In an era of heightened diplomatic tensions, when the threat of nuclear war looms large, there are several countries once in possession of or on the path to nuclear arms chose to disarm, aiming for stability over escalation.

In an era of heightened diplomatic tensions, when the threat of nuclear war looms large, there are several countries once in possession of or on the path to nuclear arms chose to disarm, aiming for stability over escalation.

From Ukraine to South Africa: 5 countries that abandoned their nuclear weapons and why

The Ashoka University Faculty Association has strongly condemned the arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was taken into custody over his comments on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.In a statement released on Sunday, the faculty body described the charges against Professor Mahmudabad as “groundless and untenable”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-india-pakistan-tensions-operation-sindoor-1747580097816">‘They were developing her as asset’: How Pakistan used Indian YouTuber&nbsp;Jyoti&nbsp;Malhotra linked to spying case</a>“We condemn the calculated harassment to which Professor Mahmudabad has been subjected: after being arrested early in the morning from his home in New Delhi, he was taken to Sonipat, not allowed access to necessary medication, and driven around for hours without any communication about his whereabouts,” the statement said.<h3>Faculty praises Mahmudabad’s academic and civic record</h3>The association voiced its full support for Professor Mahmudabad, calling him “an invaluable member of the university community, a deeply responsible citizen, and a friend to his students”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-foreign-minister-ishaq-dar-china-wang-yi-afghanistan-1747583778404">'In wake of Pak-India conflict': Pak top diplomat Ishaq Dar to visit China in first trip after Operation Sindoor</a>It further added, “Professor Mahmudabad is well-versed in diverse literary and linguistic traditions and is a widely acclaimed expert and scholar of history and political science in South Asia and beyond. In all of his writing, both for academic and wider public fora, he has emphasized the importance of justice, pluralism, and solidarity, and has always advocated a profound respect for Constitutional values and morality.”The faculty demanded his immediate and unconditional release and called for all charges to be dropped.<h2>Why was Professor Mahmudabad arrested?</h2>Professor Mahmudabad’s arrest followed a complaint taken up suo motu by the Haryana State Commission for Women, which objected to his social media post concerning Army Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, two prominent women officers who fronted media briefings during Operation Sindoor.In its notice, the commission claimed that Mahmudabad’s comments undermined the role of women in the armed forces and incited communal tension.<h2>What did the professor say?</h2>In a Facebook post, Professor Mahmudabad had described the media appearances of Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as “optics” and added that “optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy.”He further wrote, “I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing, and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens.”<h2>Mahmudabad says his words were misinterpreted</h2>Responding to the summons issued by the commission, Mahmudabad denied that his post was misogynistic or disrespectful towards the officers.“The screenshots attached to the notice make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood and that the Commission has no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).He added, “The Women’s Commission is a body that serves an important function; however, the summons issued to me fails to highlight how my post is contrary to the rights of or laws for women.”The commission, however, has interpreted his comments as an attempt to discredit a national military operation.

In a Facebook post, Professor Mahmudabad had described the media appearances of Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as “optics” and added that “optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy.”

The Ashoka University Faculty Association has strongly condemned the arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was taken into custody over his comments on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In a statement released on Sunday, the faculty body described the charges against Professor Mahmudabad as “groundless and untenable”. Also read: ‘They were developing her as asset’: How Pakistan used Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra linked to spying case “We condemn the calculated harassment to which Professor Mahmudabad has been subjected: after being arrested early in the morning from his home in New Delhi, he was taken to Sonipat, not allowed access to necessary medication, and driven around for hours without any communication about his whereabouts,” the statement said. Faculty praises Mahmudabad’s academic and civic record The association voiced its full support for Professor Mahmudabad, calling him “an invaluable member of the university community, a deeply responsible citizen, and a friend to his students”. Also read: 'In wake of Pak-India conflict': Pak top diplomat Ishaq Dar to visit China in first trip after Operation Sindoor It further added, “Professor Mahmudabad is well-versed in diverse literary and linguistic traditions and is a widely acclaimed expert and scholar of history and political science in South Asia and beyond. In all of his writing, both for academic and wider public fora, he has emphasized the importance of justice, pluralism, and solidarity, and has always advocated a profound respect for Constitutional values and morality.” The faculty demanded his immediate and unconditional release and called for all charges to be dropped. Why was Professor Mahmudabad arrested? Professor Mahmudabad’s arrest followed a complaint taken up suo motu by the Haryana State Commission for Women, which objected to his social media post concerning Army Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, two prominent women officers who fronted media briefings during Operation Sindoor. In its notice, the commission claimed that Mahmudabad’s comments undermined the role of women in the armed forces and incited communal tension. What did the professor say? In a Facebook post, Professor Mahmudabad had described the media appearances of Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as “optics” and added that “optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy.” He further wrote, “I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing, and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens.” Mahmudabad says his words were misinterpreted Responding to the summons issued by the commission, Mahmudabad denied that his post was misogynistic or disrespectful towards the officers. “The screenshots attached to the notice make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood and that the Commission has no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added, “The Women’s Commission is a body that serves an important function; however, the summons issued to me fails to highlight how my post is contrary to the rights of or laws for women.” The commission, however, has interpreted his comments as an attempt to discredit a national military operation.

In a Facebook post, Professor Mahmudabad had described the media appearances of Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as “optics” and added that “optics must translate to reality on the ground, otherwise it's just hypocrisy.”

