while city lights will be dimmed. This is to train citizens to avoid being detected during air raids and strikes.

As India prepares for the nationwide mock drill to train its citizens, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urges students to come forward and volunteer.

As India prepares for the nationwide mock drill to train its citizens, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urges students to come forward and volunteer. The party emphasised that their 'participation will make all the difference.' These drills come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the dastardly terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam on April 22. The attack on tourists claimed 26 lives, and the nation still mourns the death of the innocents. Also read: Mock drills in India: Will it affect daily services? Here's what all will be closed and open tomorrow In a tweet, the BJP wrote that its an 'appeal to all citizens, BJP Karyakartas and leaders, students to come forward and volunteer.' The tweet read: "The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to ensure preparedness and effectiveness of civil defence mechanisms." 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬, 𝐁𝐉𝐏 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to ensure… pic.twitter.com/7V3bMT9vYd — BJP (@BJP4India) May 6, 2025 "Key components of the drill include activating air raid warning sirens, training civilians and students in self-protection during hostile attacks, implementing crash blackout measures, initiating early camouflage of critical infrastructure, and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans," it added. What are civil defence mock drills? The objective of the drill is to check the preparedness of the country in unforeseen hostile times. It is also to train the citizens to safeguard themselves and offer help to those in need. Proactive actions, presence of mind and essential skills are taught during these drills. What will happen on May 7? Mock drills will be conducted in the 244 categorised districts. People in these areas are likely to hear sirens and experience blackouts alongside the training. Training: Citizens will be trained on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. Evacuation: Volunteers will train people to carry out evacuation in the time of need and to do so with creating a situation of panic. This is also to acquaint people with processes to ensure safety. Air raid: The effectiveness of air raid warning systems will be assessed, along with the operationalisation of hotline/radio communication links with the Indian Air Force. Control room: The functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms will be checked. Blackout: People will be trained to act responsibly while city lights will be dimmed. This is to train citizens to avoid being detected during air raids and strikes.

May 7 mock drills: BJP calls leaders, students to volunteer and 'make the difference'

In an attempt to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage, the Government of India sent a legal notice to Sotheby's auction house and British national Chris Pepp&eacute; to halt the auction of Piprahwa gem relics associated with the Buddha.
The auction was scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Hong Kong. It had sparked outrage among Buddhist communities and heritage experts across the globe. 
These relics, referred to as &ldquo;duplicate jewels,&rdquo; constitute the &ldquo;inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India&rdquo;. Sales of these items violate Indian as well as international laws, also the conventions of the United Nations.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/jerusalems-menorah-adorned-stone-capital-unveiling-rejuvenates-the-debate-over-jewish-historical-claims-9029970" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jerusalem&rsquo;s menorah-adorned stone capital unveiling rejuvenates the debate over Jewish historical claims</a>
<div class="publive-dynamic-container dynamic-container"></div>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the artefacts?&nbsp;</h2>
At the heart of the controversy is a collection of bone fragments, soapstones, crystal caskets and sandstone coffers, ancient gems, ornaments, including gold garnets, amethysts and pearls. These items are believed to have been buried with the mortal remains of the Buddha.
These were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Pepp&eacute;, a British colonial landowner, at the Piprahwa Stupa Site in the present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-does-trump-want-to-reopen-reopening-alcatraz-notorious-prison-closed-since-1963-9040899" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Why does Trump want to reopen Alcatraz, a notorious prison closed since 1963?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the objections?</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Religious Significance- The relics were recognised as the earliest and most significant Buddhist archaeological discoveries of the Indian subcontinent. These are sacred to 500 million Buddhists around the world. Selling such items is a grave disrespect to religious sentiments.
</li>
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Colonial context of acquisition-&nbsp;The relics were excavated by William Claxton Pepp&eacute; during British Colonial Rule. India argues that these were taken without legitimate ownership rights. By holding the auction, Sotheby's are perpetuating continued colonial exploitation.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Violations of Indian and International laws-&nbsp; The Ministry of Culture claims that the auction violates Indian Antiquities Laws, as well as international conventions like the 1970 United Nations Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.&nbsp;
</li>
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Unethical Commodification- The Government argues that the buying and selling of such items is indulging in the commodification of faith and heritage. These items should be preserved in a public institution or places of worship.
</li>
</ul>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-box-for-earth-to-record-every-step-towards-climate-apocalypse-9040516" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">How did Earth die? The black box will answer future civilisations' questions about the 'climate apocalypse'</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What is Next?</h2>
India has demanded that Sotheby&rsquo;s should immediately withdraw from the auction and return the items to India and issue a formal apology. The Ministry of Culture has also asked for the full provenance of all related items held by Pepp&eacute;&rsquo;s descendants. Failure to comply will result in legal ramifications in India and, Hong Kong Courts.&nbsp;
In response, Sotheby's has paused the auction, citing legal challenges.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/bag-made-from-t-rex-leather-two-biotech-firms-are-trying-to-create-dinosaur-leather-9040302" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bag made from T. rex leather? Two biotech firms think they can do it</a>

Explore how India's move to protect its heritage ignites the debate over colonial acquisition and the ethical implications of selling sacred artefacts. Trending

In an attempt to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage, the Government of India sent a legal notice to Sotheby's auction house and British national Chris Peppé to halt the auction of Piprahwa gem relics associated with the Buddha. The auction was scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Hong Kong. It had sparked outrage among Buddhist communities and heritage experts across the globe. These relics, referred to as “duplicate jewels,” constitute the “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India”. Sales of these items violate Indian as well as international laws, also the conventions of the United Nations. Read Also: Jerusalem’s menorah-adorned stone capital unveiling rejuvenates the debate over Jewish historical claims What are the artefacts? At the heart of the controversy is a collection of bone fragments, soapstones, crystal caskets and sandstone coffers, ancient gems, ornaments, including gold garnets, amethysts and pearls. These items are believed to have been buried with the mortal remains of the Buddha. These were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British colonial landowner, at the Piprahwa Stupa Site in the present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. Read Also: Why does Trump want to reopen Alcatraz, a notorious prison closed since 1963? What are the objections? Religious Significance- The relics were recognised as the earliest and most significant Buddhist archaeological discoveries of the Indian subcontinent. These are sacred to 500 million Buddhists around the world. Selling such items is a grave disrespect to religious sentiments. Colonial context of acquisition- The relics were excavated by William Claxton Peppé during British Colonial Rule. India argues that these were taken without legitimate ownership rights. By holding the auction, Sotheby's are perpetuating continued colonial exploitation. Violations of Indian and International laws- The Ministry of Culture claims that the auction violates Indian Antiquities Laws, as well as international conventions like the 1970 United Nations Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Unethical Commodification- The Government argues that the buying and selling of such items is indulging in the commodification of faith and heritage. These items should be preserved in a public institution or places of worship. Read Also: How did Earth die? The black box will answer future civilisations' questions about the 'climate apocalypse' What is Next? India has demanded that Sotheby’s should immediately withdraw from the auction and return the items to India and issue a formal apology. The Ministry of Culture has also asked for the full provenance of all related items held by Peppé’s descendants. Failure to comply will result in legal ramifications in India and, Hong Kong Courts. In response, Sotheby's has paused the auction, citing legal challenges. Read Also: Bag made from T. rex leather? Two biotech firms think they can do it

A battle over cultural heritage : India moves to stop auction of sacred Buddha relics in Hong Kong

