Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo offered support to India in the fight against terrorism. The Vice President underscored the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorist activities and also appreciated the visit of the Indian delegation to Guyana.While speaking to ANI, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said, "It was an excellent visit. I assured the delegation that Guyana stands unequivocally with India. We are against terrorism and we believe that all those who perpetrate terrorist activities must be brought to justice. We are happy that the delegation came from India to Guyana".The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met the Vice-President of Guyana after their arrival earlier on Sunday (local time).The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor comprises of Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar K Lata (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena) and Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.The members of the Indian community and the Indian diaspora in Guyana welcomed the all-party delegation with a resounding applause and enthusiasm. Hailing India's response against acts of terror perpetuated by Pakistan, the members of the Indian community expressed their heartfelt support.While addressing the Indian diaspora upon arrival in Georgetown, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "Our message is very clear. We have to stand against terrorism wherever it comes. We have to not only bring the evil killers to justice, but we must also seriously challenge those who are financing them, training them, equipping them, directing them to do their evil."BJP MP Tejsavi Surya had said, "The objective of the mission is to communicate to the world and amplify India's message of zero tolerance against Pakistani terrorism. For almost seven decades India has suffered Pakistan sponsored terrorism. While India aims to strengthen itself, lift millions out of poverty and contribute positively to the growth and well-being of the world, it is constantly distracted and needled by Pakistan's terrorism... Across political parties, across regions of India, all members of parliament have come here to express India's solidarity in one voice against terrorism. And in this interconnected global world, one nation's inaction against terrorism can actually be a threat to all nations. Therefore, this is not just an India problem, but this is a global problem because most of the terrorist attacks all over the world, whether it was the London bombings, the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, the Paris attacks, the 9/11 in United States, all investigations have shown that in some way or the other, directly or indirectly, Pakistan is involved in some way. Therefore, Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure is a threat not just to its immediate neighborhood, but to the rest of the world."The all-party delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.&nbsp;

'Guyana stands unequivocally with India': Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo tells Operation Sindoor Outreach delegation

Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo offered support to India in the fight against terrorism. The Vice President underscored the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorist activities and also appreciated the visit of the Indian delegation to Guyana. While speaking to ANI, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said, "It was an excellent visit. I assured the delegation that Guyana stands unequivocally with India. We are against terrorism and we believe that all those who perpetrate terrorist activities must be brought to justice. We are happy that the delegation came from India to Guyana". The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met the Vice-President of Guyana after their arrival earlier on Sunday (local time). The all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor comprises of Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, Bhubaneswar K Lata (all from BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena) and Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The members of the Indian community and the Indian diaspora in Guyana welcomed the all-party delegation with a resounding applause and enthusiasm. Hailing India's response against acts of terror perpetuated by Pakistan, the members of the Indian community expressed their heartfelt support. While addressing the Indian diaspora upon arrival in Georgetown, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "Our message is very clear. We have to stand against terrorism wherever it comes. We have to not only bring the evil killers to justice, but we must also seriously challenge those who are financing them, training them, equipping them, directing them to do their evil." BJP MP Tejsavi Surya had said, "The objective of the mission is to communicate to the world and amplify India's message of zero tolerance against Pakistani terrorism. For almost seven decades India has suffered Pakistan sponsored terrorism. While India aims to strengthen itself, lift millions out of poverty and contribute positively to the growth and well-being of the world, it is constantly distracted and needled by Pakistan's terrorism... Across political parties, across regions of India, all members of parliament have come here to express India's solidarity in one voice against terrorism. And in this interconnected global world, one nation's inaction against terrorism can actually be a threat to all nations. Therefore, this is not just an India problem, but this is a global problem because most of the terrorist attacks all over the world, whether it was the London bombings, the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, the Paris attacks, the 9/11 in United States, all investigations have shown that in some way or the other, directly or indirectly, Pakistan is involved in some way. Therefore, Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure is a threat not just to its immediate neighborhood, but to the rest of the world." The all-party delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pak-sponsored terrorists in which 26 people were killed. Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

"We are against terrorism, and we believe that all those who perpetrate terrorist acts must be brought to justice," Jagdeo said after meeting with the team of MPs led by Shashi Tharoor.

In his first Mann Ki Baat address following India’s targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 25) shared visuals of the destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities during his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, showcased India’s decisive action against terror infrastructure. The Prime Minister, while highlighting the operation’s success, reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining national security and eliminating terror threats.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sharing this month&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a>. Do tune in! <a href="https://t.co/vYQSKQr48T">https://t.co/vYQSKQr48T</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1926511119897600324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi said the Operation Sindoor has "injected new confidence and energy" into the fight against terrorism.&nbsp;"Operation Sindoor is the picture of our resolve, courage, and a changing India," he said.&nbsp;PM Modi said the Operation Sindoor was a turning point in the global fight against terror and described it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. "Today the entire country is united against terrorism, filled with anger and determination," he said.&nbsp;"This was the ultimate bravery of our soldiers, backed by the power of weapons, equipment, and technology made in India," the Prime Minister said.&nbsp;"The precision and accuracy with which our forces destroyed the terrorist hideouts across the border is extraordinary. Operation Sindoor is not just a military mission; it is a picture of our resolve, courage and a transforming India and this picture has infused the whole country with a sense of patriotism and has painted it in the hues of the tricolour," he added.&nbsp;Below is a detailed breakdown of the terror camps destroyed:Sawai Nala Camp, MuzaffarabadThe Sawai Nala Camp, located in Muzaffarabad in POJK, is 30 kilometres from on Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar Sector. It was a key training facility of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the main terror group implicated in the Pahalgam attack. This terror module was the germination centre for the attack on civilians and security forces in Sonmarg on 20 October 2024, Gulmarg on 24 October 2024 and the Pahalgam attack, the government said.&nbsp;Syedna Belal Camp, MuzaffarabadThis terror camp of Jaish- e-Mohammad, founded by Maulana Masood Azhar, was being used as staging area for attacks, as well as to train terrorists in weapons, explosives and jungle cum survival techniques for carrying out such attacks across LoC in Kashmir.&nbsp;Gulpur Camp, KotliThis base, 30 kilometres from the LoC, was used by LeT terrorists operating in Rajauri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;Terrorists trained in this base had carried out attacks in Poonch on 20 April 2023, and on pilgrims in a bus on 9 June 2024. &nbsp;This camp was frequently visited by Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, to give speeches of indoctrination and terror motivation. Abbas Camp, KotliThis camp is &nbsp;13 kilometres away from the LoC opposite Rajauri and the nerve centre for the training of suicide bombers of LeT. This camp has training infrastructure for about 50 terrorists, according to the Indian government. Barnala Camp, BhimberLocated 9 km from LoC opposite Rajauri-Poonch Sector, the camp was used for training terrorists in handling weapons, making improvised explosive devices (IED), as well as for jungle survival techniques.&nbsp;Sarjal Camp, SialkotThis camp is located about 6 km from the International Border opposite Samba-Kathua.The terrorists who killed four personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in March 2025 were trained and launched from this camp, according to the Indian officials.&nbsp;Mehmoona Joya Camp, SialkotThis camp, nearly 12 km from the International Boundary near Sialkot, was a key training facility of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. It was used as the control centre in the revival of terrorism in the Kathua and Jammu regions. The Pathankot Air Force Base attack was planned and directed from this camp.&nbsp;Markaz Taiba, MuridkeLocated around 25 kilometres from the international boundary, this was the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba led by Hafiz Saeed. Terrorists trained in Muridke have been linked to the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan NSC authorises Army to undertake necessary actions to counter India's strikeAjmal Kasab, the Pakistani terrorist captured alive and hanged by India after the Mumbai attack, had confessed to having received training at Muridke. Another conspirator of the Mumbai attack, David Coleman Headley, also got training at this camp.&nbsp;Markaz Subhan, BahawalpurThis is the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, located around 100 km from the International Boundary. This camp was used for recruiting, training and indoctrinating JeM terrorists, and was frequently visited by Masood Azhar, who issued directions to their cadre.

Mann Ki Baat: In his first address after Operation Sindoor, PM Modi shows pics of destroyed terrorist camps

In his first Mann Ki Baat address following India’s targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 25) shared visuals of the destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities during his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, showcased India’s decisive action against terror infrastructure. The Prime Minister, while highlighting the operation’s success, reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining national security and eliminating terror threats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 25) addressed the nation through his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for the first time since Operation Sindoor

Amid the successful deployment of BrahMos missiles during Operation Sindoor and strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, India and Russia have opened negotiations to jointly manufacture an advanced version of the BrahMos missile, reported the Economic Times.&nbsp;Russia has reportedly agreed to provide full technical cooperation to upgrade the missile. And a meeting in this regard has already taken place between the leaders of both the countries.&nbsp;The new BrahMos facility, built at the cost of Rs 300 crore and inaugurated on May 11 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow will produce this upgraded version in significant numbers, reported the media house.&nbsp;Capabilities of the BrahMos missile&nbsp;Jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, BrahMos, Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, is known for its speed (Mach 2.8 to 3.0), making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally. It can carry a 300 kg warhead and is designed for land, sea, and air-launch capabilities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-entire-nation-is-united-against-terrorism-filled-with-anger-pm-modi-in-mann-ki-baat-1748152241622">'Entire nation is united against terrorism, filled with anger': PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat</a>&nbsp;After India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the range of the missile system has been extended from the initial 290 km to approximately 450–600 km.&nbsp;History&nbsp;In February 1998, India's missile technologist, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who later went on to become&nbsp;the president,&nbsp;and Russia's first deputy defence minister NV Mikhailov signed an inter-government agreement in Moscow. It paved the way for BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL), the joint venture between India's DRDO and&nbsp;Russia's NPOM.&nbsp;The first successful launch of Brahmos took place on June 12th, 2001. The missile was test fired from its land-based launcher at the interim test range off the Chandipur coast in Odisha. &nbsp;

The new BrahMos facility in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow will produce the upgraded version of the missile.

Amid the successful deployment of BrahMos missiles during Operation Sindoor and strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, India and Russia have opened negotiations to jointly manufacture an advanced version of the BrahMos missile, reported the Economic Times. Russia has reportedly agreed to provide full technical cooperation to upgrade the missile. And a meeting in this regard has already taken place between the leaders of both the countries. The new BrahMos facility, built at the cost of Rs 300 crore and inaugurated on May 11 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow will produce this upgraded version in significant numbers, reported the media house. Capabilities of the BrahMos missile Jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, BrahMos, Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, is known for its speed (Mach 2.8 to 3.0), making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally. It can carry a 300 kg warhead and is designed for land, sea, and air-launch capabilities. Also Read: 'Entire nation is united against terrorism, filled with anger': PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat After India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the range of the missile system has been extended from the initial 290 km to approximately 450–600 km. History In February 1998, India's missile technologist, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who later went on to become the president, and Russia's first deputy defence minister NV Mikhailov signed an inter-government agreement in Moscow. It paved the way for BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL), the joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPOM. The first successful launch of Brahmos took place on June 12th, 2001. The missile was test fired from its land-based launcher at the interim test range off the Chandipur coast in Odisha.

The new BrahMos facility in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow will produce the upgraded version of the missile.

India, Russia to jointly manufacture advanced version of BrahMos missile, Operation Sindoor's firepower: Reports

Shashi Tharoor on Saturday (May 24) described the Pahalgam terror attack as a malicious attempt to "provoke a backlash" in the rest of India by targeting Hindus in the Muslim-majority area.Tharoor, who is currently in the United States as part of India's Operation Sindoor Outreach, said that the Pahalgam terror attack was "a bunch of people going around identifying the religions of the people before them and killing them on that basis".He noted that it was "clearly intended to provoke a backlash in the rest of India, since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu."<h2>India stood together in the face of divisiveness</h2>Speaking at the Indian consulate in New York, the Congress MP gave several examples of how Indians came together in solidarity."There was an extraordinary amount of togetherness cutting across religious and other divides that people have tried to provoke."He noted that "the message is very clear that there was a malign intent..."<h2>India's repeated attempts to reason with Pakistan</h2>"India, sadly, had no reason to doubt where it (the malicious attack) came from," remarked Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor.The Indian MP said that "Within one hour of the atrocity, a group called the Resistance Front had claimed credit."Tharoor noted that TRF is known to be the frontal organisation of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror organisation."Sadly, Pakistan chose to follow its usual path of denial," said Tharoor, adding, "in fact, Pakistan with the help of China succeeded in removing the reference to TRF from the press statement drafted in the Security Council of the UN two days later".Issuing a call for the world to unite against terrorism, the Thiruvananthapuram MP stressed that India, in its dealings with Pakistan, "tried everything – international dossiers, complaints, everything has been tried" and that the time has come to set a "bottom line".<h2>Shashi Tharoor visits 9/11 memorial</h2>During his remarks at the Indian consulate, Tharoor noted that the 9/11 memorial was his delegation's first stop in the US.Referring to the visit as "moving", the Indian MP noted that the stop also sent a "very strong message that we are here in a city which is bearing still the scars of that savage terrorist attack in the wake of yet another terrorist attack in our own country.""We came both as a reminder that this is a shared problem but also out of a spirit of solidarity with the victims... It's a global problem; it's a scourge, and we must all fight it unitedly."Tharoor is leading one of seven all-party delegations as part of the global outreach under Operation Sindoor. His delegation also includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi (Bharatiya Janata Party), Tejaswi Surya (Bharatiya Janata Party), Bhubaneswar K Lata (Bharatiya Janata Party). &nbsp;The all-party delegation will carry India's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to five nations – the United States, Guyana, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia.

Shashi Tharoor, who is currently in the United States as part of India's Operation Outreach, said that the Pahalgam terror attack was "clearly intended to provoke a backlash in the rest of India, since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu."