‘Calculated harassment’: Ashoka faculty backs Professor Mahmudabad over Operation Sindoor ‘optics’ comments: Why was he arrested?

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar is heading to China on Monday (May 19) to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking his first foreign trip since the recent India-Pakistan military tensions.His visit comes just days after both countries agreed to a ceasefire following intense cross-border strikes sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-india-pakistan-tensions-operation-sindoor-1747580097816">‘They were developing her as asset’: How Pakistan used YouTuber&nbsp;Jyoti&nbsp;Malhotra</a><h2>Trilateral talks with China and Afghanistan on the agenda</h2>Dar’s itinerary includes a key trilateral meeting with China and Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is expected to arrive in China on Tuesday to join the talks.According to Geo News, “The foreign ministers of the three countries are expected to discuss the promotion of regional trade, enhanced security cooperation, and the evolving situation in the region, particularly in the wake of the recent Pakistan-India conflict.”<h2>Ceasefire followed four days of drone and missile strikes</h2>India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities on May 10 after four days of escalating strikes involving drones and missiles across the Line of Control. The decision to hold Dar’s first diplomatic engagement in China, just days after the ceasefire, has drawn attention.Beijing had earlier welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating it was in “the fundamental and long-term interest of both countries” and helped maintain regional peace and stability.<h2>What happened during India’s Operation Sindoor?</h2>Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The Indian Armed Forces said they carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.The Indian military reported killing over a hundred terrorists and hitting the headquarters of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military sites on May 8, 9 and 10. These were successfully repelled by Indian forces using systems such as the Akash Teer surface-to-air missiles.The Indian Air Force also struck Pakistani air bases, including the one in Rahim Yar Khan, reportedly destroying radar systems.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar is heading to China on Monday to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking his first foreign trip since the recent India-Pakistan military tensions.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar is heading to China on Monday (May 19) to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking his first foreign trip since the recent India-Pakistan military tensions. His visit comes just days after both countries agreed to a ceasefire following intense cross-border strikes sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read: ‘They were developing her as asset’: How Pakistan used YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Trilateral talks with China and Afghanistan on the agenda Dar’s itinerary includes a key trilateral meeting with China and Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is expected to arrive in China on Tuesday to join the talks. According to Geo News, “The foreign ministers of the three countries are expected to discuss the promotion of regional trade, enhanced security cooperation, and the evolving situation in the region, particularly in the wake of the recent Pakistan-India conflict.” Ceasefire followed four days of drone and missile strikes India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities on May 10 after four days of escalating strikes involving drones and missiles across the Line of Control. The decision to hold Dar’s first diplomatic engagement in China, just days after the ceasefire, has drawn attention. Beijing had earlier welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating it was in “the fundamental and long-term interest of both countries” and helped maintain regional peace and stability. What happened during India’s Operation Sindoor? Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The Indian Armed Forces said they carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. The Indian military reported killing over a hundred terrorists and hitting the headquarters of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military sites on May 8, 9 and 10. These were successfully repelled by Indian forces using systems such as the Akash Teer surface-to-air missiles. The Indian Air Force also struck Pakistani air bases, including the one in Rahim Yar Khan, reportedly destroying radar systems.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar is heading to China on Monday (May 19) to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, marking his first foreign trip since the recent India-Pakistan military tensions.

'In wake of Pak-India conflict': Pak top diplomat Ishaq Dar to visit China in first trip after Operation Sindoor

The presence of this colour not only in uniforms but also across weaponry reflects not only the tactical preparedness, but also of a shared identity in the army. 

Operation Sindoor: Why the Indian Army chose 'Olive Green' as its combat uniform colour

India has declared Operation Sindoor as the new normal in India's fight against terrorism, firmly stating that the military campaign against Pakistani terror infrastructure and military sites would continue into the foreseeable future.

Operation Sindoor sets new normal

Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday (May 17) hit back at Turkey for supporting Pakistan amid India-Pak tensions, stressing that there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan.&nbsp;
He further urged Turkey to rethink its stance on backing Pakistan and to recognise the deep-rooted historical relations with India before making such decisions.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Turkey must reconsider its stance of supporting Pakistan, and we must also remind Turkey that there is a bank called Isbank, where earlier depositors included people from India, such as from Hyderabad State and Rampur State," he told ANI.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boycottturkey-in-india-over-pakistan-support-how-will-it-affect-turkeys-tourism-what-numbers-say-jnu-jamia-9072497">#BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions</a>
Owaisi reminded Turkey that until 1990, the Turkish language was taught in the Ladakh area, reminding it of historic connections with India.&nbsp;
While stressing that India has more Muslims than Pakistan, Owaisi said that northern Turkish pilgrims once travelled through Ladakh to reach Mumbai for Hajj.&nbsp;
He further said that there are 220 million Muslims living in India, adding that the "whole bogey of Pakistan being a Muslim country is misleading."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-revokes-security-clearance-for-turkish-ground-handling-firm-celebi-airport-services-after-operation-sindoor-9072657">Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services</a>
"Until 1920, people from northern Turkey used to come to Ladakh and then travel to Mumbai to perform Hajj. We must continuously remind Turkey that there are 220 million honourable Muslims living in India. There are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan, and Pakistan has nothing to do with Islam at all,&rdquo; Owaisi said.
All this started after India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor as Turkey showed solidarity with Pakistan.&nbsp;
Turkiye&rsquo;s foreign affairs ministry condemned India&rsquo;s &ldquo;unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians&rdquo;.&nbsp;
It said Operation Sindoor raised the &ldquo;risk of an all-out war.&rdquo; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the &ldquo;brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times&rdquo;.
Later, the calls for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/boycott">boycott</a>&nbsp;grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India&rsquo;s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-jnu-suspends-agreement-with-inonu-university-amid-recep-tayyip-erdogans-support-for-pakistan-9068846">Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security'</a>