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military systems is reshaping the global strategic landscape, and nowhere is this transformation more consequential than in South Asia, where India and Pakistan&rsquo;s longstanding rivalry persists. As India accelerates its AI-driven defence modernisation, questions arise about whether this technological edge will be used to bolster deterrence against Pakistan or risk destabilising an already fragile balance. The answer lies in India&rsquo;s strategic priorities, the evolving nature of warfare, and the delicate dance of deterrence in a nuclear-armed region.
India&rsquo;s commitment to AI in defence is unmistakable. The establishment of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the Military AI Project Agency with a $13.2 million annual budget signal a robust push toward AI-enhanced capabilities. From autonomous drones to AI-powered surveillance systems along the Line of Control (LoC), India is developing tools to improve decision-making, precision warfare, and cybersecurity. The deployment of 140 AI-based surveillance systems, equipped with high-resolution cameras and radar feeds, underscores India&rsquo;s focus on real-time situational awareness&mdash;a critical asset in countering Pakistan&rsquo;s asymmetric tactics, such as cross-border militancy.
Pakistan, while lagging in AI development, is not standing still. The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), established in 2018, and the Pakistan Air Force&rsquo;s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC) are advancing AI applications in electronic warfare and drone technology, such as the Burraq drone. Pakistan&rsquo;s collaboration with China, a global leader in AI militarisation, further amplifies its potential to narrow the technological gap. However, resource constraints and reliance on external partners limit Pakistan&rsquo;s ability to match India&rsquo;s scale and pace.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/khyber-pakhtunkhwa-and-balochistan-pakistans-twin-crises-that-could-spell-doom-in-a-war-with-india-9036664">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan: Pakistan&rsquo;s twin crises that could spell doom in a war with India</a>
For India, AI offers a double-edged sword in its deterrence strategy. On one hand, superior AI capabilities could strengthen conventional deterrence by enhancing India&rsquo;s ability to detect and neutralise threats swiftly. AI-driven systems, such as autonomous combat vehicles or swarm drones, could enable precise, surgical strikes&mdash;similar to those in 2016 and 2019&mdash;while minimising escalation risks. By projecting technological dominance, India could dissuade Pakistan from provocative actions, reinforcing a deterrence-by-denial posture. Moreover, AI&rsquo;s role in cybersecurity, as demonstrated by India&rsquo;s countermeasures against Pakistani cyberattacks post-Pahalgam, could protect critical infrastructure, further solidifying India&rsquo;s strategic edge.
On the other hand, the militarisation of AI risks destabilising deterrence dynamics. Pakistan perceives India&rsquo;s AI advancements as a threat to its strategic calculus, particularly its nuclear deterrence. AI&rsquo;s ability to process vast data and target mobile nuclear assets could lower the nuclear threshold in a crisis, as Pakistan might fear a preemptive strike. The speed of AI-driven decision-making, while efficient, could also lead to miscalculations, especially in the fog of frequent LoC skirmishes. Pakistan&rsquo;s response&mdash;a mix of psychological warfare, missile tests, and cyber operations&mdash;suggests it views India&rsquo;s AI push as a challenge to the regional balance of power.
The ethical and operational risks of AI further complicate India&rsquo;s deterrence strategy. Fully autonomous weapons, or Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), raise concerns about unintended escalations, as highlighted by former Indian Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane. Biases in AI algorithms, if not addressed, could lead to catastrophic errors in targeting or intelligence analysis. The absence of global regulations on military AI exacerbates these risks, leaving India and Pakistan to navigate uncharted territory without clear norms.
So, will India opt to deter Pakistan through AI-embedded warfare? The evidence suggests a cautious yes. India&rsquo;s investments indicate a strategic intent to leverage AI for conventional superiority, aiming to deter Pakistan&rsquo;s low-intensity provocations while avoiding nuclear escalation. However, India must tread carefully. Overreliance on AI could provoke Pakistan into compensatory actions, such as deeper alignment with China or accelerated nuclear modernisation, eroding strategic stability. The 2025 Pahalgam attack and subsequent tensions underscore how quickly mistrust can spiral, with both nations resorting to cyberattacks and diplomatic brinkmanship.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistans-smoke-and-mirrors-how-islamabads-military-propaganda-is-unravelling-and-crumbling-9030426">Pakistan&rsquo;s smoke and mirrors: How Islamabad&rsquo;s military propaganda is unravelling and crumbling</a>
To maximise deterrence while minimising risks, India should pair its AI advancements with confidence-building measures (CBMs). Bilateral AI incident reporting centres, as proposed by some analysts, could reduce misperceptions. Track-II diplomacy and dedicated communication channels for AI-related matters could foster transparency, mitigating the trust deficit that fuels escalation. India should also advocate for regional AI arms control discussions, drawing on its global diplomatic clout to set norms that constrain destabilising applications.
In the end, AI-embedded warfare offers India a powerful tool to deter Pakistan, but it is not a silver bullet. Strategic restraint, coupled with technological prowess, will determine whether India can strengthen deterrence without tipping South Asia into a new era of instability. The stakes&mdash;regional peace, nuclear stability, and human lives&mdash;could not be higher.
 (Girish Linganna, the author of this article, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace &amp; Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinions & Blogs: From autonomous drones to AI-powered surveillance systems along the Line of Control (LoC), India is developing tools to improve decision-making, precision warfare, and cybersecurity.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military systems is reshaping the global strategic landscape, and nowhere is this transformation more consequential than in South Asia, where India and Pakistan’s longstanding rivalry persists. As India accelerates its AI-driven defence modernisation, questions arise about whether this technological edge will be used to bolster deterrence against Pakistan or risk destabilising an already fragile balance. The answer lies in India’s strategic priorities, the evolving nature of warfare, and the delicate dance of deterrence in a nuclear-armed region. India’s commitment to AI in defence is unmistakable. The establishment of the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the Military AI Project Agency with a $13.2 million annual budget signal a robust push toward AI-enhanced capabilities. From autonomous drones to AI-powered surveillance systems along the Line of Control (LoC), India is developing tools to improve decision-making, precision warfare, and cybersecurity. The deployment of 140 AI-based surveillance systems, equipped with high-resolution cameras and radar feeds, underscores India’s focus on real-time situational awareness—a critical asset in countering Pakistan’s asymmetric tactics, such as cross-border militancy. Pakistan, while lagging in AI development, is not standing still. The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), established in 2018, and the Pakistan Air Force’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC) are advancing AI applications in electronic warfare and drone technology, such as the Burraq drone. Pakistan’s collaboration with China, a global leader in AI militarisation, further amplifies its potential to narrow the technological gap. However, resource constraints and reliance on external partners limit Pakistan’s ability to match India’s scale and pace. Also Read | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan: Pakistan’s twin crises that could spell doom in a war with India For India, AI offers a double-edged sword in its deterrence strategy. On one hand, superior AI capabilities could strengthen conventional deterrence by enhancing India’s ability to detect and neutralise threats swiftly. AI-driven systems, such as autonomous combat vehicles or swarm drones, could enable precise, surgical strikes—similar to those in 2016 and 2019—while minimising escalation risks. By projecting technological dominance, India could dissuade Pakistan from provocative actions, reinforcing a deterrence-by-denial posture. Moreover, AI’s role in cybersecurity, as demonstrated by India’s countermeasures against Pakistani cyberattacks post-Pahalgam, could protect critical infrastructure, further solidifying India’s strategic edge. On the other hand, the militarisation of AI risks destabilising deterrence dynamics. Pakistan perceives India’s AI advancements as a threat to its strategic calculus, particularly its nuclear deterrence. AI’s ability to process vast data and target mobile nuclear assets could lower the nuclear threshold in a crisis, as Pakistan might fear a preemptive strike. The speed of AI-driven decision-making, while efficient, could also lead to miscalculations, especially in the fog of frequent LoC skirmishes. Pakistan’s response—a mix of psychological warfare, missile tests, and cyber operations—suggests it views India’s AI push as a challenge to the regional balance of power. The ethical and operational risks of AI further complicate India’s deterrence strategy. Fully autonomous weapons, or Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), raise concerns about unintended escalations, as highlighted by former Indian Army Chief Gen. M.M. Naravane. Biases in AI algorithms, if not addressed, could lead to catastrophic errors in targeting or intelligence analysis. The absence of global regulations on military AI exacerbates these risks, leaving India and Pakistan to navigate uncharted territory without clear norms. So, will India opt to deter Pakistan through AI-embedded warfare? The evidence suggests a cautious yes. India’s investments indicate a strategic intent to leverage AI for conventional superiority, aiming to deter Pakistan’s low-intensity provocations while avoiding nuclear escalation. However, India must tread carefully. Overreliance on AI could provoke Pakistan into compensatory actions, such as deeper alignment with China or accelerated nuclear modernisation, eroding strategic stability. The 2025 Pahalgam attack and subsequent tensions underscore how quickly mistrust can spiral, with both nations resorting to cyberattacks and diplomatic brinkmanship. Also Read | Pakistan’s smoke and mirrors: How Islamabad’s military propaganda is unravelling and crumbling To maximise deterrence while minimising risks, India should pair its AI advancements with confidence-building measures (CBMs). Bilateral AI incident reporting centres, as proposed by some analysts, could reduce misperceptions. Track-II diplomacy and dedicated communication channels for AI-related matters could foster transparency, mitigating the trust deficit that fuels escalation. India should also advocate for regional AI arms control discussions, drawing on its global diplomatic clout to set norms that constrain destabilising applications. In the end, AI-embedded warfare offers India a powerful tool to deter Pakistan, but it is not a silver bullet. Strategic restraint, coupled with technological prowess, will determine whether India can strengthen deterrence without tipping South Asia into a new era of instability. The stakes—regional peace, nuclear stability, and human lives—could not be higher. (Girish Linganna, the author of this article, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

AI-embedded warfare: Will India leverage it to deter Pakistan?

A Pakistani national has been apprehended from the LoC in the Poonch sector, J&amp;K. Further investigation is underway, says an Army official. This is a developing story, more to follow.

A Pakistani national has been apprehended from the LoC in the Poonch sector, J&K. Further investigation is underway, says an Army official. India news

A Pakistani national has been apprehended from the LoC in the Poonch sector, J&K. Further investigation is underway, says an Army official. This is a developing story, more to follow.

Pakistani national apprehended by Indian Army at LoC

Global carriers Air France, Germany's Lufthansa and other airlines have cautiously decided to avoid the Pakistan airspace. This decision comes amid rising tensions between nuclear-armed nations India and Pakistan.
Islamabad has been exhibiting its military prowess, while India has ordered mock drills to be conducted across 244 districts in the country. This comes after the country witnessed a dastardly attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Lufthansa released a statement alerting flyers about a possible delay due to a change in the route. The airline mentioned that their aircraft will be avoiding Pakistani airspace, and so the journey could take longer to reach destinations in Asia. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-live-updates-may-6-jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-india-9038672">Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: UNSC members refuse to accept Pakistan's &ldquo;false flag&rdquo; narrative; Officials arrive at Home Ministry for meeting to conduct mock drills</a>
The statement read: "Due to the current situation, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group are avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice. This will result in longer flight times on some routes to Asia."
It added, "We regret any inconvenience caused by the resulting delays. We kindly ask all passengers to check their flight status in the app or on the website before departure. Lufthansa Group is, of course, continuing to monitor the current developments closely. Safety is the top priority for all airlines in the Lufthansa Group at all times."
<h3>Pahalgam terror attack</h3>
On April 22, tourists were enjoying the scenic beauty of the Baisaran meadow, a&nbsp;location popular among travellers. While spending time with their loved ones, the tourists suddenly heard rounds of gunshots and the armed men held many at gunpoint and shot at close range.
The attack is said to have been orchestrated and planned by The Resistance Front, which is an offshoot of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). &nbsp; Soon after claiming responsibility, the terror outfit shifted gears and in a U-turn move, hinted that their social media account was hacked. Also distancing themselves from the statement they released.
Condemning the incident, former J&amp;K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid said, "This is Pulwama 2 moment of India. This was a Hamas-style attack on 7 October on Israel."
On Thursday (Apr 24), PM Modi said, "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and those backing them. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism."

Global carriers Air France, Germany's Lufthansa and other airlines have cautiously decided to avoid the Pakistan airspace. World

Global carriers Air France, Germany's Lufthansa and other airlines have cautiously decided to avoid the Pakistan airspace. This decision comes amid rising tensions between nuclear-armed nations India and Pakistan. Islamabad has been exhibiting its military prowess, while India has ordered mock drills to be conducted across 244 districts in the country. This comes after the country witnessed a dastardly attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Lufthansa released a statement alerting flyers about a possible delay due to a change in the route. The airline mentioned that their aircraft will be avoiding Pakistani airspace, and so the journey could take longer to reach destinations in Asia. Also read: Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: UNSC members refuse to accept Pakistan's “false flag” narrative; Officials arrive at Home Ministry for meeting to conduct mock drills The statement read: "Due to the current situation, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group are avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice. This will result in longer flight times on some routes to Asia." It added, "We regret any inconvenience caused by the resulting delays. We kindly ask all passengers to check their flight status in the app or on the website before departure. Lufthansa Group is, of course, continuing to monitor the current developments closely. Safety is the top priority for all airlines in the Lufthansa Group at all times." Pahalgam terror attack On April 22, tourists were enjoying the scenic beauty of the Baisaran meadow, a location popular among travellers. While spending time with their loved ones, the tourists suddenly heard rounds of gunshots and the armed men held many at gunpoint and shot at close range. The attack is said to have been orchestrated and planned by The Resistance Front, which is an offshoot of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Soon after claiming responsibility, the terror outfit shifted gears and in a U-turn move, hinted that their social media account was hacked. Also distancing themselves from the statement they released. Condemning the incident, former J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid said, "This is Pulwama 2 moment of India. This was a Hamas-style attack on 7 October on Israel." On Thursday (Apr 24), PM Modi said, "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and those backing them. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism."