Shashi Tharoor on Saturday (May 24) described the Pahalgam terror attack as a malicious attempt to "provoke a backlash" in the rest of India by targeting Hindus in the Muslim-majority area. Tharoor, who is currently in the United States as part of India's Operation Sindoor Outreach, said that the Pahalgam terror attack was "a bunch of people going around identifying the religions of the people before them and killing them on that basis". He noted that it was "clearly intended to provoke a backlash in the rest of India, since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu." India stood together in the face of divisiveness Speaking at the Indian consulate in New York, the Congress MP gave several examples of how Indians came together in solidarity. "There was an extraordinary amount of togetherness cutting across religious and other divides that people have tried to provoke." He noted that "the message is very clear that there was a malign intent..." India's repeated attempts to reason with Pakistan "India, sadly, had no reason to doubt where it (the malicious attack) came from," remarked Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor. The Indian MP said that "Within one hour of the atrocity, a group called the Resistance Front had claimed credit." Tharoor noted that TRF is known to be the frontal organisation of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror organisation. "Sadly, Pakistan chose to follow its usual path of denial," said Tharoor, adding, "in fact, Pakistan with the help of China succeeded in removing the reference to TRF from the press statement drafted in the Security Council of the UN two days later". Issuing a call for the world to unite against terrorism, the Thiruvananthapuram MP stressed that India, in its dealings with Pakistan, "tried everything – international dossiers, complaints, everything has been tried" and that the time has come to set a "bottom line". Shashi Tharoor visits 9/11 memorial During his remarks at the Indian consulate, Tharoor noted that the 9/11 memorial was his delegation's first stop in the US. Referring to the visit as "moving", the Indian MP noted that the stop also sent a "very strong message that we are here in a city which is bearing still the scars of that savage terrorist attack in the wake of yet another terrorist attack in our own country." "We came both as a reminder that this is a shared problem but also out of a spirit of solidarity with the victims... It's a global problem; it's a scourge, and we must all fight it unitedly." Tharoor is leading one of seven all-party delegations as part of the global outreach under Operation Sindoor. His delegation also includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi (Bharatiya Janata Party), Tejaswi Surya (Bharatiya Janata Party), Bhubaneswar K Lata (Bharatiya Janata Party). The all-party delegation will carry India's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to five nations – the United States, Guyana, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia.

Shashi Tharoor, who is currently in the United States as part of India's Operation Outreach, said that the Pahalgam terror attack was "clearly intended to provoke a backlash in the rest of India, since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu."

Pahalgam attack was 'clearly intended to provoke backlash,' but India stood together: Shashi Tharoor during Operation Sindoor Outreach

Shashi Tharoor, the Indian MP leading one of the seven vital parliamentary delegations under Operation Sindoor outreach, praised India's strikes on terror-related sites in Pakistan for their measured yet strong message and said India "hit hard and smart".Speaking at the Indian consulate in New York on Saturday (May 24), Tharoor, who is an opposition leader, pointed out that he was not part of India's ruling party but that he was "pleased" with India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.<h2>Opposition MP, but pleased with Operation Sindoor: Shashi Tharoor</h2>The Congress MP noted, "I don't work for the government, as you know. I work for an opposition party.""I myself authored an op-ed saying the time has come to hit hard but hit smart. I'm pleased to say that's exactly what India did," he added.Referring to India's retribution for the horrific April 22 terror attack as "precise and calibrated," he said that Operation Sindoor targeted "nine specific known terrorist bases, headquarters, and launchpads" in Pakistan and PoK."Those included those of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke, Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur, responsible amongst other things for the murder of Daniel Pearl..."Tharoor underscored that with its precision strikes, "India sent a clear message that it was not going to take terror lying down; it would answer."He noted that the precise and calibrated strikes on "very specific targets" were also a message: "that this was not meant to be the opening salvo in a protracted war but just an act of retribution, that we were prepared to stop with that act".Watch video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&#39;&#39;since the victims were overwhelmingly Hindu...The message was very clear that there was a malign intent... India, sadly, had no reason to doubt where it came from...&#39;&#39; During an interaction at the Consulate, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor spoke on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PahalgamTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PahalgamTerrorAttack</a> in New… <a href="https://t.co/pzMHNtDuUY">pic.twitter.com/pzMHNtDuUY</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1926459888558907549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tharoor is leading one of seven all-party delegations as part of the global outreach under Operation Sindoor. His delegation also includes Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayagi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi (Bharatiya Janata Party), Tejaswi Surya (Bharatiya Janata Party), Bhubaneswar K Lata (Bharatiya Janata Party). &nbsp;The all party delegation will carry India's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to five nations – the United States, Guyana, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia.

Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP noted, "I don't work for the government, as you know. I work for an opposition party."

"I myself authored an op-ed saying the time has come to hit hard but hit smart. I'm pleased to say that's exactly what India did," he added.

Shashi Tharoor, the Indian MP leading one of the seven vital parliamentary delegations under Operation Sindoor outreach, praised India's strikes on terror-related sites in Pakistan for their measured yet strong message and said India "hit hard and smart". Speaking at the Indian consulate in New York on Saturday (May 24), Tharoor, who is an opposition leader, pointed out that he was not part of India's ruling party but that he was "pleased" with India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Opposition MP, but pleased with Operation Sindoor: Shashi Tharoor The Congress MP noted, "I don't work for the government, as you know. I work for an opposition party." "I myself authored an op-ed saying the time has come to hit hard but hit smart. I'm pleased to say that's exactly what India did," he added. Referring to India's retribution for the horrific April 22 terror attack as "precise and calibrated," he said that Operation Sindoor targeted "nine specific known terrorist bases, headquarters, and launchpads" in Pakistan and PoK. "Those included those of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke, Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur, responsible amongst other things for the murder of Daniel Pearl..." Tharoor underscored that with its precision strikes, "India sent a clear message that it was not going to take terror lying down; it would answer." He noted that the precise and calibrated strikes on "very specific targets" were also a message: "that this was not meant to be the opening salvo in a protracted war but just an act of retribution, that we were prepared to stop with that act". Watch video here:

Congress MP Shahsi Tharoor noted, "I don't work for the government, as you know. I work for an opposition party.""I myself authored an op-ed saying the time has come to hit hard but hit smart. I'm pleased to say that's exactly what India did," he added.

Operation Sindoor Outreach: Shashi Tharoor hails India's response to Pahalgam terror attack, says 'pleased' despite opposition role

On Friday, May 23, in a joint press conference in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a journalist asked Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar if he was disappointed that the German government initially didn't support Operation Sindoor.Maintaining a calm demeanour, Jaishankar responded, “I think you are misinformed, we had a conversation on the May 7 of my recollection, which was when we initiated our operations, and it was a very understanding and positive conversation. Quite honestly, even before that, the German government has expressed solidarity in face of this terror attack. The minister also clearly conveyed that every nation has a right to self-defence in the face of terrorism.”&nbsp;S Jaishankar is in Berlin as part of his three-nation trip to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. The German Minister condemned the horrors of the Pahlgham attack, which killed 26 Indian tourists.“When it comes to terrorism, today, there is virtually no country which would say they approve of what was done and won't condemn it...If I say I have the right to defend myself,” said Jaishankar, " We are encouraged by the very early condemnation of the terrorist attack, as well as the clear message we got on May 7th and again today from Minister Wadephul that Germany recognises India's right to defend itself..."Jaishankar said that the terror attack was not an isolated event; it is part of a larger pattern which has not only targeted Jammu and Kashmir, but other parts of India as well. It is intended to hurt the normalisation of Kashmir and create a fear psychosis, which will hurt the tourism economy of Kashmir.“…this was meant to create a fear psychosis and destroy the tourism economy of the Kashmir...and sow religious discord...” said Jaishankar.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, dear <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>, for your excellent visit and our constructive talks on further cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a>. Our countries have many common goals – from security to economy – and share the responsibility to work for peace &amp; stability in the world.🇮🇳🤝🇩🇪 <a href="https://t.co/kMa2vkdh6A">pic.twitter.com/kMa2vkdh6A</a>&mdash; Johann Wadephul (@AussenMinDE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AussenMinDE/status/1925965260529307709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

German Foreign Minister maintained his position of restoring the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan and resolving the conflict through dialogue. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Johann Wadephul praised the constructive talks between the two representatives and recapitulated the commitment of both nations towards peace and stability.&nbsp;

During a joint press conference in Berlin, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed suggestions of Germany's initial reluctance to support Operation Sindoor, emphasizing strong Indo-German solidarity against terrorism and the right to self-defence.

On Friday, May 23, in a joint press conference in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a journalist asked Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar if he was disappointed that the German government initially didn't support Operation Sindoor. Maintaining a calm demeanour, Jaishankar responded, “I think you are misinformed, we had a conversation on the May 7 of my recollection, which was when we initiated our operations, and it was a very understanding and positive conversation. Quite honestly, even before that, the German government has expressed solidarity in face of this terror attack. The minister also clearly conveyed that every nation has a right to self-defence in the face of terrorism.” S Jaishankar is in Berlin as part of his three-nation trip to the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. The German Minister condemned the horrors of the Pahlgham attack, which killed 26 Indian tourists. “When it comes to terrorism, today, there is virtually no country which would say they approve of what was done and won't condemn it...If I say I have the right to defend myself,” said Jaishankar, " We are encouraged by the very early condemnation of the terrorist attack, as well as the clear message we got on May 7th and again today from Minister Wadephul that Germany recognises India's right to defend itself..." Jaishankar said that the terror attack was not an isolated event; it is part of a larger pattern which has not only targeted Jammu and Kashmir, but other parts of India as well. It is intended to hurt the normalisation of Kashmir and create a fear psychosis, which will hurt the tourism economy of Kashmir. “…this was meant to create a fear psychosis and destroy the tourism economy of the Kashmir...and sow religious discord...” said Jaishankar.

During a joint press conference in Berlin, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed suggestions of Germany's initial reluctance to support Operation Sindoor, emphasising strong Indo-German solidarity against terrorism and the right to self-defence.

EAM S Jaishankar refuted journalist's claim of Germany not supporting Operation Sindoor initially

India has strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, pointing to a long history of terror attacks allegedly supported by Islamabad. The comments came from India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during an open debate on protecting civilians during armed conflicts.Referring to recent and past incidents, Harish said, “India has experienced decades of Pakistani-sponsored terrorist attacks across our borders. This has ranged from the horrific 26/11 attack on the city of Mumbai to the barbaric mass murder of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025.”<h2>UN platform sees heated India-Pakistan exchange</h2>The Indian envoy was responding to Pakistan’s earlier remarks during the debate, which centred around the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and media personnel in conflict zones.“I am constrained to respond to the baseless allegations of the representative of Pakistan on a number of issues,” Harish noted during the session. He went on to say that Pakistan’s participation in discussions about civilian protection was “an affront to the international community”, given its alleged record of supporting violence that targets civilians.<h2>Tensions rose after Pahalgam terror attack</h2>Relations between the two countries worsened significantly following a terror attack in Pahalgam last month, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, many of whom were tourists.India responded by conducting targeted strikes on what it identified as terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. This was followed by Pakistani attempts to attack Indian military bases over the next three days.According to Indian officials, these attempts were met with a firm response. The situation de-escalated after both countries’ military operations directors held discussions and agreed to halt further military action on May 10.

The Indian envoy was responding to Pakistan’s earlier remarks during the debate, which centred around the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and media personnel in conflict zones.

India has strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council, pointing to a long history of terror attacks allegedly supported by Islamabad. The comments came from India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during an open debate on protecting civilians during armed conflicts. Referring to recent and past incidents, Harish said, “India has experienced decades of Pakistani-sponsored terrorist attacks across our borders. This has ranged from the horrific 26/11 attack on the city of Mumbai to the barbaric mass murder of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025.” UN platform sees heated India-Pakistan exchange The Indian envoy was responding to Pakistan’s earlier remarks during the debate, which centred around the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and media personnel in conflict zones. “I am constrained to respond to the baseless allegations of the representative of Pakistan on a number of issues,” Harish noted during the session. He went on to say that Pakistan’s participation in discussions about civilian protection was “an affront to the international community”, given its alleged record of supporting violence that targets civilians. Tensions rose after Pahalgam terror attack Relations between the two countries worsened significantly following a terror attack in Pahalgam last month, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, many of whom were tourists. India responded by conducting targeted strikes on what it identified as terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. This was followed by Pakistani attempts to attack Indian military bases over the next three days. According to Indian officials, these attempts were met with a firm response. The situation de-escalated after both countries’ military operations directors held discussions and agreed to halt further military action on May 10.

The Indian envoy was responding to Pakistan’s earlier remarks during the debate, which centred around the safety of civilians, humanitarian workers, and media personnel in conflict zones.

From 'horrific 26/11' to 'barbaric mass murder' in Pahalgam: India blasts Pakistan at UNSC over decades of terror attack

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a visit to Berlin on Friday (May 23), made it clear that India has “zero tolerance” for terrorism and will not give in to nuclear blackmail. His comments came in the wake of India’s military operation in response to the deadly April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.Speaking at a joint press conference with Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar stated, “I come to Berlin in the immediate aftermath of India responding to the Pahalgam terror attack. India has zero tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail, and India will deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-water-bomb-we-must-defuse-pakistani-senator-warns-of-looming-crisis-as-india-keeps-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-1748000884812">‘A water bomb, we must defuse’: Pakistani senator warns of looming crisis as India keeps Indus Waters Treaty&nbsp;in&nbsp;abeyance</a>He added, “There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard. We also value Germany's understanding that every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism.”<h2>Germany supports India’s fight against terror</h2>Germany’s foreign minister backed India’s stance strongly, saying Berlin would support all efforts to fight terrorism.“Germany will support any fight against terrorism. Terrorism must never have a place in the world, anywhere, and this is why we will support everyone who fights and has to fight terrorism. We very much appreciate that a ceasefire has been reached, and we hope that there will be a solution soon,” Wadephul said during the same interaction.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-pakistan-s-denial-to-indigo-flight-risked-220-peoples-lives-here-s-what-happened-during-horrific-hailstorm-1748000432340">How Pakistan's denial to IndiGo flight risked 220 peoples' lives - Here's what happened during horrific hailstorm</a><h2>Meeting with the German Chancellor</h2>Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings. He thanked Germany for standing with India in its fight against terror and stressed the need to deepen bilateral ties.“Honoured to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz today in Berlin. Conveyed the best wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Look forward to working with his government to elevate and expand our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate Germany’s solidarity as India counters the challenge of terrorism,” Jaishankar shared on X.<h2>India’s Operation Sindoor</h2>India’s military action, Operation Sindoor, was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, considered the worst civilian massacre since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.The operation began before dawn on May 7 and targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At least 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes, which led to heavy exchanges across the India-Pakistan border, involving fighter aircraft, missile attacks, drones, and artillery fire.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings. He thanked Germany for standing with India in its fight against terror and stressed the need to deepen bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a visit to Berlin on Friday (May 23), made it clear that India has “zero tolerance” for terrorism and will not give in to nuclear blackmail. His comments came in the wake of India’s military operation in response to the deadly April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Speaking at a joint press conference with Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar stated, “I come to Berlin in the immediate aftermath of India responding to the Pahalgam terror attack. India has zero tolerance for terrorism. India will never give in to nuclear blackmail, and India will deal with Pakistan purely bilaterally.” Also read: ‘A water bomb, we must defuse’: Pakistani senator warns of looming crisis as India keeps Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance He added, “There should be no confusion in any quarter in that regard. We also value Germany's understanding that every nation has the right to defend itself against terrorism.” Germany supports India’s fight against terror Germany’s foreign minister backed India’s stance strongly, saying Berlin would support all efforts to fight terrorism. “Germany will support any fight against terrorism. Terrorism must never have a place in the world, anywhere, and this is why we will support everyone who fights and has to fight terrorism. We very much appreciate that a ceasefire has been reached, and we hope that there will be a solution soon,” Wadephul said during the same interaction. Also read: How Pakistan's denial to IndiGo flight risked 220 peoples' lives - Here's what happened during horrific hailstorm Meeting with the German Chancellor Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings. He thanked Germany for standing with India in its fight against terror and stressed the need to deepen bilateral ties. “Honoured to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz today in Berlin. Conveyed the best wishes of PM Narendra Modi. Look forward to working with his government to elevate and expand our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate Germany’s solidarity as India counters the challenge of terrorism,” Jaishankar shared on X. India’s Operation Sindoor India’s military action, Operation Sindoor, was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, considered the worst civilian massacre since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The operation began before dawn on May 7 and targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At least 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes, which led to heavy exchanges across the India-Pakistan border, involving fighter aircraft, missile attacks, drones, and artillery fire.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings. He thanked Germany for standing with India in its fight against terror and stressed the need to deepen bilateral ties.