He urged Turkey to rethink its stance on backing Pakistan and to recognise the deep-rooted historical relations with India before making such decisions. India News world

Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday (May 17) hit back at Turkey for supporting Pakistan amid India-Pak tensions, stressing that there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan. He further urged Turkey to rethink its stance on backing Pakistan and to recognise the deep-rooted historical relations with India before making such decisions. “Turkey must reconsider its stance of supporting Pakistan, and we must also remind Turkey that there is a bank called Isbank, where earlier depositors included people from India, such as from Hyderabad State and Rampur State," he told ANI. Also read: #BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions Owaisi reminded Turkey that until 1990, the Turkish language was taught in the Ladakh area, reminding it of historic connections with India. While stressing that India has more Muslims than Pakistan, Owaisi said that northern Turkish pilgrims once travelled through Ladakh to reach Mumbai for Hajj. He further said that there are 220 million Muslims living in India, adding that the "whole bogey of Pakistan being a Muslim country is misleading." Also read: Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services "Until 1920, people from northern Turkey used to come to Ladakh and then travel to Mumbai to perform Hajj. We must continuously remind Turkey that there are 220 million honourable Muslims living in India. There are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan, and Pakistan has nothing to do with Islam at all,” Owaisi said. All this started after India’s Operation Sindoor as Turkey showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians”. It said Operation Sindoor raised the “risk of an all-out war.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the “brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”. Later, the calls for a boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India’s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones. Also read: Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security'

'More Muslims in India than Pakistan': Owaisi slams Turkey for backing Pak, says '220 million Muslims living here'

Dassault Aviation is a French aerospace giant known for building some of the world’s most advanced warplanes. While the Rafale is its star, Dassault’s line-up includes legendary fighters, bombers, business jets, and futuristic drones.

From Rafale fighter to Falcon private jets, what else has Dassault Aviation built? (See in pics)

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the satellite data provided a precise trajectory tracking to enable targeted defence responses.

Operation Sindoor: How ISRO satellites aided the Indian Army against Pakistan?

War historian Tom Cooper praise India's precision and strategy following the success of Operation Sindoor.

War historians laud India's precision strike after success of operation sindoor | wion

When the winds of war have howled across the subcontinent, it is often the roar of the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s jets that has echoed first and loudest through the skies.
Over the course of 60 years of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-air-force">Indian Air Force</a> (IAF) has not just stood as a line of defence&mdash;it has often been at the forefront. From the dogfights of 1965 to the high-tech airstrikes of 2019 and 2025, the Indian Air Force has shown the world time and again, that it a force to be reckoned with.
<h2>1965: The Baptism by fire</h2>
The 1965 war was the first major aerial confrontation between India and Pakistan. While the Pakistani Air Force was initially seen as better equipped with F-86 Sabres, the IAF&mdash;flying vintage but rugged aircraft like the Hawker Hunter and Myst&egrave;re IV&mdash;rose to the occasion with fearless determination.
The IAF&rsquo;s strike missions deep into Pakistani territory, particularly in Sargodha and Peshawar, crippled enemy air assets and fuel supplies. It was a wake-up call for anyone underestimating Indian airpower. Despite initial setbacks, the Indian pilots showed resilience and ingenuity, eventually gaining air superiority in multiple sectors.
<h2>1971: The sky war that helped birth of a nation</h2>
In the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the IAF played a crucial role in the eventual creation of a new nation. With precision strikes, close air support, and the strategic bombing of key Pakistani installations in both East and West Pakistan, the IAF showcased its might.
Who can forget &ldquo;Operation Cactus Lily,&rdquo; where Indian aircrafts conducted over 4,000 sorties in the Eastern Sector alone, ensuring that Indian ground forces moved swiftly to Dhaka? The effectiveness of the air campaign stunned the world and cemented India&rsquo;s dominance in the air.
<h2>1999: Kargil&mdash;Fighting a war without crossing line</h2>
the 1999 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kargil-war">Kargil war</a> was a different challenge altogether. Fought at altitudes of 16,000 feet and above, the IAF had strict orders not to cross the Line of Control. Yet, within those limits, it managed to carry out some of the most daring airstrikes in military history.
Operation Safed Sagar brought the Mirage 2000 into the spotlight, with laser-guided bombs hitting fortified Pakistani bunkers on mountain tops. It was not just an operational success; it was a message. India&rsquo;s air power could adapt, evolve, and deliver even in the most restrictive of scenarios.
<h2>2016: The surgical awakening</h2>
Though primarily a ground operation, the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri attack had strong aerial surveillance and logistical support from the IAF. Transport aircraft, drones, and radar coverage made the surgical strikes possible and safe. While the infantry carried the blade, the IAF ensured they got in and out without being touched.
<h2>2019: Balakot&mdash;A new doctrine of air dominance</h2>
Balakot changed the rules of the game. Since 1971, it was the first time that the Indian fighter jets crossed into Pakistani airspace to hit terror launchpads in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pulwama">Pulwama terror attack</a>. The Mirage 2000 jets once again proved to be the IAF&rsquo;s trusted mustang.
Pakistan retaliated, and the resulting dogfight saw Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shoot down an F-16 before being captured. The nation's heartbeat paused for 60 hours. His return wasn&rsquo;t just a diplomatic victory&mdash;it was a reflection of the IAF&rsquo;s courage and code of honour.
<h2>2025: Operation Sindoor &ndash; Thunder in the skies</h2>
By 2025, India&rsquo;s counter-terror doctrine had undergone a strategic evolution, shaped by the lessons of Uri and Balakot.&nbsp;This was a defining moment. The Indian Air Force had carried out the operation entirely on its own&mdash;no ground incursion, no diplomatic delays&mdash;just high-precision dominance from the skies.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made visits to two crucial airbases: Adampur and Srinagar. The message was clear&mdash;India stood with its air warriors.
Addressing from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/adampur">Adampur Airbase</a>, PM Narendra Modi said, "I can proudly say that all of you reached your target with perfection. In Pakistan, it was not just the terrorist camps and their air bases that were destroyed, but their nefarious designs and audacity were also defeated."
"In 20-25 minutes, the Air Force struck locations deep inside Pakistan. This can only be done by a professional force loaded with modern technology. The enemy did not realise when missiles pierced deep into enemy&rsquo;s heart," the PM said.
"Pakistan's drone, their UAVs, aircraft and missiles, all of those failed before our capable air defence. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of all air bases of the country and every air warrior of the Indian Air Force. You have done a really fantastic job," PM Modi added.
On May 15, in its statement, the government said that the IAF's offensive &mdash; completed in just 23 minutes &mdash; saw nine major terror camps obliterated and 13 Pakistani military installations, including air bases in Karachi, Sargodha, Skardu and Chaklala, crippled by deep-strike cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and BrahMos-fired Sukhois. Over 100 terrorists were reportedly killed in India's strike.
"Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan&rsquo;s Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs, demonstrating India's technological edge," said the statement released on Wednesday. Jamming is the process of interfering with or confusing enemy communications and radar.
<h2>The IAF&mdash;India&rsquo;s sword in the sky</h2>
From the MiG-21s of the Cold War to the Rafales of the modern era, the Indian Air Force has always adapted, grown, and led from the front. Whether defending against aggression or executing offensive strategies, the IAF remains India&rsquo;s most agile and reliable force multiplier.
In every war with Pakistan, and in every chapter of regional conflict, the IAF has done more than fly&mdash;it has soared, struck, and served.
The sky is not the limit. For the Indian Air Force, it&rsquo;s just the beginning.