'Longer flight times': Lufthansa issues notice, passengers to be airborne for longer. Here's why

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday directed several states to start emergency preparedness drills and security mock drills on Wednesday (May 7) for &ldquo;effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack&rdquo; amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
However, security preparations and training are already underway in Jammu and Kashmir.
On Monday, a video posted on X showed teachers of a school conducting safety drills and training students to protect themselves during any hostile action from the neighbouring country.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mab7r2yk-ziefetk8-jz7tcdpx">
In Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, teachers at Middle School Salotri are training students to protect themselves during cross-border shelling&mdash;part of safety drills amid frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Students learn to take cover under desks and evacuate to bunkers once the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/vw7OFzwqDh">pic.twitter.com/vw7OFzwqDh</a>
&mdash; DD News (@DDNewslive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1919300833575125465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
In Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, teachers of a middle school in Salotri village near the Line of Control (LoC) are training students to protect themselves during cross-border shelling&mdash;part of safety drills amid frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The students learn to take cover under desks and evacuate to bunkers once the firing subsides. With tensions persisting along the LoC, authorities stress the need for preparedness and safety in vulnerable border areas.
The drills are important as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to J&amp;K heights.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-failed-state-gen-munirs-remarks-nonsensical-oppn-leader-asaduddin-owaisi-9032050" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir&rsquo;s remarks nonsensical&rsquo;: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi</a>
There is no sign of de-escalation along the border since the Pahalgam attack, as Pakistan has fired on Indian posts along the Line of Control for 11 consecutive nights. India has been strongly retaliating to Islamabad&rsquo;s cross-border firings.
On Sunday, lights were switched off in the cantonment area of Punjab&rsquo;s Ferozepur from 9 to 9:30 pm for a blackout rehearsal.
&ldquo;This rehearsal aims to ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats,&rdquo; the Cantonment Board officer said.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a>
The timing of the MHA order on mock drills is crucial, as the last such drill was conducted in 1971, when India and Pakistan went to war on two fronts.&nbsp;
During the drills, air raid warning sirens will be activated, and civilians and students will be trained in civil defence to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. There would also be crash blackouts and camouflaging of vital plants and installations.
The drills are important as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to J&amp;K heights. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-dials-pm-modi-pahalgam-attack-9036847">'Full support to India': Russia's Putin dials PM Modi, says 'perpetrators of Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice&rsquo;</a>
<h2>PM Modi meets top officials</h2>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held several high-profile meetings with top government officials and military leaders since vowing to avenge the killing of 26 unarmed civilians in the worst-ever attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama incident. PM Modi met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Monday after having met Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh a day earlier. The PM has already said that those involved in carrying out and plotting the terror attack will get a punishment they cannot imagine.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also sent enough food, water, and health supplies to villages along the line of control to last for two months and closed all religious seminaries in the region in fear of Indian strikes.

India News | Pakistan: The safety drills assume importance as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to the Jammu and Kashmir heights.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday directed several states to start emergency preparedness drills and security mock drills on Wednesday (May 7) for “effective civil defence in the event of a hostile attack” amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, security preparations and training are already underway in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, a video posted on X showed teachers of a school conducting safety drills and training students to protect themselves during any hostile action from the neighbouring country. In Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, teachers at Middle School Salotri are training students to protect themselves during cross-border shelling—part of safety drills amid frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Students learn to take cover under desks and evacuate to bunkers once the… pic.twitter.com/vw7OFzwqDh — DD News (@DDNewslive) May 5, 2025 In Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, teachers of a middle school in Salotri village near the Line of Control (LoC) are training students to protect themselves during cross-border shelling—part of safety drills amid frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The students learn to take cover under desks and evacuate to bunkers once the firing subsides. With tensions persisting along the LoC, authorities stress the need for preparedness and safety in vulnerable border areas. The drills are important as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to J&K heights. Also Read | ‘Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir’s remarks nonsensical’: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi There is no sign of de-escalation along the border since the Pahalgam attack, as Pakistan has fired on Indian posts along the Line of Control for 11 consecutive nights. India has been strongly retaliating to Islamabad’s cross-border firings. On Sunday, lights were switched off in the cantonment area of Punjab’s Ferozepur from 9 to 9:30 pm for a blackout rehearsal. “This rehearsal aims to ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats,” the Cantonment Board officer said. Also Read | ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation The timing of the MHA order on mock drills is crucial, as the last such drill was conducted in 1971, when India and Pakistan went to war on two fronts. During the drills, air raid warning sirens will be activated, and civilians and students will be trained in civil defence to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. There would also be crash blackouts and camouflaging of vital plants and installations. The drills are important as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to J&K heights. Also Read | 'Full support to India': Russia's Putin dials PM Modi, says 'perpetrators of Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice’ PM Modi meets top officials Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held several high-profile meetings with top government officials and military leaders since vowing to avenge the killing of 26 unarmed civilians in the worst-ever attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama incident. PM Modi met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Monday after having met Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh a day earlier. The PM has already said that those involved in carrying out and plotting the terror attack will get a punishment they cannot imagine. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also sent enough food, water, and health supplies to villages along the line of control to last for two months and closed all religious seminaries in the region in fear of Indian strikes.

Amid looming war threat, Jammu and Kashmir schools train students on survival, evacuation

New Delhi: India&rsquo;s former ambassador to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, has said no significant outcome is expected from the closed-door meeting at the United Nations Security Council requested by Pakistan. Speaking to WION, he said, &ldquo;No significant outcome is likely from such informal closed consultations.&rdquo;
It is important to know that Akbaruddin was the Indian ambassador to the UN when the last such closed-door meeting happened in 2019. The meeting happened at the request of Pakistan back then also, with China taking the initiative. The meeting was requested in the aftermath of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s initiative is a public diplomacy effort aimed at shaping perceptions rather than advancing negotiations,&rdquo; the former ambassador explained on today&rsquo;s meeting.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-failed-state-gen-munirs-remarks-nonsensical-oppn-leader-asaduddin-owaisi-9032050" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir&rsquo;s remarks nonsensical&rsquo;: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi</a>
Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, a tenure that started from 1st January. The Pakistani foreign ministry, in a statement, said that the country will &ldquo;formally apprise the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of the latest developments in South Asia&rdquo;, and also raise the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty being put into &ldquo;abeyance&rdquo; by the Indian side.&nbsp;
The closed meeting takes place under the header &ldquo;Threats to international peace and security&rdquo; at 1.30 am IST. Ideally, issues can be raised at the consultative meetings or under &ldquo;Any other business&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a>
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken to 9 out of 10 non-permanent members of UNSC and 4 of the 5 permanent members of the top UN body, briefing Delhi&rsquo;s position on the issue of terrorism supported by Pakistan. These countries are France, Russia, US, UK, Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.&nbsp;
Last week, Greece, which holds the rotational presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May, condemned the terror attack but said a meeting can happen. &ldquo;If a request comes for meeting..it might happen sooner rather than later,&rdquo; said Greece&rsquo;s UN Envoy Evangelos Sekeris.
&nbsp;

World | India News | Pakistan: In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken to 9 out of 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC and 4 of the 5 permanent members of the top UN body.

New Delhi: India’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, has said no significant outcome is expected from the closed-door meeting at the United Nations Security Council requested by Pakistan. Speaking to WION, he said, “No significant outcome is likely from such informal closed consultations.” It is important to know that Akbaruddin was the Indian ambassador to the UN when the last such closed-door meeting happened in 2019. The meeting happened at the request of Pakistan back then also, with China taking the initiative. The meeting was requested in the aftermath of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. “Pakistan’s initiative is a public diplomacy effort aimed at shaping perceptions rather than advancing negotiations,” the former ambassador explained on today’s meeting. Also Read | ‘Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir’s remarks nonsensical’: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, a tenure that started from 1st January. The Pakistani foreign ministry, in a statement, said that the country will “formally apprise the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of the latest developments in South Asia”, and also raise the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty being put into “abeyance” by the Indian side. The closed meeting takes place under the header “Threats to international peace and security” at 1.30 am IST. Ideally, issues can be raised at the consultative meetings or under “Any other business”. Also Read | ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken to 9 out of 10 non-permanent members of UNSC and 4 of the 5 permanent members of the top UN body, briefing Delhi’s position on the issue of terrorism supported by Pakistan. These countries are France, Russia, US, UK, Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia. Last week, Greece, which holds the rotational presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May, condemned the terror attack but said a meeting can happen. “If a request comes for meeting..it might happen sooner rather than later,” said Greece’s UN Envoy Evangelos Sekeris.

‘No significant outcome...,’ India’s former envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin on UNSC closed-door meet

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday (May 4) slammed Pakistan, calling the nation a &ldquo;failed state&rdquo; that fuels the &ldquo;poison of terrorism&rdquo;. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strong action so that Pakistan would &ldquo;think 100 times&rdquo; before attacking India again.
&ldquo;We hope the Prime Minister will take strong action against the Pakistani terrorists and the failed state of Pakistan that it will think a hundred times before sending anyone to harm India again,&rdquo; Owaisi said at a public meeting.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a>
He also hit back at Pakistan for questioning India&rsquo;s evidence after terrorist attacks, especially the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pahalgam-terror-attack">Pahalgam terror attack</a> that killed 26 people.
&ldquo;Pakistan is shamelessly asking for proof. Didn't we invite you to Pathankot and show you where your terrorists attacked our Air Force base? You sent your team, they saw it with their own eyes, yet you took no action against those terrorists,&rdquo; Qwaisi said, as quoted by ANI.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-held-in-punjab-for-sharing-sensitive-army-info-amid-pahalgam-terror-attack-fallout-9032133">'To undermine security of armed forces...': Two held in Punjab for &lsquo;sharing sensitive Army info&rsquo; amid Pahalgam terror attack fallout</a>
Owaisi also brought up the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, saying, &ldquo;The 26/11 attacks happened. I know a place in Telangana called Nizamabad. One of our daughters from there had just gotten married a few days before, and she was at VT Station with her family when Pakistani terrorists opened fire. She, too, was killed.&rdquo;
<h2>&lsquo;Pakistan will never admit&rsquo;: Owaisi</h2>
He further accused Pakistan, saying, &ldquo;Pakistan will never admit that terrorists from its land come and kill people in India. The time to try and convince Pakistan is over,&rdquo; he asserted.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-failed-state-gen-munirs-remarks-nonsensical-oppn-leader-asaduddin-owaisi-9032050">&lsquo;Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir&rsquo;s remarks nonsensical&rsquo;: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi</a>
Owaisi called for the 26 victims of the Pahalgam attack to be officially recognised as martyrs, condemning the politicisation of terrorism.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m saying this with great responsibility, without letting emotions overpower me: it&rsquo;s time for a response, not reflection. Otherwise, every few months, we&rsquo;ll keep facing attacks, whether our Army, CRPF personnel, or innocent Kashmiris are targeted,&rdquo; he said.
Watch | India-Pak tensions: Pakistan envoy's nuclear threat to India amid tensions over Pahalgam attack 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0405_ARJUN_PAK_4PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0405_ARJUN_PAK_4PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=123&amp;tags=india, pakistan, pahalgam , terrorism" title="India-Pak tensions: Pakistan envoy's nuclear threat to India amid tensions over Pahalgam attack" id="PL_iframe_block-ma9ys6rp-ft0ew7pf-ewl0ylow"></iframe>
Earlier on Saturday (May 3) at a rally in Bahadurganj, Owaisi stressed that Pakistan would never allow India to live in peace.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Pakistan is a failed nation, and these forces will never let India live in peace. Today is the time to give them a befitting reply. So that this poison of terror ends forever,&rdquo; he declared.