‘Zero tolerance for terror’: EAM Jaishankar says India won’t give in to Pakistan's 'nuclear blackmail'

In a unique tribute to the Indian armed forces, Banarasi saree weavers in Varanasi have blended patriotism with traditional craftsmanship. These new sarees showcase designs inspired by Operation Sindoor, the military response by India after the recent terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.<h2>Launched by the Indian forces</h2> Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir following the deadly 22 April attack that killed 24 tourists, including a Nepalese national.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Banarasi saree traders have creatively integrated Operation Sindoor themes into their designs, highlighting the Indian armed forces&#39; fight against terrorism. These unique sarees have become popular, reflecting national pride and drawing widespread… <a href="https://t.co/zGgBWGVmAw">pic.twitter.com/zGgBWGVmAw</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1925475915166867565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Now, this heroic operation has found its way onto silk threads. Saree makers in Varanasi have illustrated symbols of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in their saree designs. Pictures of the BrahMos missile, fighter jets, warships and the S-400 air defence system are delicately woven into the fabric.&nbsp;Shopkeeper Vikas, who helped create the sarees, told IANS, “These sarees are inspired by Operation Sindoor. We want to show that the whole nation stands with our soldiers. Through these designs, we say – India is united.”&nbsp;These patriotic sarees are not just gaining attention locally. Shoppers from across India – and even international tourists – are showing great interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sample pieces are already turning heads and more designs are in the pipeline. Sellers also plan to gift some sarees to Indian soldiers as a gesture of respect and gratitude.&nbsp;Blending patriotism with artistry, these Banarasi sarees have become a powerful statement showing how deeply every citizen, including weavers and traders, stands with the nation.

Banarasi sarees now showcase 'Operation Sindoor' with designs featuring missiles, warships, and Indian armed forces. A tribute to India's military strength, these patriotic sarees blend tradition with national pride, drawing attention from across India and abroad.

In a unique tribute to the Indian armed forces, Banarasi saree weavers in Varanasi have blended patriotism with traditional craftsmanship. These new sarees showcase designs inspired by Operation Sindoor, the military response by India after the recent terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Launched by the Indian forces Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir following the deadly 22 April attack that killed 24 tourists, including a Nepalese national.

Banarasi sarees now showcase 'Operation Sindoor' with designs featuring missiles, warships, and Indian armed forces. A tribute to India's military strength, these patriotic sarees blend tradition with national pride, drawing attention from across India and abroad.

Operation Sindoor: Banarasi sarees get patriotic makeover with missiles and warships

A flight carrying the Operation Sindoor delegation to Russia's capital, circled "mid-air" due to a drone attack on Moscow, further delaying the flight by 45 minutes.According to Indian news agency PTI, the flight carrying &nbsp;DMK MP Kanimozhi-led Operation Sindoor delegation later landed safely on Thursday night, sources said.Sources close to Kanimozhi, a Lok Sabha member, said the flight had to circle mid-air, as per the report."It circled in the air and later landed and there was a delay of 45 minutes. She (Kanimozhi) landed safely," sources close to the MP told PTI.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-when-sindoor-turns-into-barood-pm-modi-warns-pakistan-from-bikaner-1747902103406">Also read: Operation Sindoor: PM Modi warns Pakistan from Bikaner, praises Indian Army's swift response</a>&nbsp;Reportedly, the drone attack led to disruptions at the Domodedovo International Airport, affecting flight operations for hours.Following this, the flight of Operation Sindoor delegation was denied permission to land and had to stay airborne for some time.Later, the Indian embassy staff received the delegation after the flight landed at the airport.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hon’ble MPs <a href="https://twitter.com/KanimozhiDMK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KanimozhiDMK</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/RajeevRai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajeevRai</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptBrijesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaptBrijesh</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/GUPTAPC50?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@guptapc50</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAshokKMittal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrAshokKMittal</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ambmanjeevpuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ambmanjeevpuri</a> are received by the Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs H.E. Mr. Leonid Slutsky along with other Members of the State Duma.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>… <a href="https://t.co/I447cXfB3N">pic.twitter.com/I447cXfB3N</a>&mdash; India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbMoscow/status/1925849799540003314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Hon’ble MPs <a href="https://x.com/KanimozhiDMK">@KanimozhiDMK</a> ,<a href="https://x.com/RajeevRai">@RajeevRai</a>, <a href="https://x.com/CaptBrijesh">@CaptBrijesh</a>, <a href="https://x.com/guptapc50">@guptapc50</a>, <a href="https://x.com/DrAshokKMittal">@DrAshokKMittal</a> and <a href="https://x.com/ambmanjeevpuri">@ambmanjeevpuri</a> are received by the Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs H.E. Mr. Leonid Slutsky along with other Members of the State Duma," Indian embassy in Russia. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-up-ats-arrests-varanasi-man-on-charges-of-spying-for-pakistan-1747920425400">Also read: Operation Sindoor: UP ATS arrests Varanasi man on charges of spying for Pakistan</a>&nbsp;Currently, Kanimozhi is leading a group to Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Latvia to brief these countries about India's recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.The team will be explaining India's position on regional security and raise awareness about Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism.The team led by Kanimozhi includes SP MP Rajeev Rai, NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowkta, RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, former Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and NCP MP Jawed Ashraf.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-sindoor-outreach-all-party-delegation-engages-with-russia-uae-and-japan-1747991380632">WATCH | Operation Sindoor outreach: All-party delegation engages with Russia, UAE and Japan</a> &nbsp;

According to Indian news agency PTI, the flight carrying  DMK MP Kanimozhi-led Operation Sindoor delegation later landed safely on Thursday night, sources said.

A flight carrying the Operation Sindoor delegation to Russia's capital, circled "mid-air" due to a drone attack on Moscow, further delaying the flight by 45 minutes. According to Indian news agency PTI, the flight carrying DMK MP Kanimozhi-led Operation Sindoor delegation later landed safely on Thursday night, sources said. Sources close to Kanimozhi, a Lok Sabha member, said the flight had to circle mid-air, as per the report. "It circled in the air and later landed and there was a delay of 45 minutes. She (Kanimozhi) landed safely," sources close to the MP told PTI. Also read: Operation Sindoor: PM Modi warns Pakistan from Bikaner, praises Indian Army's swift response Reportedly, the drone attack led to disruptions at the Domodedovo International Airport, affecting flight operations for hours. Following this, the flight of Operation Sindoor delegation was denied permission to land and had to stay airborne for some time. Later, the Indian embassy staff received the delegation after the flight landed at the airport.

According to Indian news agency PTI, the flight carrying &nbsp;DMK MP Kanimozhi-led Operation Sindoor delegation later landed safely on Thursday night, sources said.

Operation Sindoor delegation plane circled mid-air after drone attack on Moscow, delayed for 45 minutes

Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the Border Security Force Investiture Ceremony, said that Pakistan stands exposed of sponsoring terrorism in the world.&nbsp;“Our country has been facing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for many decades,” he said, “Pakistan has carried out many big incidents for years, but it has not been given a proper response...”He lauded the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in taking a decisive measure to execute Operation Sindoor swiftly. Since 2014, after the election of Mr Modi at the centre, there have been appropriate responses, whether it is the Uri air strike or Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;“Operation Sindoor is when our Prime Minister's strong political will, accurate information from our intelligence gathering agencies and the army's amazing display of lethality came together. Operation Sindoor is formed when all three come together,” emphasised Home Minister Shah."Pakistan army officials were seen standing with the terrorists at their funeral", stressed Amit Shah, "They have proven to the world that they stand with terrorism""When the Pakistani army tried to attack our civilian bases and our military establishments, the Indian army gave a strong reply. It demonstrated their firepower by attacking their airbases," said Shah.&nbsp;Praising the role, BSF Shah said, “The whole country is proud of the Armed Forces and BSF. During the tensions, BSF did not leave the border. When shelling happened from that side, BSF personnel retaliated against them.”He also underlined the accuracy of indigenous weapons used in Operation Sindoor, saying,"We also witnessed the success of indigenous defence weapons during Operation Sindoor and I am sure, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, we will move towards self-reliance.Home Minister Amit Shah was at the National Capital for the 22nd Investiture Ceremony of the Border Security Force. He was praising the dedication of the BSF for their persistence in safeguarding the border in the western and eastern fronts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Union Home Minister lauded the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in taking a decisive measure to execute Operation Sindoor swiftly.

Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the Border Security Force Investiture Ceremony, said that Pakistan stands exposed of sponsoring terrorism in the world. “Our country has been facing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for many decades,” he said, “Pakistan has carried out many big incidents for years, but it has not been given a proper response...”He lauded the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in taking a decisive measure to execute Operation Sindoor swiftly. Since 2014, after the election of Mr Modi at the centre, there have been appropriate responses, whether it is the Uri air strike or Operation Sindoor. “Operation Sindoor is when our Prime Minister's strong political will, accurate information from our intelligence gathering agencies and the army's amazing display of lethality came together. Operation Sindoor is formed when all three come together,” emphasised Home Minister Shah. "Pakistan army officials were seen standing with the terrorists at their funeral", stressed Amit Shah, "They have proven to the world that they stand with terrorism" "When the Pakistani army tried to attack our civilian bases and our military establishments, the Indian army gave a strong reply. It demonstrated their firepower by attacking their airbases," said Shah. Praising the role, BSF Shah said, “The whole country is proud of the Armed Forces and BSF. During the tensions, BSF did not leave the border. When shelling happened from that side, BSF personnel retaliated against them.” He also underlined the accuracy of indigenous weapons used in Operation Sindoor, saying,"We also witnessed the success of indigenous defence weapons during Operation Sindoor and I am sure, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, we will move towards self-reliance. Home Minister Amit Shah was at the National Capital for the 22nd Investiture Ceremony of the Border Security Force. He was praising the dedication of the BSF for their persistence in safeguarding the border in the western and eastern fronts.

Union Home Minister praised the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in taking a decisive measure to execute Operation Sindoor swiftly.

'Pakistan is exposed of terrorism to the whole world': Home Minister Amit Shah

An all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde landed in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (May 22) and held meetings with UAE leadership on the importance of Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;UAE is the first stop of the broader four-nation diplomatic outreach by the all-party delegation. &nbsp;“The delegations held meetings with UAE leadership and media to brief on the significance of Operation Sindoor and reaffirm India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism,” a statement read from the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi. The delegation met Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence. Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan conveyed his deep condolences for the Pahalgam terror attacks.," Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, said in a press release.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">All-party Indian delegation meets UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan. Key agenda: briefing on Operation Sindoor and highlighting India&#39;s efforts against cross-border terror. . . . (Video: news agency ANI) <a href="https://t.co/CJEqTMDDDw">pic.twitter.com/CJEqTMDDDw</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1925433157891105272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"India and UAE will tackle terrorism together. The UAE will always stand by India," UAE Minister said.&nbsp;The UAE was among the first countries to issue a statement categorically condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack. UAE leaders, President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally conveyed their condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over phone calls. &nbsp;The delegation comprises MPs Bansuri Swaraj, ET Mohmd Basheer, Atul Garg, Sasmit Patra, Manan Kumar Mishra, BJP leader Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. &nbsp;The delegation held substantive discussions with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior &amp; Foreign Affairs Committee of Federal National Council and other senior Emirati parliamentarians. &nbsp;The delegation underscored the precise, measured, and non-escalatory nature of Operation Sindoor against the barbaric terrorist attack on the tourists in Kashmir on April 22. &nbsp;"India- UAE relationship is beyond trade and culture, and encompasses security and strategic issues. Terrorism is against the whole of humanity and international community must act now,"Nuaimi stressed. &nbsp;The delegation held discussions with Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Director General, National Media Office and addressed concerns over misinformation campaigns emanating from Pakistan. They presented factual evidence to counter the disinformation and exposed Pakistan's propaganda machinery. &nbsp;Shrikant Shinde, as the leader of the delegation, gave an interview to The National, UAE's leading newspaper, drawing the complete timeline of India's long battle against cross-border terrorism and setting of new normal by the Prime Minister against cross-border terrorism with Operation Sindoor. &nbsp;On Friday, the delegation is scheduled to participate in closed-door strategic dialogues with leading think tanks and thought leaders based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Operation Sindoor: Eknath Shinde-led delegation reaches UAE, reaffirm India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism

An all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde landed in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (May 22) and held meetings with UAE leadership on the importance of Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism. UAE is the first stop of the broader four-nation diplomatic outreach by the all-party delegation. “The delegations held meetings with UAE leadership and media to brief on the significance of Operation Sindoor and reaffirm India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism,” a statement read from the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi. The delegation met Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence. Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan conveyed his deep condolences for the Pahalgam terror attacks.," Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, said in a press release.

An all-party Indian delegation met with UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan

Operation Sindoor: All-party delegation meets UAE leadership, reaffirm India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) on Thursday (May 22) arrested a man from Varanasi who was allegedly spying for Pakistan. The accused, identified as Tufail, was reportedly sharing sensitive and confidential information about India to Pakistan.&nbsp;A resident of Varanasi, Tufail is learnt to have been in touch with several Pakistani nationals and sharing intelligence that could compromise national security.&nbsp;As per reports, he used to share videos of Maulana Shah Rizvi, leader of Pakistan's banned terrorist organisation, Tehreek-e-Labbaik, in WhatsApp groups. Also, he shared messages calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind', the revenge of Babri Masjid and implementing Shariat in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UP ATS also said that the accused is believed to have distributed WhatsApp group links in Varanasi that facilitated communication between local individuals and Pakistani networks. The UP ATS is currently probing the full extent of Tufail’s activities and network.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials said that during the investigation, it was reportedly found that Tufail was allegedly sharing photographs of sensitive locations including Rajghat, Namo Ghat, Gyanvapi, the railway station, and the Red Fort with contacts in Pakistan.&nbsp;This story is developing. &nbsp;

Operation Sindoor: UP ATS arrests one on charges of spying for Pakistan

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) on Thursday (May 22) arrested a man from Varanasi who was allegedly spying for Pakistan. The accused, identified as Tufail, was reportedly sharing sensitive and confidential information about India to Pakistan. A resident of Varanasi, Tufail is learnt to have been in touch with several Pakistani nationals and sharing intelligence that could compromise national security. As per reports, he used to share videos of Maulana Shah Rizvi, leader of Pakistan's banned terrorist organisation, Tehreek-e-Labbaik, in WhatsApp groups. Also, he shared messages calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind', the revenge of Babri Masjid and implementing Shariat in India. UP ATS also said that the accused is believed to have distributed WhatsApp group links in Varanasi that facilitated communication between local individuals and Pakistani networks. The UP ATS is currently probing the full extent of Tufail’s activities and network. Officials said that during the investigation, it was reportedly found that Tufail was allegedly sharing photographs of sensitive locations including Rajghat, Namo Ghat, Gyanvapi, the railway station, and the Red Fort with contacts in Pakistan. This story is developing.