India News: Over the course of 60 years of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the IAF has not just stood as a line of defence—it has often been at forefront

When the winds of war have howled across the subcontinent, it is often the roar of the Indian Air Force’s jets that has echoed first and loudest through the skies. Over the course of 60 years of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has not just stood as a line of defence—it has often been at the forefront. From the dogfights of 1965 to the high-tech airstrikes of 2019 and 2025, the Indian Air Force has shown the world time and again, that it a force to be reckoned with. 1965: The Baptism by fire The 1965 war was the first major aerial confrontation between India and Pakistan. While the Pakistani Air Force was initially seen as better equipped with F-86 Sabres, the IAF—flying vintage but rugged aircraft like the Hawker Hunter and Mystère IV—rose to the occasion with fearless determination. The IAF’s strike missions deep into Pakistani territory, particularly in Sargodha and Peshawar, crippled enemy air assets and fuel supplies. It was a wake-up call for anyone underestimating Indian airpower. Despite initial setbacks, the Indian pilots showed resilience and ingenuity, eventually gaining air superiority in multiple sectors. 1971: The sky war that helped birth of a nation In the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the IAF played a crucial role in the eventual creation of a new nation. With precision strikes, close air support, and the strategic bombing of key Pakistani installations in both East and West Pakistan, the IAF showcased its might. Who can forget “Operation Cactus Lily,” where Indian aircrafts conducted over 4,000 sorties in the Eastern Sector alone, ensuring that Indian ground forces moved swiftly to Dhaka? The effectiveness of the air campaign stunned the world and cemented India’s dominance in the air. 1999: Kargil—Fighting a war without crossing line the 1999 Kargil war was a different challenge altogether. Fought at altitudes of 16,000 feet and above, the IAF had strict orders not to cross the Line of Control. Yet, within those limits, it managed to carry out some of the most daring airstrikes in military history. Operation Safed Sagar brought the Mirage 2000 into the spotlight, with laser-guided bombs hitting fortified Pakistani bunkers on mountain tops. It was not just an operational success; it was a message. India’s air power could adapt, evolve, and deliver even in the most restrictive of scenarios. 2016: The surgical awakening Though primarily a ground operation, the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri attack had strong aerial surveillance and logistical support from the IAF. Transport aircraft, drones, and radar coverage made the surgical strikes possible and safe. While the infantry carried the blade, the IAF ensured they got in and out without being touched. 2019: Balakot—A new doctrine of air dominance Balakot changed the rules of the game. Since 1971, it was the first time that the Indian fighter jets crossed into Pakistani airspace to hit terror launchpads in response to the Pulwama terror attack. The Mirage 2000 jets once again proved to be the IAF’s trusted mustang. Pakistan retaliated, and the resulting dogfight saw Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shoot down an F-16 before being captured. The nation's heartbeat paused for 60 hours. His return wasn’t just a diplomatic victory—it was a reflection of the IAF’s courage and code of honour. 2025: Operation Sindoor – Thunder in the skies By 2025, India’s counter-terror doctrine had undergone a strategic evolution, shaped by the lessons of Uri and Balakot. This was a defining moment. The Indian Air Force had carried out the operation entirely on its own—no ground incursion, no diplomatic delays—just high-precision dominance from the skies. In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made visits to two crucial airbases: Adampur and Srinagar. The message was clear—India stood with its air warriors. Addressing from Adampur Airbase, PM Narendra Modi said, "I can proudly say that all of you reached your target with perfection. In Pakistan, it was not just the terrorist camps and their air bases that were destroyed, but their nefarious designs and audacity were also defeated." "In 20-25 minutes, the Air Force struck locations deep inside Pakistan. This can only be done by a professional force loaded with modern technology. The enemy did not realise when missiles pierced deep into enemy’s heart," the PM said. "Pakistan's drone, their UAVs, aircraft and missiles, all of those failed before our capable air defence. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of all air bases of the country and every air warrior of the Indian Air Force. You have done a really fantastic job," PM Modi added. On May 15, in its statement, the government said that the IAF's offensive — completed in just 23 minutes — saw nine major terror camps obliterated and 13 Pakistani military installations, including air bases in Karachi, Sargodha, Skardu and Chaklala, crippled by deep-strike cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and BrahMos-fired Sukhois. Over 100 terrorists were reportedly killed in India's strike. "Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs, demonstrating India's technological edge," said the statement released on Wednesday. Jamming is the process of interfering with or confusing enemy communications and radar. The IAF—India’s sword in the sky From the MiG-21s of the Cold War to the Rafales of the modern era, the Indian Air Force has always adapted, grown, and led from the front. Whether defending against aggression or executing offensive strategies, the IAF remains India’s most agile and reliable force multiplier. In every war with Pakistan, and in every chapter of regional conflict, the IAF has done more than fly—it has soared, struck, and served. The sky is not the limit. For the Indian Air Force, it’s just the beginning.