Owaisi also hit back at Pakistan for questioning India’s evidence after terrorist attacks, especially the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. India news

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday (May 4) slammed Pakistan, calling the nation a “failed state” that fuels the “poison of terrorism”. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strong action so that Pakistan would “think 100 times” before attacking India again. “We hope the Prime Minister will take strong action against the Pakistani terrorists and the failed state of Pakistan that it will think a hundred times before sending anyone to harm India again,” Owaisi said at a public meeting. Also read | ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation He also hit back at Pakistan for questioning India’s evidence after terrorist attacks, especially the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “Pakistan is shamelessly asking for proof. Didn't we invite you to Pathankot and show you where your terrorists attacked our Air Force base? You sent your team, they saw it with their own eyes, yet you took no action against those terrorists,” Qwaisi said, as quoted by ANI. Also read | 'To undermine security of armed forces...': Two held in Punjab for ‘sharing sensitive Army info’ amid Pahalgam terror attack fallout Owaisi also brought up the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, saying, “The 26/11 attacks happened. I know a place in Telangana called Nizamabad. One of our daughters from there had just gotten married a few days before, and she was at VT Station with her family when Pakistani terrorists opened fire. She, too, was killed.” ‘Pakistan will never admit’: Owaisi He further accused Pakistan, saying, “Pakistan will never admit that terrorists from its land come and kill people in India. The time to try and convince Pakistan is over,” he asserted. Also read | ‘Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir’s remarks nonsensical’: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi Owaisi called for the 26 victims of the Pahalgam attack to be officially recognised as martyrs, condemning the politicisation of terrorism. “I’m saying this with great responsibility, without letting emotions overpower me: it’s time for a response, not reflection. Otherwise, every few months, we’ll keep facing attacks, whether our Army, CRPF personnel, or innocent Kashmiris are targeted,” he said. Watch | India-Pak tensions: Pakistan envoy's nuclear threat to India amid tensions over Pahalgam attack Earlier on Saturday (May 3) at a rally in Bahadurganj, Owaisi stressed that Pakistan would never allow India to live in peace. “Pakistan is a failed nation, and these forces will never let India live in peace. Today is the time to give them a befitting reply. So that this poison of terror ends forever,” he declared.

‘Pakistan will think 100 times before harming India’: Owaisi urges PM Modi to take strong action against Islamabad

India has stanched the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, a source said. The source familiar with the matter said the two hydroelectric dams, Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir, offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a> India&rsquo;s decision to suspend the decades-old treaty follows the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Pahalgam. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960.&nbsp;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-failed-state-gen-munirs-remarks-nonsensical-oppn-leader-asaduddin-owaisi-9032050" rel="noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir&rsquo;s remarks nonsensical&rsquo;: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi</a> The Baglihar Dam has been a longstanding point of contention between the two neighbours, with Pakistan having sought World Bank arbitration in the past. The Kishanganga Dam has faced legal and diplomatic scrutiny, especially regarding its impact on the Neelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum.
The treaty was signed in 1960 by the then Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the then Pakistani president Ayub Khan. It has often been hailed as a rare example of peaceful cooperation between two hostile neighbours. The treaty withstood three wars between India and Pakistan - in 1965, 1971, and 1999.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-attack-india-cracks-the-whip-bans-all-pak-imports-mails-and-parcels-bars-port-access-to-ships-9029491" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India cracks the whip again, bans all Pak imports, mails and parcels, bars port access to ships</a>

India News | Pakistan: The two hydroelectric dams, Baglihar in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir, offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases.

India has stanched the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, a source said. The source familiar with the matter said the two hydroelectric dams, Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir, offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases. Also Read | ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation India’s decision to suspend the decades-old treaty follows the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960. Also Read | ‘Pakistan a failed state, Gen Munir’s remarks nonsensical’: Oppn leader Asaduddin Owaisi The Baglihar Dam has been a longstanding point of contention between the two neighbours, with Pakistan having sought World Bank arbitration in the past. The Kishanganga Dam has faced legal and diplomatic scrutiny, especially regarding its impact on the Neelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum. The treaty was signed in 1960 by the then Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the then Pakistani president Ayub Khan. It has often been hailed as a rare example of peaceful cooperation between two hostile neighbours. The treaty withstood three wars between India and Pakistan - in 1965, 1971, and 1999. Also Read | India cracks the whip again, bans all Pak imports, mails and parcels, bars port access to ships

India cuts Chenab water flow through Baglihar Dam after Indus treaty halt

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday assured people of the Pahalgam terror attack retaliation, saying what they desire will certainly happen under PM Narendra Modi&rsquo;s leadership.
In other news, US President Donald Trump stated he would not pursue a third term, recognising the constitutional limitations.
Meanwhile, Israel&rsquo;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged further action against Yemen's Houthi rebels after a missile fired from Yemen landed near Tel Aviv&rsquo;s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning.
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-you-all-desire-will-happen-assures-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-on-pahalgam-retaliation-9032695">&lsquo;What you all desire will happen,&rsquo; assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/04/0tidu6Y1kohrCY80YRCd.jpg" alt=" Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Photograph: (PTI) ">
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that it is his &ldquo;responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack&rdquo; India, and assured people of Pahalgam terror attack retaliation saying what they desire will certainly happen under PM Narendra Modi&rsquo;s leadership.
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Israel&rsquo;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged further action against Yemen's Houthi rebels after a missile fired from Yemen landed near Tel Aviv&rsquo;s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning. According to Israeli authorities, four people were injured in the blast, with two more hurt while trying to reach a shelter.
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US President Donald Trump seems to be taking credit for good reports but deflecting the blame for his economic failures, which have surfaced recently, to former president Joe Biden.
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Amritsar&rsquo;s Rural Police arrested two men on Saturday (May 03) for allegedly passing on sensitive details and images of military installations in Punjab to Pakistani intelligence handlers.
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Air India and several other airlines, including Germany's Lufthansa, British Airways, and America's Delta Air Lines, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv following a missile attack close to the Ben Gurion Airport in the Israeli city on Sunday (May 1).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-sure-about-upholding-us-constitution-as-his-administration-defies-supreme-court-9032545">&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know&rsquo;: Trump not sure about upholding US Constitution as his administration defies Supreme Court</a>
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US President Donald Trump has caused fresh controversy by saying he is unsure whether he needs to uphold the United States Constitution, the country&rsquo;s most important legal document.
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Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (May 4) took a swipe at Europe, asserting that India is &ldquo;looking for partners, not preachers.&rdquo; He added that European nations are struggling to adapt to the evolving multipolar world order.
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Actor Babil Khan has made a comeback on Instagram after a brief hiatus triggered by the video in which he appeared to criticise Bollywood's toxicity went viral. In the video, the Qala actor mentioned several fellow actors, including Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, which sparked heated discussions online.
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Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag wreaked havoc in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) on Sunday as he hit six consecutive sixes on Sunday (May 4). Playing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Parag entered record books by achieving the rare feat in T20 cricket. However, despite his blistering knock of 95 runs, Rajasthan Royals lost by one run in yet another close contest in IPL 2025.

Stay informed with our selection of the top stories from around the world, providing a snapshot of the most significant events and trends in global news today. India News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday assured people of the Pahalgam terror attack retaliation, saying what they desire will certainly happen under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. In other news, US President Donald Trump stated he would not pursue a third term, recognising the constitutional limitations. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged further action against Yemen's Houthi rebels after a missile fired from Yemen landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning. Click on the headlines for more ‘What you all desire will happen,’ assures defence minister Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam retaliation Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that it is his “responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack” India, and assured people of Pahalgam terror attack retaliation saying what they desire will certainly happen under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. Trump dismisses third term speculation: ‘It’s not allowed’ In a recent interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press," President Donald Trump stated he would not pursue a third term, recognising the constitutional limitations. 'There will be bangs': Israel's Netanyahu vows action against Houthis after missile attack at Tel Aviv airport Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged further action against Yemen's Houthi rebels after a missile fired from Yemen landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on Sunday morning. According to Israeli authorities, four people were injured in the blast, with two more hurt while trying to reach a shelter. ‘Good parts are Trump economy, bad parts are Biden economy’: Is Trump passing blame to former president for his policies? US President Donald Trump seems to be taking credit for good reports but deflecting the blame for his economic failures, which have surfaced recently, to former president Joe Biden. 'To undermine security of armed forces...': Two held in Punjab for ‘sharing sensitive Army info’ amid Pahalgam terror attack fallout Amritsar’s Rural Police arrested two men on Saturday (May 03) for allegedly passing on sensitive details and images of military installations in Punjab to Pakistani intelligence handlers. Air India flight diverted to Abu Dhabi, several airlines suspend operations after missile attack near Tel Aviv Airport Air India and several other airlines, including Germany's Lufthansa, British Airways, and America's Delta Air Lines, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv following a missile attack close to the Ben Gurion Airport in the Israeli city on Sunday (May 1). ‘I don’t know’: Trump not sure about upholding US Constitution as his administration defies Supreme Court US President Donald Trump has caused fresh controversy by saying he is unsure whether he needs to uphold the United States Constitution, the country’s most important legal document. ‘We want partners, not preachers’: Jaishakar slams Europe over global shifts Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (May 4) took a swipe at Europe, asserting that India is “looking for partners, not preachers.” He added that European nations are struggling to adapt to the evolving multipolar world order. 'This video was extremely misinterpreted': Babil Khan breaks silence, returns to Instagram Actor Babil Khan has made a comeback on Instagram after a brief hiatus triggered by the video in which he appeared to criticise Bollywood's toxicity went viral. In the video, the Qala actor mentioned several fellow actors, including Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, which sparked heated discussions online. IPL 2025: Riyan Parag hits 6 sixes in a row in KKR thriller, enters record books - Watch Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag wreaked havoc in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) on Sunday as he hit six consecutive sixes on Sunday (May 4). Playing at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Parag entered record books by achieving the rare feat in T20 cricket. However, despite his blistering knock of 95 runs, Rajasthan Royals lost by one run in yet another close contest in IPL 2025.

Top 10 world news: Rajnath Singh assures Pahalgam retaliation, Trump dismisses third term speculation, and more

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/uk">United Kingdom</a> is holding talks with India for shared access and benefit from historical artefacts like the Kohinoor diamond, said Lisa Nandy, Britain's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Her statement came in response to a question about India&rsquo;s demand to return the precious stone.
The massive 108-carat Kohinoor gem, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, was given to Queen Victoria in 1849 by Indian ruler Duleep Singh. It was worn by the Queen Mother on her crown in 1937. It is currently a part of the British Crown Jewels.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amritsar-police-arrest-two-for-leaking-sensitive-army-information-amid-india-pak-tensions-9032240">Amritsar police arrest two for leaking 'sensitive army information' amid India-Pak tensions</a>
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been talking between the UK and India for quite some time about the way that we think we can collaborate much more closely together to make sure that people both in the UK and in India can benefit from and have access to many of the cultural artefacts that stem back to the very different era. This is something that I've discussed with my counterpart,&rdquo; Nandy, told ANI during her official visit to New Delhi.
She also stressed deepening the United Kingdom&rsquo;s partnership with India across the creative, cultural, and sporting sectors during her visit to Delhi.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/prince-harry-to-hear-outcome-of-uk-security-appeal-on-friday-9024265">Prince Harry to hear outcome of UK security appeal on Friday</a>
She further added, &ldquo;Across the creative industries, the UK and India really excel, whether it&rsquo;s film, fashion, TV, music, gaming. We&rsquo;re really good at these things, and we export many of those products to the world, but we know that through cooperation, we can do more and we can achieve more together. Our Science museums group has been working with the National Museum Science Museums group here to get joint collaborations, joint exhibitions, tour different objects, make sure that people in India and the UK can really benefit from that. We think that&rsquo;s the model for how we can cooperate much more closely across all the other creative industries as well.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cowardly-act-of-terrorism-indian-origin-uk-mp-priti-patel-condemns-pahalgam-terror-attack-9022026">'Cowardly act of terrorism': Indian-origin UK MP Priti Patel condemns Pahalgam terror attack</a>
<h2>UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation</h2>
On Friday (May 2), Nandy, a leading delegation from the UK to India, signed a major cultural cooperation agreement with Indian culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi.
The UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation is focused on enhancing two-way cultural exchanges through the arts and heritage. It also aims to encourage long-term partnerships between creative businesses and cultural institutions in the two nations.
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The agreement will include the UK working with India to support best practices and expertise on heritage conservation, museum management and digitisation of collections. Its implementation will involve the British Council in India and the Indian Ministry of Culture, along with participation from major UK cultural institutions. These will include Arts Council England, the British Library, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum Group and the V&amp;A Museum.