ATS Field Unit Varanasi confirmed that Tufail was in contact with many people from Pakistan

Operation Sindoor: UP ATS arrests Varanasi man on charges of spying for Pakistan

The scenic region of Kashmir, once bustling with travellers exploring alpine meadows, houseboats, and snow-capped peaks, now lies silent. Following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, fear spread rapidly through the valley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tens of thousands of tourists rushed to leave, triggering a wave of cancellations and paralysing the region’s fragile tourism economy.&nbsp;Hotels, guesthouses, and Srinagar’s famous houseboats are now deserted. May and June which is traditionally peak months are seeing virtually no new bookings. Yaseen Tuman, a sixth-generation houseboat operator in Srinagar, told Associated Press the current situation is dire. “There is a haunting silence now. This isn’t just a seasonal slump — it’s a crisis,” he said. “If all goes well, we might start seeing tourists again in six months. Until then, it’s survival mode.”<h2>Tourism as Kashmir’s fragile backbone</h2>Tourism accounts for nearly seven per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, according to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, J&amp;K Government. In 2024, the region had seen a promising start, with over three million tourists visiting — a steady increase from 2.71 million in 2023. That influx spurred economic activity, encouraging thousands of locals to invest in family-run hotels, transport services, restaurants, and handicraft businesses.&nbsp;But the optimism was short-lived. “Sheer devastation,” said Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Vice President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, speaking to Associated Press. “We had 12,000 hotel rooms booked till June, all have been cancelled. Tens of thousands of people in the hospitality sector are now jobless.” The disruption goes far beyond hotels. Handicraft sellers in Srinagar’s bustling bazaars say footfall has plummeted. On Dal Lake, once filled with tourists in brightly painted shikaras, boatmen now spend their days anchored and idle. “There used to be long queues for boat rides,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a boatman. “Now there’s nothing but silence.” Taxi drivers are facing similar hardships. Mohammed Irfan, who usually ferries tourists to Gulmarg and the Mughal gardens, told Associated Press that he hasn’t had work in two weeks. “Even a half-day break was a luxury before,” he said. “Now, my vehicle hasn’t moved.” While Kashmir’s tourism sector has long been vulnerable to political and security shocks, it had shown surprising resilience in recent years, even after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The Modi government had cited the rising number of tourist arrivals as a key indicator of normalcy returning to the valley.&nbsp;But the latest crisis has shattered that narrative. With tensions escalating and no clear diplomatic thaw in sight, many believe the future of Kashmir’s tourism hinges on long-term geopolitical stability.&nbsp;“This will keep happening unless the core issue between India and Pakistan is resolved,” said Sheikh Bashir Ahmed. “Tourism needs peace. Without it, this cycle of revival and collapse will continue,” he told Associated Press.<h2>India’s five big strikes after Pahalgam</h2>In the aftermath of the 22 April terror attack, India swiftly responded with a combination of diplomatic, economic, and military measures aimed at isolating Pakistan and dismantling terror networks. According to the Associated Press, New Delhi first suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that governs water sharing between the two countries. This move was symbolic and strategic — a direct message that all options were on the table.&nbsp;India then expelled Pakistani military advisers stationed at its New Delhi mission and scaled down its diplomatic staff in Islamabad. In a significant escalation, India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, effectively closing its borders to Pakistani travellers. &nbsp;On 1 May, India shut down the Attari–Wagah border crossing, the only overland trade and travel route between the two nations. The most consequential move, however, came in the form of Operation Sindoor, a military strike executed between 6 and 7 May, in which India targeted nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, especially in Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor. According to Army officials quoted by the Associated Press, six of those sites were effectively neutralised.<h2>Tanks on the move, missiles in the sky</h2> The situation escalated rapidly. India moved T-72 tanks and BMP-2 armoured vehicles close to the Line of Control (LoC) in a show of force. Pakistan responded with attempted drone and missile strikes on 8, 9 and 10 May, prompting further skirmishes along the LoC. However, after backchannel talks between the two militaries on 10 May, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, putting a temporary lid on hostility. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Business & Economy: Hotels, guesthouses, and Srinagar’s famous houseboats are now deserted. May and June which is traditionally peak months are seeing virtually no new bookings.

The scenic region of Kashmir, once bustling with travellers exploring alpine meadows, houseboats, and snow-capped peaks, now lies silent. Following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, fear spread rapidly through the valley. Tens of thousands of tourists rushed to leave, triggering a wave of cancellations and paralysing the region’s fragile tourism economy. Hotels, guesthouses, and Srinagar’s famous houseboats are now deserted. May and June which is traditionally peak months are seeing virtually no new bookings. Yaseen Tuman, a sixth-generation houseboat operator in Srinagar, told Associated Press the current situation is dire. “There is a haunting silence now. This isn’t just a seasonal slump — it’s a crisis,” he said. “If all goes well, we might start seeing tourists again in six months. Until then, it’s survival mode.” Tourism as Kashmir’s fragile backbone Tourism accounts for nearly seven per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, according to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, J&K Government. In 2024, the region had seen a promising start, with over three million tourists visiting — a steady increase from 2.71 million in 2023. That influx spurred economic activity, encouraging thousands of locals to invest in family-run hotels, transport services, restaurants, and handicraft businesses. But the optimism was short-lived. “Sheer devastation,” said Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Vice President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, speaking to Associated Press. “We had 12,000 hotel rooms booked till June, all have been cancelled. Tens of thousands of people in the hospitality sector are now jobless.” The disruption goes far beyond hotels. Handicraft sellers in Srinagar’s bustling bazaars say footfall has plummeted. On Dal Lake, once filled with tourists in brightly painted shikaras, boatmen now spend their days anchored and idle. “There used to be long queues for boat rides,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a boatman. “Now there’s nothing but silence.” Taxi drivers are facing similar hardships. Mohammed Irfan, who usually ferries tourists to Gulmarg and the Mughal gardens, told Associated Press that he hasn’t had work in two weeks. “Even a half-day break was a luxury before,” he said. “Now, my vehicle hasn’t moved.” While Kashmir’s tourism sector has long been vulnerable to political and security shocks, it had shown surprising resilience in recent years, even after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The Modi government had cited the rising number of tourist arrivals as a key indicator of normalcy returning to the valley. But the latest crisis has shattered that narrative. With tensions escalating and no clear diplomatic thaw in sight, many believe the future of Kashmir’s tourism hinges on long-term geopolitical stability. “This will keep happening unless the core issue between India and Pakistan is resolved,” said Sheikh Bashir Ahmed. “Tourism needs peace. Without it, this cycle of revival and collapse will continue,” he told Associated Press. India’s five big strikes after Pahalgam In the aftermath of the 22 April terror attack, India swiftly responded with a combination of diplomatic, economic, and military measures aimed at isolating Pakistan and dismantling terror networks. According to the Associated Press, New Delhi first suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that governs water sharing between the two countries. This move was symbolic and strategic — a direct message that all options were on the table. India then expelled Pakistani military advisers stationed at its New Delhi mission and scaled down its diplomatic staff in Islamabad. In a significant escalation, India revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, effectively closing its borders to Pakistani travellers. On 1 May, India shut down the Attari–Wagah border crossing, the only overland trade and travel route between the two nations. The most consequential move, however, came in the form of Operation Sindoor, a military strike executed between 6 and 7 May, in which India targeted nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, especially in Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor. According to Army officials quoted by the Associated Press, six of those sites were effectively neutralised. Tanks on the move, missiles in the sky The situation escalated rapidly. India moved T-72 tanks and BMP-2 armoured vehicles close to the Line of Control (LoC) in a show of force. Pakistan responded with attempted drone and missile strikes on 8, 9 and 10 May, prompting further skirmishes along the LoC. However, after backchannel talks between the two militaries on 10 May, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, putting a temporary lid on hostility.

Following the 22 April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, fear spread rapidly through the Kashmir valley. Tens of thousands of tourists rushed to leave, triggering a wave of cancellations and paralysing the region’s fragile tourism economy.

Kashmir left high and dry as tourism collapses amid India-Pakistan tensions

The Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 in which 26 innocent people were killed was "based on their Hindu faith." India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated this fact in an interview to foreign media.&nbsp;In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar on being asked about the Pahalgam terror attack said, "Look first of all you have to understand what it was all about. It started because it was triggered by a very barbaric terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir where 26 tourists were murdered in front of their families, after their faith was ascertained. It was done to harm the tourism of the state and to create religious discord deliberately."&nbsp;The foreign minister also did not hesitate in saying that the Pakistani leadership, including the army chief, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal have an "extreme religious outlook."&nbsp;"An element of religion was introduced (to the attack) and to understand that you have to see that on the Pakistani side, their leadership, especially their army chief, is very driven by extreme religious outlook. So there is clearly some connect with the views expressed and the behaviour done," he said.&nbsp;'Jugular vein' remark by Pak army chief&nbsp;Asim Munir, promoted to the rank of Field Marshal from army chief by Pakistan after the Operation Sindoor faceoff with India is steeped in Islamic learning. His father was an imam, and he learned the Quran by heart. He uses Quranic verses in his speeches and does not miss a chance to share his knowledge of Islam at public platforms.&nbsp;It is at one such event, addressing the overseas Pakistanis, that he re-invoked the two-nation theory and the Hindu-Muslim binary as justification for the creation of Pakistan. In the same speech, he made invective-laden remarks about Kashmir, describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan.&nbsp;"It was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein, we will not forget it," Munir said in an address to Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad on April 16.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The foreign minister also did not hesitate in saying that the Pakistani leadership, including the army chief, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal have an extreme religious outlook.

The Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 in which 26 innocent people were killed was "based on their Hindu faith." India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated this fact in an interview to foreign media. In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar on being asked about the Pahalgam terror attack said, "Look first of all you have to understand what it was all about. It started because it was triggered by a very barbaric terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir where 26 tourists were murdered in front of their families, after their faith was ascertained. It was done to harm the tourism of the state and to create religious discord deliberately." The foreign minister also did not hesitate in saying that the Pakistani leadership, including the army chief, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal have an "extreme religious outlook." "An element of religion was introduced (to the attack) and to understand that you have to see that on the Pakistani side, their leadership, especially their army chief, is very driven by extreme religious outlook. So there is clearly some connect with the views expressed and the behaviour done," he said. 'Jugular vein' remark by Pak army chief Asim Munir, promoted to the rank of Field Marshal from army chief by Pakistan after the Operation Sindoor faceoff with India is steeped in Islamic learning. His father was an imam, and he learned the Quran by heart. He uses Quranic verses in his speeches and does not miss a chance to share his knowledge of Islam at public platforms. It is at one such event, addressing the overseas Pakistanis, that he re-invoked the two-nation theory and the Hindu-Muslim binary as justification for the creation of Pakistan. In the same speech, he made invective-laden remarks about Kashmir, describing it as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan. "It was our jugular vein, it is our jugular vein, we will not forget it," Munir said in an address to Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad on April 16.

The foreign minister also did not hesitate in saying that the Pakistani leadership, including the army chief, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal have an "extreme religious outlook."

'Pak army chief driven by extreme religious outlook': Jaishankar slams Asim Munir

The utilisation of India's fastest cruise missile system, BrahMos missile system, that drew significant attention as they caused substantial damage to the bases. Let's analyse the cost of these advanced missiles.


The utilisation of India's fastest cruise missile system, BrahMos missile system, that drew significant attention as they caused substantial damage to the bases. Let's analyse the cost of these advanced missiles. &nbsp;

Operation Sindoor: What is the cost of India’s BrahMos missile?

The Supreme Court on Monday (May 21) gave interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who had been arrested over a social media post regarding Operation Sindoor. However, the court didn’t hold back in its criticism of the professor’s words, questioning his intent and calling the post an attempt at “cheap popularity”.The court said the country had faced a major crisis and this was not the time to make statements that could disturb national unity. "Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents," the bench observed.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-ashoka-university-professor-mahmudabad-arrested-1747590659931">‘Calculated harassment’: Ashoka faculty backs Professor Mahmudabad over Operation Sindoor ‘optics’ comments: Why was he arrested?</a><h2>‘Dog whistling’ and timing questioned by SC</h2>The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, questioned why the professor would choose this moment to make such comments.“Everybody has a right to express free speech. But is it the time to talk of this much communal...? The country has faced a big challenge. Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents. We were staying united. But at this juncture... why to gain cheap popularity on this occasion?” Justice Kant asked, as reported by LiveLaw.The court also referred to the professor’s comments as “dog whistling”—a legal term describing language that indirectly stirs up certain groups while maintaining deniability.“He is a learned man, he cannot be said to be short of words,” the court added, questioning why he chose to post something “insulting, humiliating and putting others in discomfort” during such a sensitive time.<h2>No stay on probe, SIT to be formed</h2>While granting Mahmudabad bail, the Supreme Court made it clear that the investigation against him would continue. The court directed Haryana’s DGP to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 24 hours, made up of senior IPS officers not from Haryana or Delhi.The SIT has been tasked with examining the content of the professor’s post and determining its actual meaning. The court also instructed Mahmudabad to fully cooperate with the investigation.<h2>Strict conditions for bail</h2>Mahmudabad’s release came with three specific conditions:<ul><li>He cannot write or publish anything related to the case.</li><li>He is barred from commenting on the Pahalgam terror attack or Operation Sindoor.</li><li>He must surrender his passport.</li></ul><h2>Ashoka University responds</h2>Following the interim bail order, Ashoka University expressed relief at the decision.“We are relieved and heartened by Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University,” the university said in an official statement.

The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, questioned why Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad would choose this moment to make such comments.