First to roar, last to rest: How the Indian Air Force has played a pivotal role in Indo-Pak wars

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has joined the Indian government's all-party delegations to foreign countries after India&rsquo;s recent Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan
<h2>'Pakistan's Islamic image is bakwas,' says Owaisi</h2>
Owaisi said India must expose Pakistan&rsquo;s real agenda. &ldquo;India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. This began during the time of (former Pakistan President) Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, and we need to tell the world about this and also about the Kandahar plane hijack, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the 2001 Parliament attacks, the Uri and Pathankot incidents, the killing of seven tourists in Reasi, and Pahalgam. This is a danger for humanity,&rdquo; Owaisi told PTI.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-travel-vlogger-jyoti-malhotra-travel-with-jo-arrested-for-spying-for-pakistan-india-pakistan-tensions-operation-sindoor-9078809" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indian travel vlogger arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan: Who is she and what are the charges against her?</a>
Taking aim at Pakistan&rsquo;s attempts to present itself as a religious leader, he said, &ldquo;Pakistan is trying to project itself as an Islamic country, but India also has nearly 20 crore Muslims.&rdquo; He called such claims "bakwas" and added, &ldquo;We need to tell (the world) about this as well.&rdquo;
Owaisi also stated he wasn&rsquo;t yet informed which group he would be part of or who would lead it, but stressed, &ldquo;We need to put forth India's story.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-can-pakistan-use-f-16s-against-india-operation-sindoor-pakistan-drone-attack-pahalgam-terror-attack-9050088" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here&rsquo;s what the rules say</a>
<h2>Supriya Sule joins the global anti-terror effort</h2>
Supriya Sule, MP from Baramati and senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar), has also joined the delegation. She expressed gratitude for the nomination and pledged to represent India&rsquo;s stand against terrorism on the international stage.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-to-roar-last-to-rest-how-the-indian-air-force-has-played-a-pivotal-role-in-indo-pak-wars-9078436" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">First to roar, last to rest: How the Indian Air Force has played a pivotal role in Indo-Pak wars</a>
In a message shared on X, she said, &ldquo;I am honoured to join the all-party delegation representing India on the global stage. I humbly accept this responsibility and thank Hon&rsquo;ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Minister Kiren Rijiju ji, and the Ministry of External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the people of the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency for your continued support.&nbsp;Our mission is to convey India&rsquo;s united and unwavering message of zero tolerance against terrorism.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-questionable-congress-gave-4-names-for-delegation-to-expose-pakistan-on-terrorism-and-shashi-tharoor-wasnt-one-of-them-operation-sindoor-9078499" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Deeply questionable': Congress gave 4 names for delegation to expose Pakistan on terrorism AND Shashi Tharoor wasn't one of them</a>