The massive 108-carat Kohinoor gem was given to Queen Victoria in 1849 by Indian ruler Duleep Singh. It was worn by the Queen Mother on her crown in 1937. World | India News

The United Kingdom is holding talks with India for shared access and benefit from historical artefacts like the Kohinoor diamond, said Lisa Nandy, Britain's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Her statement came in response to a question about India’s demand to return the precious stone. The massive 108-carat Kohinoor gem, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, was given to Queen Victoria in 1849 by Indian ruler Duleep Singh. It was worn by the Queen Mother on her crown in 1937. It is currently a part of the British Crown Jewels. Also read | Amritsar police arrest two for leaking 'sensitive army information' amid India-Pak tensions “We’ve been talking between the UK and India for quite some time about the way that we think we can collaborate much more closely together to make sure that people both in the UK and in India can benefit from and have access to many of the cultural artefacts that stem back to the very different era. This is something that I've discussed with my counterpart,” Nandy, told ANI during her official visit to New Delhi. She also stressed deepening the United Kingdom’s partnership with India across the creative, cultural, and sporting sectors during her visit to Delhi. Also read | Prince Harry to hear outcome of UK security appeal on Friday She further added, “Across the creative industries, the UK and India really excel, whether it’s film, fashion, TV, music, gaming. We’re really good at these things, and we export many of those products to the world, but we know that through cooperation, we can do more and we can achieve more together. Our Science museums group has been working with the National Museum Science Museums group here to get joint collaborations, joint exhibitions, tour different objects, make sure that people in India and the UK can really benefit from that. We think that’s the model for how we can cooperate much more closely across all the other creative industries as well.” Also read | 'Cowardly act of terrorism': Indian-origin UK MP Priti Patel condemns Pahalgam terror attack UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation On Friday (May 2), Nandy, a leading delegation from the UK to India, signed a major cultural cooperation agreement with Indian culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi. The UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation is focused on enhancing two-way cultural exchanges through the arts and heritage. It also aims to encourage long-term partnerships between creative businesses and cultural institutions in the two nations. Watch | UK's Reform wins by-election by 6 votes from ruling Labour Party The agreement will include the UK working with India to support best practices and expertise on heritage conservation, museum management and digitisation of collections. Its implementation will involve the British Council in India and the Indian Ministry of Culture, along with participation from major UK cultural institutions. These will include Arts Council England, the British Library, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum Group and the V&A Museum.

Will UK share Kohinoor with India? Here’s what British Minister responded when asked about returning the historic gem

India has imposed a complete ban on imports from Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, citing national security concerns. 
In a notification issued on Saturday (May 03), the Ministry of Commerce said, &ldquo;Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan&hellip; shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.&rdquo; The government stressed that any exceptions would need prior approval.
This is the first in a series of steps India is taking after 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed in a terror strike linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba on April 22.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hold-talks-with-russian-counterpart-lavrov-in-wake-of-pahalgam-terror-attack-9030202" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Perpetrators must be brought to justice': India's Jaishankar hold talks with Russia's Lavrov in wake of Pahalgam&nbsp;terror&nbsp;attack</a>
<h2>Trade halted and ports closed to Pakistani ships</h2>
India followed up the import ban with another strong measure, barring ships from Pakistan from docking at any Indian ports. It also ordered that no Indian-flagged vessels are to visit Pakistani ports. The Ministry of Shipping said the move was made in the interest of &ldquo;ensuring the safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure.&rdquo;
These steps are seen as a major escalation in trade restrictions. The Wagah-Attari border crossing had already been shut, which was the last operational route for goods from Pakistan into India.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pahalgam-terror-attack-jk-cm-omar-abdullah-meets-pm-modi-in-delhi-discusses-jk-situation-9030232" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pahalgam terror attack: J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah meets PM Modi in Delhi, discusses J&amp;K situation</a>
<h2>Incoming mail and parcels suspended</h2>
India&rsquo;s third move on Saturday was to suspend all inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan. According to an official order, &ldquo;Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes.&rdquo;
<h2>Pakistan&rsquo;s missile test seen as a provocation</h2>
While India was announcing its new measures, Pakistan claimed it had successfully tested a 450 km-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile called Abdali. The test was part of what Pakistan called &ldquo;Exercise INDUS.&rdquo;
Pakistan&rsquo;s military said the launch was meant to confirm the operational readiness of its forces and validate the missile&rsquo;s enhanced manoeuvrability and navigation systems.
Indian officials, however, called the timing &ldquo;a dangerous escalation.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-india-pakistans-nuclear-arsenals-who-has-more-and-what-would-happen-if-new-delhi-islamabad-unleash-their-nukes-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007737" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Inside India, Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?</a>
<h2>India&rsquo;s earlier measures against Pakistan</h2>
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India had already taken several strong steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking most Pakistani visas, and halting cross-border trade routes. The water treaty suspension in particular rattled Pakistan, which called it an &ldquo;act of war.&rdquo;
Islamabad responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines and threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement that outlines the Line of Control.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-pakistan-got-the-nuclear-bomb-india-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007958">'Will go hungry, but get the bomb&rsquo;: How Pakistan got the nuclear bomb? A story of desperation, fear, and rivalry with India</a>
<h2>Modi gives military full freedom to respond</h2>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with the armed forces earlier in the week, where he gave them full operational freedom to choose the &ldquo;mode, targets, and timing&rdquo; of India&rsquo;s response to the Pahalgam attack.

India news: In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India had already taken several strong steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking most Pakistani visas, and halting cross-border trade routes. Pakistan

India has imposed a complete ban on imports from Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, citing national security concerns. In a notification issued on Saturday (May 03), the Ministry of Commerce said, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan… shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” The government stressed that any exceptions would need prior approval. This is the first in a series of steps India is taking after 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed in a terror strike linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba on April 22. Also read: 'Perpetrators must be brought to justice': India's Jaishankar hold talks with Russia's Lavrov in wake of Pahalgam terror attack Trade halted and ports closed to Pakistani ships India followed up the import ban with another strong measure, barring ships from Pakistan from docking at any Indian ports. It also ordered that no Indian-flagged vessels are to visit Pakistani ports. The Ministry of Shipping said the move was made in the interest of “ensuring the safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure.” These steps are seen as a major escalation in trade restrictions. The Wagah-Attari border crossing had already been shut, which was the last operational route for goods from Pakistan into India. Also read: Pahalgam terror attack: J&K CM Omar Abdullah meets PM Modi in Delhi, discusses J&K situation Incoming mail and parcels suspended India’s third move on Saturday was to suspend all inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan. According to an official order, “Government of India has decided to suspend exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes.” Pakistan’s missile test seen as a provocation While India was announcing its new measures, Pakistan claimed it had successfully tested a 450 km-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile called Abdali. The test was part of what Pakistan called “Exercise INDUS.” Pakistan’s military said the launch was meant to confirm the operational readiness of its forces and validate the missile’s enhanced manoeuvrability and navigation systems. Indian officials, however, called the timing “a dangerous escalation.” Also read: Inside India, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes? India’s earlier measures against Pakistan In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, India had already taken several strong steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking most Pakistani visas, and halting cross-border trade routes. The water treaty suspension in particular rattled Pakistan, which called it an “act of war.” Islamabad responded by shutting its airspace to Indian airlines and threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement that outlines the Line of Control. Also read: 'Will go hungry, but get the bomb’: How Pakistan got the nuclear bomb? A story of desperation, fear, and rivalry with India Modi gives military full freedom to respond Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting with the armed forces earlier in the week, where he gave them full operational freedom to choose the “mode, targets, and timing” of India’s response to the Pahalgam attack.

No goods, no ships, no mail: India’s 3-point crackdown on Pakistan in wake of Pahalgam terror attack

India continued its offensive against Pakistan on Saturday and announced a slew of tough decisions that will severely impact the economy of the neighbouring country over its continued support to cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack.
India imposed an immediate ban on all direct and indirect import of goods from Pakistan with immediate effect &ldquo;in the interest of national security and public policy&rdquo;. The decision was announced via a notification of the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) and has been incorporated into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. The new FTP provision says, &ldquo;Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect until further orders.&rdquo;&nbsp; Any exception will require explicit approval from the government, it added.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-plots-double-financial-strike-on-pakistan-to-stifle-terror-funding-jittery-islamabad-reacts-9027446">India plots double financial strike on Pakistan to stifle terror funding, jittery Islamabad reacts</a>
In another decision with economic consequences, New Delhi has barred all Pakistani-flag-bearing ships from entering any Indian ports to &ldquo;ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and connected infrastructure&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port. An Indian flag ship shall not visit any Ports of Pakistan. This order is issued to ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and connected infrastructure in the public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping. Any exemption or dispensation from this order shall be examined and decided on a case-by-case basis,&rdquo; it said.
<h2>Actions to have severe impact on Pakistan economy&nbsp;</h2>
Usually India has a trade surplus with Pakistan. Between April and January 2024&ndash;25, imports from Pakistan included fruits and nuts ($0.08 million), specific oilseeds and medicinal plants (USD 0.26 million), and organic chemicals. India&rsquo;s exports to Pakistan in April-January 2024-25 stood at USD 447.65 million, said a report of the news agency PTI.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/another-admission-of-supporting-terrorists-bilawal-bhutto-says-pakistan-has-a-past-days-after-ishaq-dar-backed-trf-9024913" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers</a> In 2023&ndash;24, exports totalled USD 1.18 billion, while imports stood at USD 2.88 million. The Attari-Wagah border saw trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore in 2023-24. Suspension of exports from India will create a shortage of goods in Pakistan, which will push up prices, while the halt of imports will also hit Islamabad and have a severe economic impact on small traders and manufacturers.
Currently, India&rsquo;s forex reserves exceed $688 billion, while Pakistan has just over $15 billion.
<h2>India suspends exchange of all inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan</h2>
The Union government on Saturday suspended the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes. &ldquo;The Government of India has decided to suspend the exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes,&rdquo; a public notice issued by the department of posts said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-iaf-conducts-take-off-and-landing-exercises-of-rafale-jaguar-on-ganga-expressway-9025452" rel="noopener" target="_blank">WATCH | IAF conducts take-off and landing exercises of Rafale, Jaguar on Ganga Expressway</a>
At least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony operator, were brutally killed by terrorists in the Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.&nbsp; India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists and providing them a safe haven across the border.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

India News: Suspension of exports from India will create a shortage of goods in Pakistan, which will push up prices, while the halt of imports will also hit Islamabad and have a severe economic impact on small traders and manufacturers.