The Supreme Court on Monday (May 21) gave interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who had been arrested over a social media post regarding Operation Sindoor. However, the court didn’t hold back in its criticism of the professor’s words, questioning his intent and calling the post an attempt at “cheap popularity”. The court said the country had faced a major crisis and this was not the time to make statements that could disturb national unity. "Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents," the bench observed. Also read: ‘Calculated harassment’: Ashoka faculty backs Professor Mahmudabad over Operation Sindoor ‘optics’ comments: Why was he arrested? ‘Dog whistling’ and timing questioned by SC The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, questioned why the professor would choose this moment to make such comments. “Everybody has a right to express free speech. But is it the time to talk of this much communal...? The country has faced a big challenge. Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents. We were staying united. But at this juncture... why to gain cheap popularity on this occasion?” Justice Kant asked, as reported by LiveLaw. The court also referred to the professor’s comments as “dog whistling”—a legal term describing language that indirectly stirs up certain groups while maintaining deniability. “He is a learned man, he cannot be said to be short of words,” the court added, questioning why he chose to post something “insulting, humiliating and putting others in discomfort” during such a sensitive time. No stay on probe, SIT to be formed While granting Mahmudabad bail, the Supreme Court made it clear that the investigation against him would continue. The court directed Haryana’s DGP to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 24 hours, made up of senior IPS officers not from Haryana or Delhi. The SIT has been tasked with examining the content of the professor’s post and determining its actual meaning. The court also instructed Mahmudabad to fully cooperate with the investigation. Strict conditions for bail Mahmudabad’s release came with three specific conditions: He cannot write or publish anything related to the case. He is barred from commenting on the Pahalgam terror attack or Operation Sindoor. He must surrender his passport. Ashoka University responds Following the interim bail order, Ashoka University expressed relief at the decision. “We are relieved and heartened by Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad being granted interim bail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It has provided great comfort to his family and all of us at Ashoka University,” the university said in an official statement.

The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, questioned why Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad would choose this moment to make such comments.

'Insulting, humiliating': SC grants bail to Ashoka professor Mahmudabad, but calls his Operation Sindoor post ‘dog whistling’

In a bold and strategic move following the success of Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces, India has launched a sweeping diplomatic outreach mission across the globe.&nbsp;With a clear and unwavering message — that terrorism will not be tolerated and the world must unite against it — seven high-level delegations have been sent to 33 countries. This unprecedented diplomatic strike aims to build global consensus, explain the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, and isolate terror sponsors.&nbsp;The effort, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), saw participation from cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior diplomats. Their mission is not just to inform India’s counter-terror operation, but to also rally international support and cooperation in the global fight against terror.&nbsp;The first all-party delegation out of the seven set up for India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor abroad will depart on Wednesday (May 21) for four countries. The delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will travel to UAE, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone on Wednesday.&nbsp;Two delegations led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi will leave on Thursday (May 22). While Sanjay Jha-led a delegation will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore. Kanimozhi will lead a delegation that will visit Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia and Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;The multi-party delegations will project the country’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, with India’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism.&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday (May 20) briefed the members of the three delegations at the Parliament House in New Delhi.&nbsp;Why these 33 countries?&nbsp;The selection of the 33 nations was not random. It reflected a calculated balance of geopolitics, strategic partnerships, economic relevance, and influence within key multilateral institutions.&nbsp;These countries fall into several categories: traditional allies, influential members of global blocs like&nbsp;the G20, G7, and the UN Security Council.&nbsp;Among the key nations are the United States, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia — all crucial in international security and long-time partners of India. Visits also extended to countries in West Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, showcasing India's intent to build a truly global anti-terror consensus.&nbsp;The Gulf states, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, were of particular interest and their growing strategic ties with India. Outreach to these nations helps underline that Operation Sindoor was a response to terror, not a religiously charged act. Similarly, outreach to African countries like Nigeria and Kenya highlighted India’s interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in the Global South, where India's voice is gaining resonance.&nbsp;What made this diplomatic mission even more unique was its bipartisan and multi-party nature. Leaders from the BJP as well as the Congress and other parties are part of the delegations. This all-party approach ensured that the message carried wasn't partisan but national — a unified front by India against terror.&nbsp;Additionally, India’s envoys were tasked with explaining not just the military but also the humanitarian and legal reasoning behind Operation Sindoor. India made it clear that its action was pre-emptive and targeted, aimed solely at neutralising terrorist infrastructure.&nbsp;The timing of the diplomatic offensive is also significant. As global powers grapple with evolving terror threats and instability in various regions, India's narrative resonates strongly. There is growing fatigue in the international community regarding tolerance for states that harbor or support terror networks. India is leveraging this sentiment, pushing for global accountability and cooperation.&nbsp;Moreover, India’s growing stature — as a major economy, a technology power, and a responsible democracy — adds weight to its voice on the international stage. Operation Sindoor, followed by this extensive diplomatic push, signals India’s readiness to lead on global security matters.

7 members, 33 countries and 1 clear message: India diplomatic strike post Operation Sindoor

In a bold and strategic move following the success of Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces, India has launched a sweeping diplomatic outreach mission across the globe. With a clear and unwavering message — that terrorism will not be tolerated and the world must unite against it — seven high-level delegations have been sent to 33 countries. This unprecedented diplomatic strike aims to build global consensus, explain the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, and isolate terror sponsors. The effort, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), saw participation from cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior diplomats. Their mission is not just to inform India’s counter-terror operation, but to also rally international support and cooperation in the global fight against terror. The first all-party delegation out of the seven set up for India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor abroad will depart on Wednesday (May 21) for four countries. The delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will travel to UAE, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone on Wednesday. Two delegations led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi will leave on Thursday (May 22). While Sanjay Jha-led a delegation will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore. Kanimozhi will lead a delegation that will visit Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia and Russia. The multi-party delegations will project the country’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, with India’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday (May 20) briefed the members of the three delegations at the Parliament House in New Delhi. Why these 33 countries? The selection of the 33 nations was not random. It reflected a calculated balance of geopolitics, strategic partnerships, economic relevance, and influence within key multilateral institutions. These countries fall into several categories: traditional allies, influential members of global blocs like the G20, G7, and the UN Security Council. Among the key nations are the United States, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia — all crucial in international security and long-time partners of India. Visits also extended to countries in West Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, showcasing India's intent to build a truly global anti-terror consensus. The Gulf states, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, were of particular interest and their growing strategic ties with India. Outreach to these nations helps underline that Operation Sindoor was a response to terror, not a religiously charged act. Similarly, outreach to African countries like Nigeria and Kenya highlighted India’s interest in expanding its diplomatic footprint in the Global South, where India's voice is gaining resonance. What made this diplomatic mission even more unique was its bipartisan and multi-party nature. Leaders from the BJP as well as the Congress and other parties are part of the delegations. This all-party approach ensured that the message carried wasn't partisan but national — a unified front by India against terror. Additionally, India’s envoys were tasked with explaining not just the military but also the humanitarian and legal reasoning behind Operation Sindoor. India made it clear that its action was pre-emptive and targeted, aimed solely at neutralising terrorist infrastructure. The timing of the diplomatic offensive is also significant. As global powers grapple with evolving terror threats and instability in various regions, India's narrative resonates strongly. There is growing fatigue in the international community regarding tolerance for states that harbor or support terror networks. India is leveraging this sentiment, pushing for global accountability and cooperation. Moreover, India’s growing stature — as a major economy, a technology power, and a responsible democracy — adds weight to its voice on the international stage. Operation Sindoor, followed by this extensive diplomatic push, signals India’s readiness to lead on global security matters.

The first all-party delegation out of the seven set up for India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor abroad will depart on Wednesday (May 21) for four countries

7 members, 33 countries and 1 clear message: India's diplomatic strike post Operation Sindoor

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (May 20) said that the Indian armed forces operated with the precision of skilled surgeons during Operation Sindoor, attacking as many as nine terror camps and launchpads with utmost precision.&nbsp;Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, Rajnath described the cross-border mission as a decisive and meticulously planned strike that neutralised terror infrastructure across the LoC.&nbsp;Drawing a parallel with doctors, Rajnath said, “Our forces acted with precision just like expert doctors or surgeons. A surgeon uses his instruments precisely to mitigate the disease where it lies, and the Indian forces have done the same — striking at the root of terrorism with unmatched precision.”&nbsp;This was Rajnath Singh's first public address since May 7 when Indian military struck several terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Rajnath said that Indian forces hit deep into terrorist camps in Pakistan, eliminating a large number of terrorists. “Our forces targeted the roots of terrorism with great precision, avoiding civilian casualties. This action brought the Pakistani army to its knees,” he said.&nbsp;"Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian soil. They targeted civilians and even places of worship — temples, gurdwaras, and churches. But our response was measured and focused solely on terrorist infrastructure," he added.&nbsp;He stressed that during India's counter-strikes, steps were taken to ensure only terrorist hideouts were hit, and no harm came to civilian areas.&nbsp;"Our soldiers made sure that while punishing the perpetrators, innocent lives were not affected," he said.&nbsp;Further making the comparison between the work of doctors and soldiers, the defence minister said, “Both undergo rigorous training, operate under intense pressure, and are expected to take swift, critical decisions during emergencies. This similarity was seen during Operation Sindoor, just as the commitment of doctors was witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic.”&nbsp;“You (doctors) treat patients, but we in the defence ministry, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, treat the disease of terrorism beyond our borders. And the success of Operation Sindoor is proof of that resolve,” he concluded.

Our armed forces acted like skilled surgeons Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (May 20) said that the Indian armed forces operated with the precision of skilled surgeons during Operation Sindoor, attacking as many as nine terror camps and launchpads with utmost precision. Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, Rajnath described the cross-border mission as a decisive and meticulously planned strike that neutralised terror infrastructure across the LoC. Drawing a parallel with doctors, Rajnath said, “Our forces acted with precision just like expert doctors or surgeons. A surgeon uses his instruments precisely to mitigate the disease where it lies, and the Indian forces have done the same — striking at the root of terrorism with unmatched precision.” This was Rajnath Singh's first public address since May 7 when Indian military struck several terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Rajnath said that Indian forces hit deep into terrorist camps in Pakistan, eliminating a large number of terrorists. “Our forces targeted the roots of terrorism with great precision, avoiding civilian casualties. This action brought the Pakistani army to its knees,” he said. "Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian soil. They targeted civilians and even places of worship — temples, gurdwaras, and churches. But our response was measured and focused solely on terrorist infrastructure," he added. He stressed that during India's counter-strikes, steps were taken to ensure only terrorist hideouts were hit, and no harm came to civilian areas. "Our soldiers made sure that while punishing the perpetrators, innocent lives were not affected," he said. Further making the comparison between the work of doctors and soldiers, the defence minister said, “Both undergo rigorous training, operate under intense pressure, and are expected to take swift, critical decisions during emergencies. This similarity was seen during Operation Sindoor, just as the commitment of doctors was witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic.” “You (doctors) treat patients, but we in the defence ministry, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, treat the disease of terrorism beyond our borders. And the success of Operation Sindoor is proof of that resolve,” he concluded.

Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, Rajnath described the cross-border mission as a decisive and meticulously planned strike that neutralised terror infrastructure across the LoC

Our armed forces acted like 'skilled surgeons': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor: Top 7 amazing facts about Dassault's Rafale fighter jets

Dassault’s Rafale fighter jets led India’s air strikes in Operation Sindoor. Armed with advanced missiles and bombs, these French-made jets hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, showing India’s air power at its best

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Uttarakhand Madarsa Board made the crucial decision after meeting the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-after-operation-sindoor-india-needs-a-cost-benefit-analysis-as-trade-terror-and-technology-flip-old-equations-1747718483460">Life after Operation Sindoor: India needs a cost-benefit analysis as trade, terror and technology flip old equations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dehradun | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a> will be taught in all the Madrasas of Uttarakhand. Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, President of Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board, says, &quot;A delegation of the Muslim community met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and we congratulate the defence… <a href="https://t.co/vp1oXItBPM">pic.twitter.com/vp1oXItBPM</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1924748402685833357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, President of Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board told the news agency ANI that a delegation of the Muslim community met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to congratulate on the success of the operation and conveyed their idea.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-would-say-i-m-going-to-delhi-jyoti-malhotra-s-father-on-her-pakistan-visit-1747730490532">Would say she's going to Delhi: Jyoti Malhotra's father on her Pakistan visit</a>&nbsp;"We conveyed our thoughts that we are with PM Modi. Taking inspiration from that, we thought of a new beginning, and we will teach the children studying in Madrasas about Operation Sindoor," Qasmi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-spy-jyoti-malhotra-seen-enjoying-party-with-nawaz-sharif-s-daughter-in-lahore-watch-resurfaced-video-1747730197947">'Spy' Jyoti Malhotra seen enjoying party with Nawaz Sharif's daughter in Lahore</a>&nbsp;"Pakistan killed our innocent civilians... We are not those who believe in the two-nation theory. We don't differentiate between Hindus and Muslims... We are including it in the syllabus as the country is paramount... We will begin this from 2025..." he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-did-7-of-30-space-launches-planned-for-2024-25-govt-data-1747727569755">India did 7 of 30 space launches planned for 2024-25: Govt data</a>&nbsp;As per the sources cited by News 18, the syllabus will be updated for up to the Alia (Intermediate) level classes. Around 50,000 students will be taught the updated syllabus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-akash-missile-system-to-l-70-air-defence-guns-air-defence-grid-indian-army-used-to-protect-golden-temple-from-pak-s-attack-1747722684740">From AKASH Missile System To L-70 Guns: Air defence grid Indian Army used to protect Golden Temple</a> &nbsp;

Madarsa students in Uttarakhand will now study about Operation Sindoor

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The Uttarakhand Madarsa Board made the crucial decision after meeting the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Also read: Life after Operation Sindoor: India needs a cost-benefit analysis as trade, terror and technology flip old equations

As many as 450 Madarsas in Uttarakhand will now teach students about India's Operation Sindoor against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.&nbsp;

'A new beginning': Madarsa students in Uttarakhand will now study about Operation Sindoor

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence, had blamed the government and tourists after the dastardly Pahalgam attack in a video she is said to have posted on Instagram.&nbsp;The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.&nbsp;She had uploaded the video on her Instagram handle, which has since been suspended, but several users have shared it on X.&nbsp;“Not just the government, this (attack) is the responsibility of every individual who visits these places … and should be watchful. I know J&amp;K has high security; there are Army and police personnel in every corner. If something like this has happened despite that then we are also at fault in some way. Perhaps we weren’t watchful (enough) … which is why this happened. We should be watchful and responsible,” she said.&nbsp;She also expressed shock that some individuals may have supported or assisted the terrorists involved in the attack.“If anyone is supporting these terrorists, then we are not Indian. If we are corrupt or wrong, it is shocking. It’s wrong if anyone supported those terrorists. And we are responsible for that. Our government is also responsible because there was a security lapse,” she said.Malhotra was arrested after a crackdown was launched during which 11 individuals have been taken into custody so far for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Moreover, she was allegedly also in touch with Pakistani handlers during the blackouts when Operation Sindoor was at its peak. &nbsp;She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jyoti Malhotra on Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan ko chhod kar sabki hi galati hai, including the victims. <a href="https://t.co/3y93mfdzyZ">pic.twitter.com/3y93mfdzyZ</a>&mdash; Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsYouNotWish/status/1924043528222761173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.

YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence, had blamed the government and tourists after the dastardly Pahalgam attack in a video she is said to have posted on Instagram. The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert. She had uploaded the video on her Instagram handle, which has since been suspended, but several users have shared it on X. “Not just the government, this (attack) is the responsibility of every individual who visits these places … and should be watchful. I know J&K has high security; there are Army and police personnel in every corner. If something like this has happened despite that then we are also at fault in some way. Perhaps we weren’t watchful (enough) … which is why this happened. We should be watchful and responsible,” she said. She also expressed shock that some individuals may have supported or assisted the terrorists involved in the attack. “If anyone is supporting these terrorists, then we are not Indian. If we are corrupt or wrong, it is shocking. It’s wrong if anyone supported those terrorists. And we are responsible for that. Our government is also responsible because there was a security lapse,” she said. Malhotra was arrested after a crackdown was launched during which 11 individuals have been taken into custody so far for allegedly spying for Pakistan. Moreover, she was allegedly also in touch with Pakistani handlers during the blackouts when Operation Sindoor was at its peak. She had also visited Pahalgam just three months before terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in a dastardly terror attack. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

The video being widely circulated on social media now shows Malhotra suggesting that the terrorist attack was a consequence of smugness on the part of the government, civilians, and tourists, as she put blame on them for not staying alert.

Alleged spy Jyoti Malhotra blamed govt, tourists after Pahalgam attack? Video surfaces

In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, where they carried out a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;On hearing the news, Anil Sharma, cabin-in-charge of the hijacked IC-814 flight felt something he hadn’t in decades: relief. "Karma had caught up. These people lived by the gun, and they died by it. It doesn’t bring back Rupin Katyal or erase the horror, but it brings justice."&nbsp;The news of the operation did more than just offer symbolic closure—it validated the resilience of survivors and the resolve of a nation that had vowed never to forget Kandahar. "When I heard about Operation Sindoor, I felt that finally, the country had stood up and said: Enough."&nbsp;Anil Sharma spoke exclusively to WION and shared his memories about the traumatic incident.&nbsp;On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among them was Anil Sharma, the senior cabin crew member and in-charge of the flight. For Sharma and everyone else on that ill-fated flight, the routine journey turned into an eight-day nightmare, remembered in history as one of India’s most traumatic hostage crises.&nbsp;Forty minutes into the flight, Sharma walked into the cockpit to check on the pilots and ask if they needed some refreshments. The cabin service had been carried out, and everything seemed normal until he stepped out and was confronted by a man wearing a monkey cap, holding a pistol. In terse Urdu, the man said, "We are taking over the aircraft."&nbsp;What followed was violence and chaos. Passengers were asked to shift from business class to economy, and the hijackers—five of them, later given codenames like Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—took control of the aircraft. The plane was diverted first to Amritsar, then Lahore, then Dubai, and finally to Kandahar in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.&nbsp;For Anil Sharma, the trauma didn’t begin with the threat of death—it began with the responsibility of keeping terrified passengers calm, comforting the wounded, and maintaining some semblance of order inside an aircraft surrounded by terrorists carrying rocket launchers.&nbsp;"The fear was all-pervasive," Sharma recalls. "It lasted all those seven nights and eight days. But it became even more horrifying when I and my colleague, Satish, had to lift the dead body of Rupin Katyal to be offloaded in Dubai. That moment—placing his lifeless form on the step ladder—remains seared in my memory."&nbsp;The hijackers were strategic and brutal. They kept the passengers under psychological pressure. Heads had to be kept down. Men were slapped and kicked. The women in the cabin crew were told to cover their heads whenever Taliban fighters approached the plane. Sharma and his team had to manage food and water, not just for the passengers, but for the terrorists as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;"They made us prepare tea for them, clean up after them. We were like their servants, but all the while, we were calculating how to survive."&nbsp;Hope and despair danced together through the ordeal. On December 27, when a high-level Indian delegation, including current NSA Ajit Doval, landed in Kandahar to negotiate, spirits lifted. "I saw smiles on the hijackers’ faces. I thought things were moving forward," Sharma said. But it was a false dawn. By December 30, the hijackers had moved women and children to business class and announced, "If we can kill one, we can will kill all."&nbsp;Sharma and others braced themselves for the worst. "At that moment, I was benumbed. I wasn’t registering emotion anymore. I had resigned to either going back alive or returning in a coffin."&nbsp;The hijackers weren’t ordinary criminals. They were trained terrorists, fighting a proxy war on behalf of Pakistan's ISI and Army, using organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their demand was the release of Maulana Masood Azhar, a terrorist who was then in Indian custody.&nbsp;When India finally agreed to release Azhar and two others, the hostages were let go. But for Sharma, it wasn’t the end. "You don’t walk out of something like that and return to normal. But I always believed in resuming the ‘silly things’ of life—watching movies, enjoying tea with friends—because trauma shouldn’t define you."&nbsp;Yet, the shadow never truly lifted. Sharma wrote a book about his experience, but closure remained elusive. Until recently.&nbsp;Sharma is deeply patriotic. His voice carries more pain when talking about divisions within India than when he discusses his own trauma. "We have too many enemies outside India. But it’s the enemies inside—those who hate for the sake of hating, who find fault in everything just because of political bias—that worry me more."&nbsp;In his reflections, Sharma doesn’t seek sympathy. Instead, he offers perspective. "Yes, it affected me. But I chose not to be bitter. I chose to return to life. I still remember Burger, one of the hijackers, telling me once: 'Sharma saab, main aapke saath khaana khaaunga, don't worry.' (Sir, don’t you worry, I will sit with you and have dinner with you). Even in terror, there were shades of humanity, but that doesn’t absolve them."&nbsp;He ends his recollection with a prayer: "I hope and believe that justice will find every last one of them. The fight against terrorism is long, but I’m optimistic. If we can survive Kandahar, we can survive anything."&nbsp;

IC 814 staff recalls 8-day nightmare, says karma caught up with them after planners killed in Operation Sindoor

In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, where they carried out a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack. On hearing the news, Anil Sharma, cabin-in-charge of the hijacked IC-814 flight felt something he hadn’t in decades: relief. "Karma had caught up. These people lived by the gun, and they died by it. It doesn’t bring back Rupin Katyal or erase the horror, but it brings justice." The news of the operation did more than just offer symbolic closure—it validated the resilience of survivors and the resolve of a nation that had vowed never to forget Kandahar. "When I heard about Operation Sindoor, I felt that finally, the country had stood up and said: Enough." Anil Sharma spoke exclusively to WION and shared his memories about the traumatic incident. On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones. Among them was Anil Sharma, the senior cabin crew member and in-charge of the flight. For Sharma and everyone else on that ill-fated flight, the routine journey turned into an eight-day nightmare, remembered in history as one of India’s most traumatic hostage crises. Forty minutes into the flight, Sharma walked into the cockpit to check on the pilots and ask if they needed some refreshments. The cabin service had been carried out, and everything seemed normal until he stepped out and was confronted by a man wearing a monkey cap, holding a pistol. In terse Urdu, the man said, "We are taking over the aircraft." What followed was violence and chaos. Passengers were asked to shift from business class to economy, and the hijackers—five of them, later given codenames like Chief, Doctor, Burger, Bhola, and Shankar—took control of the aircraft. The plane was diverted first to Amritsar, then Lahore, then Dubai, and finally to Kandahar in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. For Anil Sharma, the trauma didn’t begin with the threat of death—it began with the responsibility of keeping terrified passengers calm, comforting the wounded, and maintaining some semblance of order inside an aircraft surrounded by terrorists carrying rocket launchers. "The fear was all-pervasive," Sharma recalls. "It lasted all those seven nights and eight days. But it became even more horrifying when I and my colleague, Satish, had to lift the dead body of Rupin Katyal to be offloaded in Dubai. That moment—placing his lifeless form on the step ladder—remains seared in my memory." The hijackers were strategic and brutal. They kept the passengers under psychological pressure. Heads had to be kept down. Men were slapped and kicked. The women in the cabin crew were told to cover their heads whenever Taliban fighters approached the plane. Sharma and his team had to manage food and water, not just for the passengers, but for the terrorists as well. "They made us prepare tea for them, clean up after them. We were like their servants, but all the while, we were calculating how to survive." Hope and despair danced together through the ordeal. On December 27, when a high-level Indian delegation, including current NSA Ajit Doval, landed in Kandahar to negotiate, spirits lifted. "I saw smiles on the hijackers’ faces. I thought things were moving forward," Sharma said. But it was a false dawn. By December 30, the hijackers had moved women and children to business class and announced, "If we can kill one, we can will kill all." Sharma and others braced themselves for the worst. "At that moment, I was benumbed. I wasn’t registering emotion anymore. I had resigned to either going back alive or returning in a coffin." The hijackers weren’t ordinary criminals. They were trained terrorists, fighting a proxy war on behalf of Pakistan's ISI and Army, using organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Their demand was the release of Maulana Masood Azhar, a terrorist who was then in Indian custody. When India finally agreed to release Azhar and two others, the hostages were let go. But for Sharma, it wasn’t the end. "You don’t walk out of something like that and return to normal. But I always believed in resuming the ‘silly things’ of life—watching movies, enjoying tea with friends—because trauma shouldn’t define you." Yet, the shadow never truly lifted. Sharma wrote a book about his experience, but closure remained elusive. Until recently. Sharma is deeply patriotic. His voice carries more pain when talking about divisions within India than when he discusses his own trauma. "We have too many enemies outside India. But it’s the enemies inside—those who hate for the sake of hating, who find fault in everything just because of political bias—that worry me more." In his reflections, Sharma doesn’t seek sympathy. Instead, he offers perspective. "Yes, it affected me. But I chose not to be bitter. I chose to return to life. I still remember Burger, one of the hijackers, telling me once: 'Sharma saab, main aapke saath khaana khaaunga, don't worry.' (Sir, don’t you worry, I will sit with you and have dinner with you). Even in terror, there were shades of humanity, but that doesn’t absolve them." He ends his recollection with a prayer: "I hope and believe that justice will find every last one of them. The fight against terrorism is long, but I’m optimistic. If we can survive Kandahar, we can survive anything."

On the 24th of December, 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC-814 departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 4:30 PM. Onboard were 179 passengers and 11 crew members, all looking forward to returning home for Christmas and to spend time with their loved ones.&nbsp;

WION Exclusive | Operation Sindoor: As India avenge Kandahar, IC-814 staff recounts harrowing hijack story

The BJP targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, accusing her of forcing Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan to opt out from the diplomatic delegation aimed at ‘exposing Pakistan’ in India’s global outreach. The remarks come hours after Pathan pulled out of the team that will deliver India’s message against terrorism.The cricketer-turned-politician was included in the delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha that is set to go to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to convey India’s message on Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;Trinamool Congress announced that none of its MPs would be a part of the initiative, as the BJP-led Union government did not consult the party before finalising names. The party, however, insisted that it is not boycotting the diplomatic effort. &nbsp;Reacting sharply, BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate.”“This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics,” Malviya said, maintaining that Members of Parliament (MPs) are representatives of the people as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Mamata and her party unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism’&nbsp;“It sends a subliminal message that Mamata Banerjee and her party are unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he charged.Malviya slammed Banerjee, accusing her of representing the “worst kind of politics”.“Unfortunately, West Bengal is bearing the brunt of it,” he said, adding, “Let us not forget that a hostile demographic shift is staring the state in the face.”&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport on Monday, Mamata said, “They (Centre) cannot decide the name (of the AITC representative) on their own. If they request the mother party, the party will decide the name. This is customary, and is the system. We are totally with the Centre regarding the foreign policy,” adding that “If they request me to send someone’s name, we will decide it and tell them.”Mamata said, “Nowadays, they (Centre) don’t inform the mother party, but only the parliamentary party. However, the parliamentary party only works for the Parliament session, it cannot take policy decisions. No requests came to us. If the request comes to us, of course, we can consider it. We are totally in favour of the country’s best interests.”&nbsp;Earlier in the day, TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is Mamata’s nephew, said, “How can the Union government decide on the representative of Trinamool? They should have held discussions to decide which representative a party will send.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MamataOfficial</a> once again clarified that on matters of external affairs, we have always extended our support to the Centre. However, they cannot unilaterally decide on the name of the representative by consulting only the Parliamentary Party, and not the parent party. <a href="https://t.co/Kv8acfnr7z">pic.twitter.com/Kv8acfnr7z</a>&mdash; All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AITCofficial/status/1924380010518859792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate. This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics.”

The BJP targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday, accusing her of forcing Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan to opt out from the diplomatic delegation aimed at ‘exposing Pakistan’ in India’s global outreach. The remarks come hours after Pathan pulled out of the team that will deliver India’s message against terrorism. The cricketer-turned-politician was included in the delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha that is set to go to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to convey India’s message on Operation Sindoor. Trinamool Congress announced that none of its MPs would be a part of the initiative, as the BJP-led Union government did not consult the party before finalising names. The party, however, insisted that it is not boycotting the diplomatic effort. Reacting sharply, BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate.” “This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics,” Malviya said, maintaining that Members of Parliament (MPs) are representatives of the people as well. ‘Mamata and her party unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism’ “It sends a subliminal message that Mamata Banerjee and her party are unwilling to speak out against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he charged. Malviya slammed Banerjee, accusing her of representing the “worst kind of politics”. “Unfortunately, West Bengal is bearing the brunt of it,” he said, adding, “Let us not forget that a hostile demographic shift is staring the state in the face.” Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport on Monday, Mamata said, “They (Centre) cannot decide the name (of the AITC representative) on their own. If they request the mother party, the party will decide the name. This is customary, and is the system. We are totally with the Centre regarding the foreign policy,” adding that “If they request me to send someone’s name, we will decide it and tell them.” Mamata said, “Nowadays, they (Centre) don’t inform the mother party, but only the parliamentary party. However, the parliamentary party only works for the Parliament session, it cannot take policy decisions. No requests came to us. If the request comes to us, of course, we can consider it. We are totally in favour of the country’s best interests.” Earlier in the day, TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is Mamata’s nephew, said, “How can the Union government decide on the representative of Trinamool? They should have held discussions to decide which representative a party will send.”

BJP leader Amit Malviya said in a post on X, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to force the TMC MP to withdraw from the multi-party delegation is unfortunate. This is a government of India’s delegation, and it should have been kept above partisan politics.”