India news: Owaisi said India must expose Pakistan’s real agenda. “India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," the AIMIM leader said.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has joined the Indian government's all-party delegations to foreign countries after India’s recent Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan 'Pakistan's Islamic image is bakwas,' says Owaisi Owaisi said India must expose Pakistan’s real agenda. “India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. This began during the time of (former Pakistan President) Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, and we need to tell the world about this and also about the Kandahar plane hijack, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the 2001 Parliament attacks, the Uri and Pathankot incidents, the killing of seven tourists in Reasi, and Pahalgam. This is a danger for humanity,” Owaisi told PTI. Also read: Indian travel vlogger arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan: Who is she and what are the charges against her? Taking aim at Pakistan’s attempts to present itself as a religious leader, he said, “Pakistan is trying to project itself as an Islamic country, but India also has nearly 20 crore Muslims.” He called such claims "bakwas" and added, “We need to tell (the world) about this as well.” Owaisi also stated he wasn’t yet informed which group he would be part of or who would lead it, but stressed, “We need to put forth India's story.” Also read: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here’s what the rules say Supriya Sule joins the global anti-terror effort Supriya Sule, MP from Baramati and senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar), has also joined the delegation. She expressed gratitude for the nomination and pledged to represent India’s stand against terrorism on the international stage. Also read: First to roar, last to rest: How the Indian Air Force has played a pivotal role in Indo-Pak wars In a message shared on X, she said, “I am honoured to join the all-party delegation representing India on the global stage. I humbly accept this responsibility and thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Minister Kiren Rijiju ji, and the Ministry of External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the people of the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency for your continued support. Our mission is to convey India’s united and unwavering message of zero tolerance against terrorism.” Also read: 'Deeply questionable': Congress gave 4 names for delegation to expose Pakistan on terrorism AND Shashi Tharoor wasn't one of them

'Danger for humanity': Owaisi slams Pakistan’s Islamic image as he joins Centre's anti-terror all-party delegations to foreign countries

India Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday (May 17) drew similarities between India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/operation-sindoor">Operation Sindoor</a> and the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces in Pakistan.&nbsp;
While speaking at an event, Dhankhar referred to the US raid that happened on May 2, 2011, in Pakistan to kill the mastermind of the September 11 attacks.&nbsp;
However, the vice president did not name Bin Laden directly, but made a sharp comparison, saying, "A global terrorist who planned, supervised, and executed September 11 attacks inside the US was 'dealt with' by the US forces 'similarly'.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-is-not-over-here-are-explosive-quotes-by-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-watch-9075380">'Operation Sindoor is not over': Here are explosive quotes by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh - Watch</a>
He further said that the "Operation Sindoor" has marked a "new global benchmark" in the fight against terrorism.&nbsp;
"While maintaining the spirit of peace, the objective has been to strike at terrorism,&rdquo; he added.
The vice president described India's attacks on nine terror infrastructure sites as the "deepest-ever cross-border strike" against terrorism.&nbsp;
For the first time, precise strikes were carried out deep across the International Border on the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-india-drone-war-bhargavastra-harun-drones-pakistan-turkish-drones-fail-india-offensive-and-defensive-drones-listed-9070724">Operation Sindoor proved Indian drones' lethal power, locally made military drones will soon make India a 'drone-Aachaarya'</a>
He said that the strikes were executed with such precision that only terrorists were harmed.&nbsp;
He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message after the Pahalgam terror attack, that claimed the lives of 26 people. "Those were not empty words. The world has now realised," he said.
He also said that the Pahalgam terror attack, which left at least 26 people dead, was the deadliest attack on civilians since the Mumbai terror attack.&nbsp;
The vice president further warned against supporting countries that are against India&rsquo;s interests.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Can we afford to empower countries that are inimical to our interests? Time has come when each one of us must deeply think about economic nationalism,&rdquo; Dhankhar said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-high-level-cabinet-committee-meeting-chaired-by-pm-modi-on-national-security-concludes-9067565">Operation Sindoor: High-level Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by PM Modi on national security concludes</a>

Vice President Dhankhar referred to the US raid that happened on May 2, 2011, in Pakistan to kill the mastermind of the September 11 attacks. India news pakistan

India Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday (May 17) drew similarities between India's Operation Sindoor and the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces in Pakistan. While speaking at an event, Dhankhar referred to the US raid that happened on May 2, 2011, in Pakistan to kill the mastermind of the September 11 attacks. However, the vice president did not name Bin Laden directly, but made a sharp comparison, saying, "A global terrorist who planned, supervised, and executed September 11 attacks inside the US was 'dealt with' by the US forces 'similarly'.” Also read: 'Operation Sindoor is not over': Here are explosive quotes by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh - Watch He further said that the "Operation Sindoor" has marked a "new global benchmark" in the fight against terrorism. "While maintaining the spirit of peace, the objective has been to strike at terrorism,” he added. The vice president described India's attacks on nine terror infrastructure sites as the "deepest-ever cross-border strike" against terrorism. For the first time, precise strikes were carried out deep across the International Border on the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also read: Operation Sindoor proved Indian drones' lethal power, locally made military drones will soon make India a 'drone-Aachaarya' He said that the strikes were executed with such precision that only terrorists were harmed. He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message after the Pahalgam terror attack, that claimed the lives of 26 people. "Those were not empty words. The world has now realised," he said. He also said that the Pahalgam terror attack, which left at least 26 people dead, was the deadliest attack on civilians since the Mumbai terror attack. The vice president further warned against supporting countries that are against India’s interests. “Can we afford to empower countries that are inimical to our interests? Time has come when each one of us must deeply think about economic nationalism,” Dhankhar said. Also read: Operation Sindoor: High-level Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by PM Modi on national security concludes

Operation Sindoor and Osama Bin Laden's killing SIMILAR? Indian VP hails 'deepest-ever cross-border strike' on Pak terror sites