India continued its offensive against Pakistan on Saturday and announced a slew of tough decisions that will severely impact the economy of the neighbouring country over its continued support to cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack. India imposed an immediate ban on all direct and indirect import of goods from Pakistan with immediate effect “in the interest of national security and public policy”. The decision was announced via a notification of the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) and has been incorporated into the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. The new FTP provision says, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect until further orders.” Any exception will require explicit approval from the government, it added. Also Read | India plots double financial strike on Pakistan to stifle terror funding, jittery Islamabad reacts In another decision with economic consequences, New Delhi has barred all Pakistani-flag-bearing ships from entering any Indian ports to “ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and connected infrastructure”. “A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian port. An Indian flag ship shall not visit any Ports of Pakistan. This order is issued to ensure the safety of Indian assets, cargo, and connected infrastructure in the public interest and for the interest of Indian shipping. Any exemption or dispensation from this order shall be examined and decided on a case-by-case basis,” it said. Actions to have severe impact on Pakistan economy Usually India has a trade surplus with Pakistan. Between April and January 2024–25, imports from Pakistan included fruits and nuts ($0.08 million), specific oilseeds and medicinal plants (USD 0.26 million), and organic chemicals. India’s exports to Pakistan in April-January 2024-25 stood at USD 447.65 million, said a report of the news agency PTI. Also Read | Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers In 2023–24, exports totalled USD 1.18 billion, while imports stood at USD 2.88 million. The Attari-Wagah border saw trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore in 2023-24. Suspension of exports from India will create a shortage of goods in Pakistan, which will push up prices, while the halt of imports will also hit Islamabad and have a severe economic impact on small traders and manufacturers. Currently, India’s forex reserves exceed $688 billion, while Pakistan has just over $15 billion. India suspends exchange of all inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan The Union government on Saturday suspended the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes. “The Government of India has decided to suspend the exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes,” a public notice issued by the department of posts said. WATCH | IAF conducts take-off and landing exercises of Rafale, Jaguar on Ganga Expressway At least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony operator, were brutally killed by terrorists in the Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists and providing them a safe haven across the border.

India cracks the whip again, bans all Pak imports, mails and parcels, bars port access to ships

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in India&rsquo;s Kashmir late last month, where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad, former India captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunil-gavaskar?page=2" rel="dofollow">Sunil Gavaskar</a> cast massive doubts over Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/asia-cup-2025" rel="dofollow">Asia Cup 2025</a>, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year.
On April 22, several terrorists opened fire at the tourists present in the Baisaran Valley in the deadliest attack on Indian soil since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. India robustly responded to Pakistan by suspending the Indus Valley Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, recalling the Indian officials from Islamabad and closing the Attari border functioning. On the cricketing front, India vowed not to play against Pakistan in bilaterals anytime soon.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-shubman-gill-loses-cool-at-umpires-during-srh-tie-for-debatable-drs-call-again-watch-9028410" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Shubman Gill loses cool at umpires during SRH tie for debatable DRS call, again &ndash; WATCH</a>
Meanwhile, in a chat with India Today, Gavaskar said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a>&rsquo;s stance remains the same as that of the Indian government; as things stand, they are highly unlikely to play any cricket - bilateral or global, with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;
Gavaskar said Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup 2025 remains under massive doubt, should the situation remain the same or fail to get any better.
"BCCI's stance has always been what the government of India tells them to do. So I don't think it would be any different when it comes to the Asia Cup. India and Sri Lanka are the hosts for this particular edition of the Asia Cup, so it depends on whether things have changed at all, but if things haven't changed, I can't see Pakistan now being part of the Asia Cup, which is going to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka," Gavaskar said.
<h2>India&rsquo;s exit could blow up ACC</h2>
The former India opener also claimed that if India decide against hosting and playing the Asia Cup 2025 because of Pakistan&rsquo;s participation, then the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could end, especially considering that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is its head.&nbsp;
"I don't know how it will be. It might be that the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded, and you could just have a three-nation tour that could well have a three-nation tournament or a four-nation tournament with maybe Hong Kong or the UAE being invited. So that could well happen, the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded. But I think it is dependent on what happens in the next couple of months," said Gavaskar.
"It could well happen that India decides to pull out of the Asian Cricket Council that could well happen. We can say look we're going to have a 4-nation tournament or a 5-nation tournament in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, and it could well be that if the tournament is held in Bangladesh, the tournament is held in Sri Lanka, but obviously India is going to be the host, then India will host it in India," he added.

Gavaskar said Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup 2025 remains under massive doubt, should the situation remain the same. India news Sports Cricket

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in India’s Kashmir late last month, where Pakistan-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight, all tourists from India and abroad, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar cast massive doubts over Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year. On April 22, several terrorists opened fire at the tourists present in the Baisaran Valley in the deadliest attack on Indian soil since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. India robustly responded to Pakistan by suspending the Indus Valley Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, recalling the Indian officials from Islamabad and closing the Attari border functioning. On the cricketing front, India vowed not to play against Pakistan in bilaterals anytime soon. Also read | IPL 2025: Shubman Gill loses cool at umpires during SRH tie for debatable DRS call, again – WATCH Meanwhile, in a chat with India Today, Gavaskar said the BCCI’s stance remains the same as that of the Indian government; as things stand, they are highly unlikely to play any cricket - bilateral or global, with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Gavaskar said Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup 2025 remains under massive doubt, should the situation remain the same or fail to get any better. "BCCI's stance has always been what the government of India tells them to do. So I don't think it would be any different when it comes to the Asia Cup. India and Sri Lanka are the hosts for this particular edition of the Asia Cup, so it depends on whether things have changed at all, but if things haven't changed, I can't see Pakistan now being part of the Asia Cup, which is going to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka," Gavaskar said. India’s exit could blow up ACC The former India opener also claimed that if India decide against hosting and playing the Asia Cup 2025 because of Pakistan’s participation, then the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could end, especially considering that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is its head. "I don't know how it will be. It might be that the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded, and you could just have a three-nation tour that could well have a three-nation tournament or a four-nation tournament with maybe Hong Kong or the UAE being invited. So that could well happen, the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded. But I think it is dependent on what happens in the next couple of months," said Gavaskar. "It could well happen that India decides to pull out of the Asian Cricket Council that could well happen. We can say look we're going to have a 4-nation tournament or a 5-nation tournament in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, and it could well be that if the tournament is held in Bangladesh, the tournament is held in Sri Lanka, but obviously India is going to be the host, then India will host it in India," he added.

Gavaskar casts doubts over Pakistan’s participation in Asia Cup 2025 after Pahalgam terror attack

India has opened a multi-dimensional front against Pakistan in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and is strategically planning twin financial strikes on Islamabad to throttle support for cross-border terrorism. As per sources. India is initiating steps to actively pursue getting Pakistan back onto the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Besides, India has also raised concerns with the International Monetary Fund over its $7 billion aid package to Pakistan, alleging misuse of funds for terror-related activities. The deal for the three-year aid package was finalised in July 2024.
India has asked the IMF to review loans disbursed to Pakistan, said a Reuters report on Friday, citing an Indian government source. Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout programme from the IMF last year and was granted a new $1.3 billion climate resilience loan in March. The programme is critical for Pakistan, which said it has stabilised under the bailout that helped it stave off a default threat.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-pms-call-for-credible-probe-into-pahalgam-terror-attack-rings-hollow-amid-back-to-back-admissions-of-terror-links-9026971" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pakistan PM's call for 'credible' probe into Pahalgam terror attack rings hollow amid back-to-back admissions of terror links</a>
The IMF Executive Board will meet on May 9 to discuss Pakistan&rsquo;s staff-level agreement for a new arrangement, along with the first review of Pakistan&rsquo;s ongoing bailout programme, the global lender said earlier this week.
Reacting to the reports, Khurram Shehzad, adviser to Pakistan&rsquo;s finance minister told Dawn on Friday that the country&rsquo;s IMF programme was &ldquo;completely on track&rdquo;. He said that they conducted &ldquo;very productive meetings&rdquo; with the IMF, World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other International Financial Institutions. &ldquo;While in the spring meetings in DC, we did about 70 meetings within (a) span of six days,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/another-admission-of-supporting-terrorists-bilawal-bhutto-says-pakistan-has-a-past-days-after-ishaq-dar-backed-trf-9024913" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers</a>
Pakistan was put on the 'grey list' of the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog in June 2018.&nbsp; Islamabad was taken off the list in October 2022 after it committed to curbing terror funding and it jailed, fined, and confiscated assets of individuals linked to terror groups. If reinstated, the FATF grey list status will increase scrutiny on Pakistan&rsquo;s financial dealings, potentially restricting foreign investments and capital inflows into the country. India is likely to engage with key FATF member states in the coming weeks to garner support for its move ahead of the next plenary session. The plenary is the decision-making body of the FATF, which consists of 40 member states. The plenary usually meets thrice a year, in February, June, and October. Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-masood-azhar-makes-first-address-in-20-years-vows-to-renew-operations-against-india-781772" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations&nbsp;against&nbsp;India</a>
India has already taken a host of punitive measures against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a local dead.&nbsp; Apart from downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, cancelled visa services for Pakistani nationals and closed its airspace to Pakistani flights. The Centre has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistanis.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-iaf-conducts-take-off-and-landing-exercises-of-rafale-jaguar-on-ganga-expressway-9025452" rel="noopener" target="_blank">WATCH | IAF conducts take-off and landing exercises of Rafale, Jaguar on Ganga Expressway</a>

India News | Pakistan: If reinstated, the FATF grey list status will increase scrutiny on Pakistan’s financial dealings, potentially restricting foreign investments and capital inflows into the country.