BJP targets Mamata after Yusuf Pathan drops out of India’s anti-terror outreach

India has stressed that its military operation against terrorism is “paused, not over” and demanded that Pakistan hand over prominent terrorists, like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir, accused of fomenting terror and mindless violence on Indian soil. Speaking to Israel’s i24NEWS, Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh categorically said that New Delhi’s new normal would be an offensive counter-terrorism strategy.&nbsp;“The ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused. It’s not yet over,” Singh said, adding that the fight against terrorism will continue.&nbsp;The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.” &nbsp;Reacting to the Indus Waters Treaty being put in abeyance, Singh said the agreement was based on two principles: goodwill and friendship. “Over the past so many years, what we have seen — we were allowing water to flow, and what was Pakistan doing? They were allowing terror.”Singh said the move to suspend the treaty came after growing frustration with Pakistan’s continued backing to cross-border terrorism. “There was a lot of frustration among the people that this cannot go on like this. After this attack, our prime minister said that the blood and water cannot flow together.”&nbsp;India conveyed to Pakistan that it must stop cross-border terrorism for the treaty to become operational again. ‘Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free’&nbsp;When asked about Pakistan’s assertion that this move is equivalent to an act of war, Singh responded by citing a long list of terror attacks. He recalled the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Uri base camp attack in 2016, Pulwama, and the recent Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;“Believe me, the root cause is these two groups—Jaish-e-Mohammad, the leader of Jaish Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, leader Hafiz Saeed,” he said.Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh said, was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free. “They need to do a very simple thing - when the preamble includes goodwill and friendship, they just need to hand over these terrorists to us.” He pointed out that the United States had recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was involved in the Mumbai attacks. “When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan hand over?” Singh asked. “They have to simply hand over Hafeez Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, and things will be over.”&nbsp;‘We gave them dossiers after dossiers, what have they done?’ Referring to Pakistan’s offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, he said India shared detailed evidence many times. “We have given them dossiers after dossiers — we have given them technical inputs. America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there, but what have they done?”“Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who was the main planner of Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attacks, roaming freely. So we can’t believe them.” Singh also urged for greater global cooperation to fight terrorism. “On terrorism, not only India and Israel, but all those countries that are facing the brunt of terrorism should join together.”“Our prime minister has made it very clear—very clear—that we have zero tolerance for terrorism. We are not going to accept this cross-border terrorism.”India will continue to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and their proxies, he said, and urged countries like Israel to form a global coalition.&nbsp;“We need to cooperate. We need to form a coalition against this terrorism. And most importantly, against the supporters of these terrorist groups.”

The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.”

India has stressed that its military operation against terrorism is “paused, not over” and demanded that Pakistan hand over prominent terrorists, like Hafiz Saeed, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, and Sajid Mir, accused of fomenting terror and mindless violence on Indian soil. Speaking to Israel’s i24NEWS, Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh categorically said that New Delhi’s new normal would be an offensive counter-terrorism strategy. “The ceasefire is still holding on but we have made it very clear that Operation Sindoor is paused. It’s not yet over,” Singh said, adding that the fight against terrorism will continue. The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.” Reacting to the Indus Waters Treaty being put in abeyance, Singh said the agreement was based on two principles: goodwill and friendship. “Over the past so many years, what we have seen — we were allowing water to flow, and what was Pakistan doing? They were allowing terror.” Singh said the move to suspend the treaty came after growing frustration with Pakistan’s continued backing to cross-border terrorism. “There was a lot of frustration among the people that this cannot go on like this. After this attack, our prime minister said that the blood and water cannot flow together.” India conveyed to Pakistan that it must stop cross-border terrorism for the treaty to become operational again. ‘Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free’ When asked about Pakistan’s assertion that this move is equivalent to an act of war, Singh responded by citing a long list of terror attacks. He recalled the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the Uri base camp attack in 2016, Pulwama, and the recent Pahalgam attack. “Believe me, the root cause is these two groups—Jaish-e-Mohammad, the leader of Jaish Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, leader Hafiz Saeed,” he said. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh said, was behind the Mumbai attacks, and its leaders continue to roam free. “They need to do a very simple thing - when the preamble includes goodwill and friendship, they just need to hand over these terrorists to us.” He pointed out that the United States had recently extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was involved in the Mumbai attacks. “When the US can hand over these culprits, why can’t Pakistan hand over?” Singh asked. “They have to simply hand over Hafeez Saeed, Lakhvi, Sajid Mir, and things will be over.” ‘We gave them dossiers after dossiers, what have they done?’ Referring to Pakistan’s offer to investigate the Pahalgam attack, he said India shared detailed evidence many times. “We have given them dossiers after dossiers — we have given them technical inputs. America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there, but what have they done?” “Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who was the main planner of Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attacks, roaming freely. So we can’t believe them.” Singh also urged for greater global cooperation to fight terrorism. “On terrorism, not only India and Israel, but all those countries that are facing the brunt of terrorism should join together.” “Our prime minister has made it very clear—very clear—that we have zero tolerance for terrorism. We are not going to accept this cross-border terrorism.” India will continue to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and their proxies, he said, and urged countries like Israel to form a global coalition. “We need to cooperate. We need to form a coalition against this terrorism. And most importantly, against the supporters of these terrorist groups.”

The envoy noted that India has now adopted a proactive position. “We have set a new normal, and the new normal is that we will follow an offensive strategy. Wherever terrorists are, we have to kill those terrorists, and we have to destroy their terrorist infrastructure.”

‘US extradited Tahawwur Rana, Pak should hand over Hafiz Saeed, Lakhvi’: Indian envoy

Senior Indian Army officer Major General Kartik C Seshadri revealed on Monday that Pakistan attempted to strike the Golden Temple in Amritsar with drones and long-range missiles on the night of 7–8 May.The attack was described as retaliation to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces hit nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-who-is-shehzad-wahab-nabbed-for-spying-for-pakistan-1747654288199">Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan</a>The Army said Pakistan had no military targets and was likely to go after civilian and religious sites instead."Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets including religious places," said Major General Seshadri. "Of these, Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent,” he added.<h2>Indian Army was prepared in advance</h2>According to the Army, they had already anticipated such a move and deployed additional air defence systems to protect the Golden Temple."We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple," the officer said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-rahul-gandhi-s-jaishankar-pakistan-bjp-1747654088904">‘A crime, not a lapse’: Rahul Gandhi accuses S Jaishankar of tipping off Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, again - Here's what BJP said</a>The assault began in the early hours of 8 May, when Pakistan launched a major air offensive using drones and missiles under the cover of darkness."On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles," Major General Seshadri said.<h2>Army intercepts and destroys all incoming threats</h2>Thanks to the Army’s preparation, no damage was caused to the Golden Temple or surrounding areas. All incoming drones and missiles were successfully neutralised by India’s air defence systems."We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army's nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple," the officer said. "Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple.”The Indian Army later demonstrated how its air defence units, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, effectively intercepted the airborne threats.<h2>Multiple Indian cities were also targeted</h2>The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Loud explosions were reported across Kashmir during the assault."These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems," said the Defence Ministry in a statement.<h2>Context: What triggered Operation Sindoor?</h2>India’s air strikes under Operation Sindoor came in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In a coordinated operation, Indian forces hit nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, triggering the retaliatory drone and missile strikes.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.

Senior Indian Army officer Major General Kartik C Seshadri revealed on Monday that Pakistan attempted to strike the Golden Temple in Amritsar with drones and long-range missiles on the night of 7–8 May. The attack was described as retaliation to India’s recent Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces hit nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: Operation Sindoor: Who is Shehzad Wahab? Nabbed for spying for Pakistan The Army said Pakistan had no military targets and was likely to go after civilian and religious sites instead. "Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets including religious places," said Major General Seshadri. "Of these, Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent,” he added. Indian Army was prepared in advance According to the Army, they had already anticipated such a move and deployed additional air defence systems to protect the Golden Temple. "We mobilised additional modern air defence assets to give a holistic air defence umbrella cover to Golden Temple," the officer said. Also read: ‘A crime, not a lapse’: Rahul Gandhi accuses S Jaishankar of tipping off Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, again - Here's what BJP said The assault began in the early hours of 8 May, when Pakistan launched a major air offensive using drones and missiles under the cover of darkness. "On 8th May early morning, in the hours of darkness, Pakistan carried out a massive air assault with unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles," Major General Seshadri said. Army intercepts and destroys all incoming threats Thanks to the Army’s preparation, no damage was caused to the Golden Temple or surrounding areas. All incoming drones and missiles were successfully neutralised by India’s air defence systems. "We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army's nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple," the officer said. "Thus, not allowing even a scratch to come on our holy Golden Temple.” The Indian Army later demonstrated how its air defence units, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, effectively intercepted the airborne threats. Multiple Indian cities were also targeted The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. Loud explosions were reported across Kashmir during the assault. "These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems," said the Defence Ministry in a statement. Context: What triggered Operation Sindoor? India’s air strikes under Operation Sindoor came in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In a coordinated operation, Indian forces hit nine terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, triggering the retaliatory drone and missile strikes.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier confirmed that the attack was aimed not only at the Golden Temple but also at several other Indian cities and military locations. These included Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj.

'Massive air assault with drones, long-range missiles': How Indian Army thwarted Pakistan’s plan to hit Golden Temple after Operation Sindoor

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has again targeted External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, accusing the government of informing Pakistan at the start of Operation Sindoor. Gandhi said this act was not merely a mistake, but a “crime”.Reposting a video clip of Dr Jaishankar speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result?”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pakistani-spy-network-busted-in-haryana-s-nuh-1747642199409">Operation Sindoor: Pakistani spy network busted in Haryana's Nuh</a>The Congress MP did not stop there. In another post, he wrote, “So I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EAM Jaishankar’s silence isn’t just telling — it’s damning. So I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth. <a href="https://t.co/izn4LmBGJZ">https://t.co/izn4LmBGJZ</a>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1924350133598400938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What the video clip shows</h2>The video Gandhi shared showed Dr Jaishankar saying, “At the start of the operation, we have sent a message to Pakistan, saying we are striking at infrastructure and we are not striking at the military, so the military has an option of standing out and not interfering in this process. They chose not to take good advice.”Gandhi has used this statement to allege that the government compromised India's security by warning the enemy in advance.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-will-indian-eam-jaishankar-discuss-on-his-6-day-visit-to-netherlands-denmark-germany-1747645905189">What will Indian EAM Jaishankar discuss on his 6-day visit to Netherlands, Denmark &amp; Germany?</a><h2>Congress questions Jaishankar's intent</h2>Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also criticised Jaishankar in a press conference. He claimed the minister's act was not diplomacy but something more serious. “This is not diplomacy, this is espionage. Everyone heard what the External Affairs Minister said. A cover-up is being done,” he alleged.Khera went further to question whether this “warning” allowed terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed to flee their hideouts. “This statement suggests that the terrorists must have fled their bases. Prime Minister Modi and the External Affairs Minister must answer why this was done,” he said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-army-displays-pakistani-missile-debris-watch-1747647949093">Operation Sindoor: Indian Army displays Pakistani missile debris. Watch</a><h2>Government pushes back, says facts are being twisted</h2>The Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly, saying Jaishankar’s words were being taken out of context. A government statement clarified, “EAM had stated that we had warned Pakistan at the start, which is clearly the early phase after Op Sindoor's commencement. This is being falsely represented as being before the commencement.”Backing this version, the Defence Ministry referred to a statement made by Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations. Ghai had said, “Even though we did attempt to reach out and communicate our compulsions to strike at the heart of terror to my counterpart in the immediate wake of Operation Sindoor, the request was brusquely turned down with an intimation that a severe response was inevitable and in the offing. We were, of course, prepared.”<h2>PIB flags Gandhi’s claim as misleading</h2>The government’s fact-checking arm, PIB FactCheck, said that the claims being made about Jaishankar’s remarks were false. “The social media post falsely implies from External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar's statement that India informed Pakistan before the start of Operation Sindoor. EAM is being misquoted and he has not made this statement,” it said, warning people to stay alert and not fall for misleading content.

Reposting a video clip of Dr Jaishankar speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result?”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has again targeted External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, accusing the government of informing Pakistan at the start of Operation Sindoor. Gandhi said this act was not merely a mistake, but a “crime”. Reposting a video clip of Dr Jaishankar speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result?” Also read: Operation Sindoor: Pakistani spy network busted in Haryana's Nuh The Congress MP did not stop there. In another post, he wrote, “So I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.”

Reposting a video clip of Dr Jaishankar speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our airforce lose as a result?”

‘A crime, not a lapse’: Rahul Gandhi accuses S Jaishankar of tipping off Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, again - Here's what BJP said

Pakistan’s path to economic recovery just got rockier. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest report, has laid out stricter conditions for any future lending to the crisis-hit nation — conditions that go beyond traditional fiscal metrics and delve into politically sensitive reforms. And if that wasn’t enough, rising tensions with India are casting a long shadow over Islamabad’s ability to stabilise its fragile economy. According to Bloomberg, the IMF has demanded sweeping structural reforms as a prerequisite for unlocking more funding. These include securing parliamentary approval for the upcoming federal budget by June, implementing agricultural income tax across all provinces, and rolling out a phased withdrawal of industrial incentives by year-end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Pakistan must adjust electricity and gas tariffs in a timely manner, and legislate to restructure debt in the energy sector, aiming to reduce the financial burden on state-owned power firms.&nbsp;The IMF’s insistence on reforms reflects deeper concerns. Pakistan narrowly averted default in 2023, but with more than $100 billion in external financing needed through 2029, the margin for error is razor-thin. Complicating matters are geopolitical risks, especially those stemming from Pakistan’s worsening relationship with its eastern neighbour.&nbsp;India-Pakistan tensions&nbsp;The latest escalation began with the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for orchestrating the assault and retaliated swiftly with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control. But this was only the beginning. What followed was an aggressive economic retaliation campaign — one that’s proving to be just as damaging as military action.&nbsp;On May 2, India banned all imports from Pakistan, including those routed via third countries like the UAE. While trade between the two has been minimal since 2019 — accounting for just 0.06 per cent of India’s overall trade — the move sends a strong political message. It also hits Pakistan where it hurts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Islamabad relies heavily on Indian raw materials, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, where more than 90 per cent of ingredients are imported. With supply chains severed, Pakistan’s medicine, chemical, and processed food industries are already feeling the squeeze.&nbsp;India’s response extended beyond trade. It closed its airspace to Pakistani carriers, forcing Pakistan International Airlines to reroute flights through longer, costlier paths via Iran and Central Asia. International carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways have also suspended flights over Pakistan due to security risks, cutting into the country’s overflight revenue estimated between $30–50 million annually.&nbsp;Maritime trade hasn’t been spared either. With ports closed to Pakistani-flagged vessels, exporters are forced to rely on more expensive third-party routes. This not only delays shipments but also jeopardizes Pakistan’s export earnings from textiles, rice, and sports goods, worsening its current account deficit.&nbsp;And perhaps the most severe blow came when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a World Bank-brokered agreement that has governed river water sharing since 1960. Given that 90 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on these rivers, any interruption could cripple farming in provinces like Punjab and Sindh. Already, protests have erupted over water shortages and the threat of massive crop failures looms large.&nbsp;India hasn’t just flexed its economic muscle domestically — it has taken the fight global. New Delhi formally objected to the IMF’s recent $1 billion disbursement to Pakistan, arguing that the funds could be misused in ways that undermine regional security. Bloomberg reports that India lobbied the IMF and World Bank to reconsider aid and credit lines to Islamabad, especially in light of continued terror threats emanating from its soil.&nbsp;The IMF responded cautiously, warning that persistent hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could derail reform efforts in Pakistan. It also cited reputational risks if the fund is perceived as turning a blind eye to geopolitical tensions or the potential misuse of disbursed funds.&nbsp;Amid the brewing economic cold war, India and Pakistan’s economic trajectories are sharply diverging. According to the IMF, India’s GDP growth is expected to moderate from 8.2 per cent in 2023 to 7 per cent in 2024 and 6.5 per cent in 2025 — still robust by global standards. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces an uphill climb. The IMF has revised its 2025 growth forecast for Pakistan down to 3 per cent from 3.2 per cent, reflecting the economic strain from domestic instability, international isolation, and surging import costs. &nbsp; &nbsp;

IMF's conditions go beyond traditional fiscal metrics and delve into politically sensitive reforms. This comes amid rising tensions with India are casting a long shadow over Islamabad’s ability to stabilise its fragile economy.