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (May 16) confirmed that India's precision strike under Operation Sindoor struck his nation's Nur Khan airbase. His admittance is going viral on social media platforms, including X, and is a rare contradiction to Pakistan's usual stance of denying India's military action.
<h2>What did Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif say?</h2>
In a video that is being widely shared on social media, Shebaz Sharif admits that he was woken by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir around 2:30 am (local time) with news of the strike.
Addressing a special 'Youm-e-Tashakur' event at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Sharif, as per Geo News, said: "At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on a secure line and informed me that India's ballistic missiles have hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas. I can tell you that by swearing on the God that there was confidence, self-confidence, and patriotism in the general's voice."
He then mentions Pakistan's use of Chinese jets and local technology to repel the attack: "Our Air Force used homegrown technology to save our country, and they even used modern gadgets and technology on Chinese jets."
<h2>BJP minister lauds admission</h2>
Sharing the video, Bharatiya Janata Party IT head Amit Malviya posted on X that "Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in &mdash; the prime minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside Pakistan."
"This speaks volumes about the scale, precision, and boldness of Operation Sindoor," he added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-markvkfu-n3zi8svq-bvkqhm4g">
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in &mdash; the Prime Minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/b4QbsF7xJh">pic.twitter.com/b4QbsF7xJh</a>
&mdash; Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1923435453291606028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2025</a></blockquote>

India news | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms India's Operation Sindoor struck Nur Khan Airbase, breaking usual denial of military actions. His admission is trending on social media.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (May 16) confirmed that India's precision strike under Operation Sindoor struck his nation's Nur Khan airbase. His admittance is going viral on social media platforms, including X, and is a rare contradiction to Pakistan's usual stance of denying India's military action. What did Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif say? In a video that is being widely shared on social media, Shebaz Sharif admits that he was woken by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir around 2:30 am (local time) with news of the strike. Addressing a special 'Youm-e-Tashakur' event at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Sharif, as per Geo News, said: "At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on a secure line and informed me that India's ballistic missiles have hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas. I can tell you that by swearing on the God that there was confidence, self-confidence, and patriotism in the general's voice." He then mentions Pakistan's use of Chinese jets and local technology to repel the attack: "Our Air Force used homegrown technology to save our country, and they even used modern gadgets and technology on Chinese jets." BJP minister lauds admission Sharing the video, Bharatiya Janata Party IT head Amit Malviya posted on X that "Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in — the prime minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside Pakistan." "This speaks volumes about the scale, precision, and boldness of Operation Sindoor," he added. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif himself admits that General Asim Munir called him at 2:30am to inform him that India had bombed Nur Khan Air Base and several other locations. Let that sink in — the Prime Minister was woken up in the middle of the night with news of strikes deep inside… pic.twitter.com/b4QbsF7xJh — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 16, 2025

Operation Sindoor: Pakistan PM admits to being woken up by Asim Munir 'at 2:30 am' when India struck Nur Khan airbase | Watch

The highest possible rank in the Indian army is of a Field Marshal. This five-star general officer rank, is only awarded in exceptional wartime circumstances and carries honorary, hence it is a lifetime status. 

Operation Sindoor: Inside Indian Army’s most elusive rank, held by just two men

Satellite images from Naliya Airbase, located in Gujarat, are being circulated online with claims highlighting dark patches on them as damage sustained during the Pakistan attack.&nbsp; The image was first produced on May 12, 2025. However, on closely observing, it can be seen that those are shadows of clouds that resulted in the discolouration of the ground.&nbsp;
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/head-scratchingly-stupid-pakistan-deputy-pm-ishaq-dar-falls-for-fake-news-not-just-pib-pak-local-media-also-factchecks-9075465" aria-label="Embarrassment for Pakistan deputy PM Ishaq Dar: Not just PIB, Pak-local media also fact-checks his false claim">Embarrassment for Pakistan deputy PM Ishaq Dar: Not just PIB, Pak-local media also fact-checks his false claim</a>
While there is no official confirmation from the official authority. The image itself has gained attention online in the growing debate around Operation Sindoor and the four-day clash that engulfed the nuclear-armed neighbouring nations.
There had been an information war as both countries engaged in claims and counterclaims.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/these-two-indian-states-have-a-higher-gdp-than-pakistan-know-all-about-it-9075370" aria-label="These two Indian states have a higher GDP than Pakistan! Know all about it">These two Indian states have a higher GDP than Pakistan! Know all about it</a>
Even though Pakistan claimed victory among its citizens, satellite imagery reflects damages incurred by Pakistan were more serious to its military and terrorist infrastructure.
Naliya Airbase, located in Gujarat&rsquo;s Kutch district. It is positioned near the Sir Creek area. Its proximity to the border makes it a strategic location for forward activity.&nbsp;
The recent circulation of the image has reached the news feeds of many Indians. Many tried to debunk the claim. Damien Symon (@detresfa_,) an analyst with an open source intelligence network (OSINT), weighed in on the debate.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-top-countries-that-want-to-buy-indias-brahmos-missile-9073019" aria-label="Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India&rsquo;s BrahMos missile">Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India&rsquo;s BrahMos missile</a>
"A new image of Naliya Airbase in India, dated 12 May 2025, is being circulated highlighting the darkening of soil around the runway as damage, however,r verification of the image reveals a shadow of a cloud overhead as the reason behind this apparent discolouration on the ground," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Pakistan military claimed it hit at least two dozen military installations and air bases; however, those claims had not been substantiated with visual proof. The Indian military said it had targeted 11 military bases and 9 terrorist infrastructure which were substantiated by evidence.
Also read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-top-countries-that-want-to-buy-indias-brahmos-missile-9073019" aria-label="Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India&rsquo;s BrahMos missile">Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India&rsquo;s BrahMos missile</a>
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Learn about the strategic importance of Naliya Airbase near the Sir Creek area and how its proximity to the border impacts military activities. India News