India has opened a multi-dimensional front against Pakistan in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam and is strategically planning twin financial strikes on Islamabad to throttle support for cross-border terrorism. As per sources. India is initiating steps to actively pursue getting Pakistan back onto the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Besides, India has also raised concerns with the International Monetary Fund over its $7 billion aid package to Pakistan, alleging misuse of funds for terror-related activities. The deal for the three-year aid package was finalised in July 2024. India has asked the IMF to review loans disbursed to Pakistan, said a Reuters report on Friday, citing an Indian government source. Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout programme from the IMF last year and was granted a new $1.3 billion climate resilience loan in March. The programme is critical for Pakistan, which said it has stabilised under the bailout that helped it stave off a default threat. Also Read | Pakistan PM's call for 'credible' probe into Pahalgam terror attack rings hollow amid back-to-back admissions of terror links The IMF Executive Board will meet on May 9 to discuss Pakistan’s staff-level agreement for a new arrangement, along with the first review of Pakistan’s ongoing bailout programme, the global lender said earlier this week. Reacting to the reports, Khurram Shehzad, adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister told Dawn on Friday that the country’s IMF programme was “completely on track”. He said that they conducted “very productive meetings” with the IMF, World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other International Financial Institutions. “While in the spring meetings in DC, we did about 70 meetings within (a) span of six days,” he said. Also Read | Bilawal Bhutto says 'Pakistan has a past' in big admission of supporting terrorists, days after backing Pahalgam attackers Pakistan was put on the 'grey list' of the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog in June 2018. Islamabad was taken off the list in October 2022 after it committed to curbing terror funding and it jailed, fined, and confiscated assets of individuals linked to terror groups. If reinstated, the FATF grey list status will increase scrutiny on Pakistan’s financial dealings, potentially restricting foreign investments and capital inflows into the country. India is likely to engage with key FATF member states in the coming weeks to garner support for its move ahead of the next plenary session. The plenary is the decision-making body of the FATF, which consists of 40 member states. The plenary usually meets thrice a year, in February, June, and October. Also Read | Pulwama attack mastermind Masood Azhar makes first address in 20 years, vows to renew operations against India India has already taken a host of punitive measures against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a local dead. Apart from downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Integrated Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, cancelled visa services for Pakistani nationals and closed its airspace to Pakistani flights. The Centre has also banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels and blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistanis. WATCH | IAF conducts take-off and landing exercises of Rafale, Jaguar on Ganga Expressway

India plots double financial strike on Pakistan to stifle terror funding, jittery Islamabad reacts

The Indian Navy&rsquo;s deployment of INS Vikrant, its indigenous aircraft carrier, alongside the stealthy Kalvari-class submarines following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has reshaped the strategic landscape in the Arabian Sea. With tensions escalating between India and Pakistan, this formidable combination signals India&rsquo;s naval dominance and its intent to deter its western neighbour. A key question arises: can the Kalvari-class submarines carry nuclear warheads, and how does this capability&mdash;or lack thereof&mdash;strengthen India&rsquo;s deterrence against Pakistan? This article explores the Kalvari submarines&rsquo; armament, their role in India&rsquo;s naval strategy, and how they, alongside INS Vikrant, create a powerful deterrent, all while clarifying the nuclear question.
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The Kalvari-class submarines, built under Project 75 with French collaboration, are diesel-electric stealth platforms designed for silent, undetectable operations. These submarines, including INS Kalvari, INS Vagir, and the recently commissioned INS Vagsheer, are equipped with Exocet SM-39 anti-ship missiles, which have a 70 km range and carry a 165 kg conventional warhead. A single missile can sink a 3,000-tonne ship or destroy critical infrastructure like Pakistan&rsquo;s Karachi or Gwadar ports. Additionally, they can deploy up to 30 naval mines to disrupt maritime routes and carry SUT torpedoes for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. However, there is no official confirmation or credible evidence that Kalvari-class submarines are designed to carry nuclear warheads. These submarines are primarily conventional platforms optimised for anti-ship, anti-submarine, and mine-laying roles. India&rsquo;s nuclear-capable submarine assets are limited to its Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), like INS Arihant and INS Arighat, which carry K-15 Sagarika or K-4 missiles with nuclear warheads. The Kalvari-class, being smaller diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs), lack the infrastructure, such as vertical launch systems or missile tubes, needed for nuclear ballistic or cruise missiles.
This distinction is critical. While the Kalvari submarines do not contribute to India&rsquo;s nuclear triad, their conventional firepower is a significant deterrent. Their ability to stealthily approach Pakistan&rsquo;s coastline, strike naval assets, or blockade ports like Karachi, which handles over 60% of Pakistan&rsquo;s trade, poses a severe economic and military threat. By deploying mines or sinking ships, these submarines can choke Pakistan&rsquo;s supply lines, disrupting oil imports and exports. This capability, combined with their near-undetectable nature, creates a psychological and strategic advantage, forcing Pakistan&rsquo;s navy to rethink its maritime strategy.
INS Vikrant amplifies this deterrence. Operating 600&ndash;700 km from Pakistan&rsquo;s coast, Vikrant is a floating airbase with MiG-29K jets capable of striking targets 800 km away, Kamov-31 helicopters for early warning, and HAL Dhruv for anti-submarine roles. Protected by Barak-8 missiles and advanced EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radars, Vikrant is a tough target. Its Carrier Battle Group, including Kolkata-class destroyers, Talwar-class frigates, and Kalvari submarines, forms a multi-layered shield and sword. While Vikrant&rsquo;s aircraft are not nuclear-capable, their precision strikes can target Pakistan&rsquo;s coastal infrastructure or naval bases, complementing the submarines&rsquo; covert operations. Together, they dominate the Arabian Sea, projecting power without needing nuclear escalation.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pahalgam-terror-strike-calculated-strategy-or-suicidal-gamble-by-pakistan-9012884">Pahalgam terror strike: Calculated strategy or suicidal gamble by Pakistan</a>
Pakistan&rsquo;s navy pales in comparison. Its ageing Agosta 90B submarines and limited frigates struggle against India&rsquo;s modern fleet. The upcoming Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines, meant to rival the Kalvari-class, are not yet fully operational. Satellite imagery from April 2025 showed most Pakistani submarines docked, highlighting their vulnerability. Pakistan&rsquo;s reliance on Chinese and Turkish upgrades also risks supply chain issues, unlike India&rsquo;s growing indigenous capabilities. A naval blockade by India could cripple Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, as Karachi&rsquo;s disruption would halt trade, creating domestic pressure on Islamabad.
The deterrence lies in India&rsquo;s ability to dominate without nuclear weapons. The Kalvari submarines&rsquo; conventional strikes and Vikrant&rsquo;s air superiority create a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation if Pakistan escalates tensions. Posts on X after Vikrant&rsquo;s deployment noted Pakistan&rsquo;s unease, with Islamabad conducting missile tests in the Arabian Sea as a show of defiance. Yet, these tests underscore Pakistan&rsquo;s limited ability to counter India&rsquo;s naval edge. Economically, a blockade could devastate Pakistan, while diplomatically, India&rsquo;s naval presence signals to China, Pakistan&rsquo;s ally, that New Delhi controls the Indian Ocean Region.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-far-right-party-afd-labelled-as-extremist-organisation-by-spy-agency-bfv-9025940">Germany&rsquo;s far-right party AfD labelled as &lsquo;extremist organisation&rsquo; by spy agency BfV, ban threat looms</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-far-right-party-afd-labelled-as-extremist-organisation-by-spy-agency-bfv-9025940">&nbsp;</a>
Risks remain. Pakistan&rsquo;s C-802A and SMASH missiles could threaten Vikrant, though its defences mitigate this. Pakistan&rsquo;s future submarine upgrades with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) may narrow the gap, but India&rsquo;s plan to retrofit Kalvari submarines with indigenous AIP by late 2025 will maintain its lead. X users have raised concerns about Vikrant&rsquo;s vulnerability, but its escorts and mobility reduce risks.
In conclusion, while Kalvari-class submarines do not carry nuclear warheads, their conventional capabilities, paired with INS Vikrant&rsquo;s dominance, create a robust deterrent against Pakistan. By threatening economic lifelines, controlling the seas, and projecting power, India ensures Pakistan hesitates to provoke further. This naval strategy, rooted in stealth, precision, and overwhelming force, proves that deterrence need not rely on nuclear might&mdash;it thrives on strategic dominance.
(Girish Linganna, the author of this article, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace &amp; Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
&nbsp;
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinions & Blogs: The deterrence lies in India’s ability to dominate without nuclear weapons. The Kalvari submarines’ conventional strikes and Vikrant’s air superiority create a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation if Pakistan escalates tensions.

The Indian Navy’s deployment of INS Vikrant, its indigenous aircraft carrier, alongside the stealthy Kalvari-class submarines following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, has reshaped the strategic landscape in the Arabian Sea. With tensions escalating between India and Pakistan, this formidable combination signals India’s naval dominance and its intent to deter its western neighbour. A key question arises: can the Kalvari-class submarines carry nuclear warheads, and how does this capability—or lack thereof—strengthen India’s deterrence against Pakistan? This article explores the Kalvari submarines’ armament, their role in India’s naval strategy, and how they, alongside INS Vikrant, create a powerful deterrent, all while clarifying the nuclear question. Also Read | Canadian elections: Liberals’ victory has implications for many, including themselves The Kalvari-class submarines, built under Project 75 with French collaboration, are diesel-electric stealth platforms designed for silent, undetectable operations. These submarines, including INS Kalvari, INS Vagir, and the recently commissioned INS Vagsheer, are equipped with Exocet SM-39 anti-ship missiles, which have a 70 km range and carry a 165 kg conventional warhead. A single missile can sink a 3,000-tonne ship or destroy critical infrastructure like Pakistan’s Karachi or Gwadar ports. Additionally, they can deploy up to 30 naval mines to disrupt maritime routes and carry SUT torpedoes for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. However, there is no official confirmation or credible evidence that Kalvari-class submarines are designed to carry nuclear warheads. These submarines are primarily conventional platforms optimised for anti-ship, anti-submarine, and mine-laying roles. India’s nuclear-capable submarine assets are limited to its Arihant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), like INS Arihant and INS Arighat, which carry K-15 Sagarika or K-4 missiles with nuclear warheads. The Kalvari-class, being smaller diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs), lack the infrastructure, such as vertical launch systems or missile tubes, needed for nuclear ballistic or cruise missiles. This distinction is critical. While the Kalvari submarines do not contribute to India’s nuclear triad, their conventional firepower is a significant deterrent. Their ability to stealthily approach Pakistan’s coastline, strike naval assets, or blockade ports like Karachi, which handles over 60% of Pakistan’s trade, poses a severe economic and military threat. By deploying mines or sinking ships, these submarines can choke Pakistan’s supply lines, disrupting oil imports and exports. This capability, combined with their near-undetectable nature, creates a psychological and strategic advantage, forcing Pakistan’s navy to rethink its maritime strategy. INS Vikrant amplifies this deterrence. Operating 600–700 km from Pakistan’s coast, Vikrant is a floating airbase with MiG-29K jets capable of striking targets 800 km away, Kamov-31 helicopters for early warning, and HAL Dhruv for anti-submarine roles. Protected by Barak-8 missiles and advanced EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radars, Vikrant is a tough target. Its Carrier Battle Group, including Kolkata-class destroyers, Talwar-class frigates, and Kalvari submarines, forms a multi-layered shield and sword. While Vikrant’s aircraft are not nuclear-capable, their precision strikes can target Pakistan’s coastal infrastructure or naval bases, complementing the submarines’ covert operations. Together, they dominate the Arabian Sea, projecting power without needing nuclear escalation. Also Read | Pahalgam terror strike: Calculated strategy or suicidal gamble by Pakistan Pakistan’s navy pales in comparison. Its ageing Agosta 90B submarines and limited frigates struggle against India’s modern fleet. The upcoming Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines, meant to rival the Kalvari-class, are not yet fully operational. Satellite imagery from April 2025 showed most Pakistani submarines docked, highlighting their vulnerability. Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese and Turkish upgrades also risks supply chain issues, unlike India’s growing indigenous capabilities. A naval blockade by India could cripple Pakistan’s economy, as Karachi’s disruption would halt trade, creating domestic pressure on Islamabad. The deterrence lies in India’s ability to dominate without nuclear weapons. The Kalvari submarines’ conventional strikes and Vikrant’s air superiority create a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation if Pakistan escalates tensions. Posts on X after Vikrant’s deployment noted Pakistan’s unease, with Islamabad conducting missile tests in the Arabian Sea as a show of defiance. Yet, these tests underscore Pakistan’s limited ability to counter India’s naval edge. Economically, a blockade could devastate Pakistan, while diplomatically, India’s naval presence signals to China, Pakistan’s ally, that New Delhi controls the Indian Ocean Region. Also Read | Germany’s far-right party AfD labelled as ‘extremist organisation’ by spy agency BfV, ban threat looms Risks remain. Pakistan’s C-802A and SMASH missiles could threaten Vikrant, though its defences mitigate this. Pakistan’s future submarine upgrades with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) may narrow the gap, but India’s plan to retrofit Kalvari submarines with indigenous AIP by late 2025 will maintain its lead. X users have raised concerns about Vikrant’s vulnerability, but its escorts and mobility reduce risks. In conclusion, while Kalvari-class submarines do not carry nuclear warheads, their conventional capabilities, paired with INS Vikrant’s dominance, create a robust deterrent against Pakistan. By threatening economic lifelines, controlling the seas, and projecting power, India ensures Pakistan hesitates to provoke further. This naval strategy, rooted in stealth, precision, and overwhelming force, proves that deterrence need not rely on nuclear might—it thrives on strategic dominance. (Girish Linganna, the author of this article, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Beneath the waves, above the seas: Is India’s Kalvari-Vikrant duo Pakistan’s worst nightmare?