Pakistan’s path to economic recovery just got rockier. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest report, has laid out stricter conditions for any future lending to the crisis-hit nation — conditions that go beyond traditional fiscal metrics and delve into politically sensitive reforms. And if that wasn’t enough, rising tensions with India are casting a long shadow over Islamabad’s ability to stabilise its fragile economy. According to Bloomberg, the IMF has demanded sweeping structural reforms as a prerequisite for unlocking more funding. These include securing parliamentary approval for the upcoming federal budget by June, implementing agricultural income tax across all provinces, and rolling out a phased withdrawal of industrial incentives by year-end. Additionally, Pakistan must adjust electricity and gas tariffs in a timely manner, and legislate to restructure debt in the energy sector, aiming to reduce the financial burden on state-owned power firms. The IMF’s insistence on reforms reflects deeper concerns. Pakistan narrowly averted default in 2023, but with more than $100 billion in external financing needed through 2029, the margin for error is razor-thin. Complicating matters are geopolitical risks, especially those stemming from Pakistan’s worsening relationship with its eastern neighbour. India-Pakistan tensions The latest escalation began with the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for orchestrating the assault and retaliated swiftly with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control. But this was only the beginning. What followed was an aggressive economic retaliation campaign — one that’s proving to be just as damaging as military action. On May 2, India banned all imports from Pakistan, including those routed via third countries like the UAE. While trade between the two has been minimal since 2019 — accounting for just 0.06 per cent of India’s overall trade — the move sends a strong political message. It also hits Pakistan where it hurts. Islamabad relies heavily on Indian raw materials, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, where more than 90 per cent of ingredients are imported. With supply chains severed, Pakistan’s medicine, chemical, and processed food industries are already feeling the squeeze. India’s response extended beyond trade. It closed its airspace to Pakistani carriers, forcing Pakistan International Airlines to reroute flights through longer, costlier paths via Iran and Central Asia. International carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways have also suspended flights over Pakistan due to security risks, cutting into the country’s overflight revenue estimated between $30–50 million annually. Maritime trade hasn’t been spared either. With ports closed to Pakistani-flagged vessels, exporters are forced to rely on more expensive third-party routes. This not only delays shipments but also jeopardizes Pakistan’s export earnings from textiles, rice, and sports goods, worsening its current account deficit. And perhaps the most severe blow came when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty — a World Bank-brokered agreement that has governed river water sharing since 1960. Given that 90 per cent of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on these rivers, any interruption could cripple farming in provinces like Punjab and Sindh. Already, protests have erupted over water shortages and the threat of massive crop failures looms large. India hasn’t just flexed its economic muscle domestically — it has taken the fight global. New Delhi formally objected to the IMF’s recent $1 billion disbursement to Pakistan, arguing that the funds could be misused in ways that undermine regional security. Bloomberg reports that India lobbied the IMF and World Bank to reconsider aid and credit lines to Islamabad, especially in light of continued terror threats emanating from its soil. The IMF responded cautiously, warning that persistent hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could derail reform efforts in Pakistan. It also cited reputational risks if the fund is perceived as turning a blind eye to geopolitical tensions or the potential misuse of disbursed funds. Amid the brewing economic cold war, India and Pakistan’s economic trajectories are sharply diverging. According to the IMF, India’s GDP growth is expected to moderate from 8.2 per cent in 2023 to 7 per cent in 2024 and 6.5 per cent in 2025 — still robust by global standards. Pakistan, on the other hand, faces an uphill climb. The IMF has revised its 2025 growth forecast for Pakistan down to 3 per cent from 3.2 per cent, reflecting the economic strain from domestic instability, international isolation, and surging import costs.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has laid out stricter conditions for any future lending to the crisis-hit nation, Pakistan.&nbsp;

IMF tightens conditions for Pakistan to get fresh loans amid mounting tensions with India

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s apology for his “crass” comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army’s spokesperson during Operation Sindoor press briefings, and directed the state to set up a special investigation team (SIT) of three senior police officials to probe the episode. A bench of justices Surya Kant and N Kotishwar Singh rapped Shah and said his apology appeared to be an attempt to “wriggle out of the situation” he had landed himself in. “You are a public figure. You should weigh your words. You were on the verge of using filthy and abusive language… probably only stopped because you couldn’t think of an alternate word or good sense prevailed,” the bench said.“This was such an emotive issue for the Army. They are on the frontlines. The least we can do is respect them. The entire nation is ashamed of you,” it added. &nbsp;‘Set up SIT by Tuesday,’ SC orders DGP The bench then ordered the MP director general of police (DGP) to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including a woman officer, by Tuesday (May 20).The court also specified that all three officers “should be (from) outside the state” and should be led by an officer of at least Inspector General of Police rank, while the other two should not be below the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP).The SIT will have to submit its first status report to the court on May 28.&nbsp;‘It is a litmus test’&nbsp;“It is a litmus test, and we want the state to submit the SIT report to us. We would like to have a very close watch,” the court said.The court has, for now, restrained the state police from arresting the minister. &nbsp;The court passed the orders on a petition filed by Shah against the Madhya Pradesh High Court order of May 14 that took suo motu cognisance of his remarks and ordered the police to register an FIR. The FIR was filed against Shah at the Manpur police station in Indore rural.&nbsp;At its first hearing on May 15, a bench led by CJI BR Gavai pulled up the minister for his offensive remarks against Col Sofiya, and termed them disparaging and dangerous not just to the officer but to the armed forces itself.The minister told the top court that the media wrongly quoted his statement and that he had already apologised.At an event in Indore on May 12, the minister said in an apparent reference to Qureshi, “Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson”. He apologised for the remarks the next day, even as the high court took cognisance and ordered the state police to file an FIR against him.&nbsp;The bench stayed Vijay Shah’s arrest but cautioned that the matter would not be allowed to become political. “He must face consequences. Let law take its own course. We will not allow this to be politicised,” Justice Kant told the state government.&nbsp;

The court passed the orders on a petition filed by Shah against the Madhya Pradesh High Court order of May 14 that took suo motu cognisance of his remarks and ordered the police to register an FIR. The FIR was filed against Shah at the Manpur police station in Indore rural.

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s apology for his “crass” comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army’s spokesperson during Operation Sindoor press briefings, and directed the state to set up a special investigation team (SIT) of three senior police officials to probe the episode. A bench of justices Surya Kant and N Kotishwar Singh rapped Shah and said his apology appeared to be an attempt to “wriggle out of the situation” he had landed himself in. “You are a public figure. You should weigh your words. You were on the verge of using filthy and abusive language… probably only stopped because you couldn’t think of an alternate word or good sense prevailed,” the bench said. “This was such an emotive issue for the Army. They are on the frontlines. The least we can do is respect them. The entire nation is ashamed of you,” it added. ‘Set up SIT by Tuesday,’ SC orders DGP The bench then ordered the MP director general of police (DGP) to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including a woman officer, by Tuesday (May 20). The court also specified that all three officers “should be (from) outside the state” and should be led by an officer of at least Inspector General of Police rank, while the other two should not be below the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP). The SIT will have to submit its first status report to the court on May 28. ‘It is a litmus test’ “It is a litmus test, and we want the state to submit the SIT report to us. We would like to have a very close watch,” the court said. The court has, for now, restrained the state police from arresting the minister. The court passed the orders on a petition filed by Shah against the Madhya Pradesh High Court order of May 14 that took suo motu cognisance of his remarks and ordered the police to register an FIR. The FIR was filed against Shah at the Manpur police station in Indore rural. At its first hearing on May 15, a bench led by CJI BR Gavai pulled up the minister for his offensive remarks against Col Sofiya, and termed them disparaging and dangerous not just to the officer but to the armed forces itself. The minister told the top court that the media wrongly quoted his statement and that he had already apologised. At an event in Indore on May 12, the minister said in an apparent reference to Qureshi, “Those who widowed our daughters, we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson”. He apologised for the remarks the next day, even as the high court took cognisance and ordered the state police to file an FIR against him. The bench stayed Vijay Shah’s arrest but cautioned that the matter would not be allowed to become political. “He must face consequences. Let law take its own course. We will not allow this to be politicised,” Justice Kant told the state government.

The court passed the orders on a petition filed by Shah against the Madhya Pradesh High Court order of May 14 that took suo motu cognisance of his remarks and ordered the police to register an FIR. The FIR was filed against Shah at the Manpur police station in Indore rural.

‘Nation ashamed’: SC rejects MP minister’s apology for ‘crass’ comment on Col Sofiya Qureshi, orders SIT probe

Pakistan has extended the closure of the only runway at its Rahim Yar Khan airbase till June 6. The runway was damaged following the air strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on May 10.&nbsp;After the Indian airstrike, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice to airmen, or NOTAM, informing that the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase will not be operational for flights for a week. However, according to a new NOTAM, the runway will now be closed till June 6.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-6-pakistan-air-force-bases-india-hit-1747646095209/1747646095211">Operation sindoor: 6 Pakistan Air Force bases India hit</a>&nbsp;The extension of closure suggests that the runway needed extensive repairs following India’s precision strikes, which are taking longer than expected. The latest notice mentioned that the closure was due to work in progress on the runway, but did not mention details. It said that the sole runway of the airbase will not be available for flight operations.&nbsp;The notice stated, “RWY NOT AVBL FOR FLT OPS DUE WIP.”&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-army-displays-pakistani-missile-debris-watch-1747647949093">Operation Sindoor: Indian Army displays Pakistani missile debris. Watch</a>&nbsp;Rahim Yar Khan, which is located in Pakistan’s southern province of Punjab, has a dual-purpose airport for Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Central Air Command and the Sheikh Zayed International Airport.&nbsp;Following the airstrike, satellite images released by the Indian Armed Forces revealed the extent of damage caused to the runway. A large and deep crater could be seen in the middle of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway, while other images showed damage to a building at the airbase.&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-arrested-in-punjab-for-sharing-military-information-during-operation-sindoor-with-pakistan-1747651234836">Two arrested in Punjab for sharing military information during Operation Sindoor with Pakistan</a>&nbsp;<h2>Operation Sindoor</h2>&nbsp;The airbase was among the key Pakistani military targets hit by India amid the conflict between the two nations that led to four days of military actions, before India and Pakistan reached an understanding for a ceasefire on May 10.&nbsp;During a press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti said, “...We stuck Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan bases, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad...We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more.”&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-army-displays-pakistani-missile-debris-watch-1747647949093">Operation Sindoor: Indian Army displays Pakistani missile debris. Watch</a>&nbsp;Indian strikes came in response to the attempted drone and missile attacks launched by the Pakistani military in response to Operation Sindoor. In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26, the Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, following which the Pakistani Armed Forces attacked India.

The extension of closure suggests that the runway needed extensive repairs following India’s precision strikes, which are taking longer than expected.

Pakistan has extended the closure of the only runway at its Rahim Yar Khan airbase till June 6. The runway was damaged following the air strikes by the Indian Armed Forces on May 10. After the Indian airstrike, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice to airmen, or NOTAM, informing that the runway at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase will not be operational for flights for a week. However, according to a new NOTAM, the runway will now be closed till June 6. Also read | Operation sindoor: 6 Pakistan Air Force bases India hit The extension of closure suggests that the runway needed extensive repairs following India’s precision strikes, which are taking longer than expected. The latest notice mentioned that the closure was due to work in progress on the runway, but did not mention details. It said that the sole runway of the airbase will not be available for flight operations. The notice stated, “RWY NOT AVBL FOR FLT OPS DUE WIP.” Also read | Operation Sindoor: Indian Army displays Pakistani missile debris. Watch Rahim Yar Khan, which is located in Pakistan’s southern province of Punjab, has a dual-purpose airport for Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Central Air Command and the Sheikh Zayed International Airport. Following the airstrike, satellite images released by the Indian Armed Forces revealed the extent of damage caused to the runway. A large and deep crater could be seen in the middle of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway, while other images showed damage to a building at the airbase. Also read | Two arrested in Punjab for sharing military information during Operation Sindoor with Pakistan Operation Sindoor The airbase was among the key Pakistani military targets hit by India amid the conflict between the two nations that led to four days of military actions, before India and Pakistan reached an understanding for a ceasefire on May 10. During a press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal AK Bharti said, “...We stuck Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan bases, sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad...We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more.” Also read | Operation Sindoor: Indian Army displays Pakistani missile debris. Watch Indian strikes came in response to the attempted drone and missile attacks launched by the Pakistani military in response to Operation Sindoor. In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26, the Indian Armed Forces launched strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, following which the Pakistani Armed Forces attacked India.

The extension of closure suggests that the runway needed extensive repairs following India’s precision strikes, which are taking longer than expected.

Operation Sindoor: Under extensive repairs, Pakistan extends Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway closure till June 6

During Operation Sindoor, India launched a massive strike on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, damaging at least eight PAF air bases, radars, and defence units. The aerial attack was swift, precise and forced multiple Pakistani bases to shut down.

During Operation Sindoor, India launched a massive strike on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, damaging at least six PAF air bases, radars, and defence units. The aerial attack was swift, precise and forced multiple Pakistani bases to shut down.

Operation Sindoor: 6 Pakistan Air Force bases attacked by India

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