Hacker groups linked to Pakistan have made several failed attempts to breach Indian websites on Thursday. The attacks, aimed at platforms connected to children, veterans, and welfare services, were quickly intercepted by Indian cybersecurity teams, according to news agency ANI.
<h2>Schools and veteran services among targets</h2>
The hacker groups, known as "Cyber Group HOAX1337" and "National Cyber Crew", tried to deface the websites of Army Public School (APS) Nagrota and Sunjuwan, using offensive content that mocked the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/on-pahalgam-terror-attack-fear-of-social-media-ban-in-india-pakistani-tiktok-star-jannat-mirza-refuse-to-support-pak-army-9025927" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Fear of social media ban in India? Pakistani TikTok star Jannat Mirza refuses to support Pak army on Pahalgam terror attack</a>
A healthcare site dedicated to former military personnel was also defaced. The action is being seen as a targeted effort to attack some of the most vulnerable sections of society.
&ldquo;Attacking platforms meant for children and veterans reflects a new low,&rdquo; a senior cybersecurity official told ANI, speaking anonymously.
<h2>Broader pattern of provocation</h2>
The cyber threats did not stop there. Attempts were also made to compromise the Army Institute of Hotel Management website and a portal used by Indian Air Force veterans. This shows a clear pattern of provocation aimed at non-combatant and civilian-facing platforms.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inside-india-pakistans-nuclear-arsenals-who-has-more-and-what-would-happen-if-new-delhi-islamabad-unleash-their-nukes-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007737" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Inside India, Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes?</a>
On April 29, another group calling itself "IOK Hacker", short for Internet of Khilafah, tried to deface multiple educational and welfare websites in India after failing to break into any critical government networks.
<h2>Multiple sites targeted, no major damage</h2>
In total, intelligence agencies confirmed four related cyber incidents. APS Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were hit with propaganda-based attacks, while APS Srinagar also faced a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attempt.
Efforts were also made to breach the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database and the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. However, authorities managed to isolate the affected systems in time, ensuring no sensitive data was compromised.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-pakistan-got-the-nuclear-bomb-india-pahalgam-terror-attack-9007958" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Will go hungry, but get the bomb&rsquo;: How Pakistan got the nuclear bomb? A story of desperation, fear, and rivalry with India</a>
All impacted websites have since been restored with stronger security measures now in place.
These cyber-attacks come shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where heavily armed terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. The attack resulted in 26 deaths, including 25 tourists.
Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-urges-restraint-as-pahalgam-massacre-puts-india-and-pakistan-on-brink-of-war-9026305" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US Urges Restraint As Pahalgam Massacre Puts India And Pakistan On Brink Of War</a>

These cyber-attacks come shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where heavily armed terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam.  India news Pakistan

Hacker groups linked to Pakistan have made several failed attempts to breach Indian websites on Thursday. The attacks, aimed at platforms connected to children, veterans, and welfare services, were quickly intercepted by Indian cybersecurity teams, according to news agency ANI. Schools and veteran services among targets The hacker groups, known as "Cyber Group HOAX1337" and "National Cyber Crew", tried to deface the websites of Army Public School (APS) Nagrota and Sunjuwan, using offensive content that mocked the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Also read: 'Fear of social media ban in India? Pakistani TikTok star Jannat Mirza refuses to support Pak army on Pahalgam terror attack A healthcare site dedicated to former military personnel was also defaced. The action is being seen as a targeted effort to attack some of the most vulnerable sections of society. “Attacking platforms meant for children and veterans reflects a new low,” a senior cybersecurity official told ANI, speaking anonymously. Broader pattern of provocation The cyber threats did not stop there. Attempts were also made to compromise the Army Institute of Hotel Management website and a portal used by Indian Air Force veterans. This shows a clear pattern of provocation aimed at non-combatant and civilian-facing platforms. Also read: Inside India, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals: Who has more, and what would happen if New Delhi, Islamabad unleash their nukes? On April 29, another group calling itself "IOK Hacker", short for Internet of Khilafah, tried to deface multiple educational and welfare websites in India after failing to break into any critical government networks. Multiple sites targeted, no major damage In total, intelligence agencies confirmed four related cyber incidents. APS Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were hit with propaganda-based attacks, while APS Srinagar also faced a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attempt. Efforts were also made to breach the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database and the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. However, authorities managed to isolate the affected systems in time, ensuring no sensitive data was compromised. Also read: 'Will go hungry, but get the bomb’: How Pakistan got the nuclear bomb? A story of desperation, fear, and rivalry with India All impacted websites have since been restored with stronger security measures now in place. These cyber-attacks come shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where heavily armed terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. The attack resulted in 26 deaths, including 25 tourists. Watch: US Urges Restraint As Pahalgam Massacre Puts India And Pakistan On Brink Of War

‘New low for Pakistan’: India thwarts Pakistani cyber-attacks on Army websites for children, veterans after Pahalgam attack

In a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy, India will send a sacred relic of the Buddha from Sarnath to Vietnam for exposition coinciding with the Vesak, marking the first such journey to the Southeast Asian nation. Organised by India&rsquo;s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the event shows the deep cultural and spiritual connect between the two countries, rooted in the shared heritage of Buddhism. Millions of devotees are expected to pay homage during the 20-day exposition.
The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation, Vietnam Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Sri Lanka's acting high commissioner Priyanga Wickramasinghe were present when the sacred relics arrived. Housed in a protected enclosure, it will be open for meditation and veneration by Buddhist followers, including diplomats from Buddhist nations.
Speaking to WION, DG Abhijit Halder said, "Large number of Vietnamese come to India to various Buddhist sites, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya. This time when we take relics, we have a very unique occasion, we have UN Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. 40,000 people across the world, from 100 countries will be converging, around that time we taking Holy relic from India."
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On May 1, the relic will be flown to Ho Chi Minh City aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, escorted by senior monks and led by Kiren Rijiju, India&rsquo;s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. The IBC, a New Delhi-based organisation plays a key role in coordinating the entire exposition. A high-level IBC delegation, led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, will accompany the relic and participate in Vesak celebrations. The relic will be venerated at key sites across Vietnam: Hanh T&acirc;m Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City (May 2&ndash;8), B&agrave; Đen Mountain in T&acirc;y Ninh Province (May 9&ndash;13), Qu&aacute;n Sứ Monastery in Hanoi (May 14&ndash;18), and Tam Ch&uacute;c Monastery in H&agrave; Nam Province (May 18&ndash;21). DG Halder explained, "It shows the strong historic bonds..."
Coinciding with the UN Day of Vesak, which celebrates the Buddha&rsquo;s birth, enlightenment, and passing, the exposition aligns with the theme &ldquo;Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity.&rdquo; The IBC will also host three exhibitions in Vietnam, showcasing Jataka tales, Buddhist sculptures, and a comparative study of Indian and Vietnamese Buddhist artifacts. A highlight is the digital restoration of Ajanta Cave murals, including the 5th-century Bodhisattva Padmapani, presented in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation.
India has sent sacred Buddha relics abroad for exposition on several occasions, primarily to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties with Buddhist-majority countries. These include Thailand in 2024, Mongolia in 2022.

The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. India news | World

In a significant gesture of spiritual diplomacy, India will send a sacred relic of the Buddha from Sarnath to Vietnam for exposition coinciding with the Vesak, marking the first such journey to the Southeast Asian nation. Organised by India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the event shows the deep cultural and spiritual connect between the two countries, rooted in the shared heritage of Buddhism. Millions of devotees are expected to pay homage during the 20-day exposition. The relic, excavated from Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh and enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, arrived at the National Museum in New Delhi on April 30, amidst prayers and chants. Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation, Vietnam Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Sri Lanka's acting high commissioner Priyanga Wickramasinghe were present when the sacred relics arrived. Housed in a protected enclosure, it will be open for meditation and veneration by Buddhist followers, including diplomats from Buddhist nations. Speaking to WION, DG Abhijit Halder said, "Large number of Vietnamese come to India to various Buddhist sites, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya. This time when we take relics, we have a very unique occasion, we have UN Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City. 40,000 people across the world, from 100 countries will be converging, around that time we taking Holy relic from India." Also read | Pahalgam terror attack: India closes its airspace for all Pakistani flights, military aircraft On May 1, the relic will be flown to Ho Chi Minh City aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, escorted by senior monks and led by Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. The IBC, a New Delhi-based organisation plays a key role in coordinating the entire exposition. A high-level IBC delegation, led by Secretary General Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, will accompany the relic and participate in Vesak celebrations. The relic will be venerated at key sites across Vietnam: Hanh Tâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City (May 2–8), Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh Province (May 9–13), Quán Sứ Monastery in Hanoi (May 14–18), and Tam Chúc Monastery in Hà Nam Province (May 18–21). DG Halder explained, "It shows the strong historic bonds..." Coinciding with the UN Day of Vesak, which celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, the exposition aligns with the theme “Buddhist Approach to Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity.” The IBC will also host three exhibitions in Vietnam, showcasing Jataka tales, Buddhist sculptures, and a comparative study of Indian and Vietnamese Buddhist artifacts. A highlight is the digital restoration of Ajanta Cave murals, including the 5th-century Bodhisattva Padmapani, presented in collaboration with the Prasad Pawar Foundation. India has sent sacred Buddha relics abroad for exposition on several occasions, primarily to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties with Buddhist-majority countries. These include Thailand in 2024, Mongolia in 2022.

India to send sacred Buddha relic to Vietnam for Vesak

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