Satellite images from Naliya Airbase, located in Gujarat, are being circulated online with claims highlighting dark patches on them as damage sustained during the Pakistan attack. The image was first produced on May 12, 2025. However, on closely observing, it can be seen that those are shadows of clouds that resulted in the discolouration of the ground. Also read: Embarrassment for Pakistan deputy PM Ishaq Dar: Not just PIB, Pak-local media also fact-checks his false claim While there is no official confirmation from the official authority. The image itself has gained attention online in the growing debate around Operation Sindoor and the four-day clash that engulfed the nuclear-armed neighbouring nations. There had been an information war as both countries engaged in claims and counterclaims. Also read: These two Indian states have a higher GDP than Pakistan! Know all about it Even though Pakistan claimed victory among its citizens, satellite imagery reflects damages incurred by Pakistan were more serious to its military and terrorist infrastructure. Naliya Airbase, located in Gujarat’s Kutch district. It is positioned near the Sir Creek area. Its proximity to the border makes it a strategic location for forward activity. The recent circulation of the image has reached the news feeds of many Indians. Many tried to debunk the claim. Damien Symon (@detresfa_,) an analyst with an open source intelligence network (OSINT), weighed in on the debate. Also read: Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India’s BrahMos missile "A new image of Naliya Airbase in India, dated 12 May 2025, is being circulated highlighting the darkening of soil around the runway as damage, however,r verification of the image reveals a shadow of a cloud overhead as the reason behind this apparent discolouration on the ground," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Pakistan military claimed it hit at least two dozen military installations and air bases; however, those claims had not been substantiated with visual proof. The Indian military said it had targeted 11 military bases and 9 terrorist infrastructure which were substantiated by evidence. Also read: Operation Sindoor: Top countries that want to buy India’s BrahMos missile

Satellite image of Naliya airbase is falsely circulated as being damaged during Pakistan attack

Pakistan’s economy has deteriorated to the point where its national economy now lags behind Indian states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, two of India’s strongest regional economies.

These two Indian states have a higher GDP than Pakistan! Know all about it

ISIS’s drone strategy was initially supported by a wave of foreign recruits with technical expertise. Engineers and tech professionals played a major role in building and maintaining these systems. 

Operation Sindoor: How Pakistan uses ISIS-inspired drone tactics against India

As the dust settles after Sindoor, one thing stood out clearly: Indian missiles played a decisive role in countering Pakistan’s aggression with precision and effectiveness. 

Operation Sindoor: Cruise, Ballistic or Hypersonic? Understanding the 3 types of missile weapons

Joining the bandwagon of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-travel-companies-suspend-bookings-to-turkey-and-azerbaijan-9068194" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">boycotting Turkey</a> over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India.
<h2>Why did the #BoycottTurkey calls start?</h2>
After India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye&rsquo;s foreign affairs ministry condemned India&rsquo;s &ldquo;unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians&rdquo;. It said Operation Sindoor raised the &ldquo;risk of an all-out war.&rdquo; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-ergodan-continues-to-support-pakistan-as-indian-tourists-reject-travel-call-for-boycott-9069496" rel="dofollow">brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times&rdquo;</a>.
The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India&rsquo;s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones.
<h2>List of institutions and travel companies who have announced #BoycottTurkey</h2>
<ol>
<li>Travel platform EaseMyTrip issued an advisory, asking travellers to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan only if absolutely necessary. Its founder and chairman, Nishant Pittie, said, &ldquo;As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary.&rdquo; </li>
<li><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-jnu-suspends-agreement-with-inonu-university-amid-recep-tayyip-erdogans-support-for-pakistan-9068846" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)</a> on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security". JNU said in a statement that it "stands with the Nation. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-after-jnu-jamia-millia-islamia-suspends-mou-with-all-turkish-affiliated-institutions-9072096" rel="dofollow">Jamia Millia Islamia</a> suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of T&uuml;rkiye with immediate effect. </li>
<li>Indian travel brand Go Homestays announced the end of its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline&rsquo;s association with Pakistan which has taken a &ldquo;hostile&rdquo; position towards India. </li>
<li>Cox &amp; Kings said it will temporarily stop all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. </li>
<li>Goa Villas, a villa rentals aggregator, declared that it will not offer accommodation to Turkish citizens. </li>
<li>Ixigo, a travel and booking platform stated that it suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan and China.</li>
<li>The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. </li>
<li>The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations. </li>
<li>Himachal Apple Grovers Society wrote to PM Modi requesting a ban on importing apple from Turkey. </li>
<li>Pune fruit traders announced boycotting apples imported from Turkey. A local trader also claimed that he received a threatening voice message from Pakistan after boycott announcement. </li>
<li>Maulana Azad National Urdu University announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey with immediate effect.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Will it affect Turkey's tourism: What numbers say?</h2>
According to Turkey&rsquo;s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3,30,000 Indians travelled to the country last year, compared to 119,503 arrivals in 2014. This resulted in a massive hike in Turkey&rsquo;s tourism revenue that reached an all-time high of $61.1 billion in 2024, an 8.3 per cent increase from the year before. Moreover, there are currently around 3,000 estimated Indian nationals in Turkey, including 200 students. Thus, India has reportedly emerged as the fourth-largest tourist source for Turkiye.
India's exports to Turkey stood at USD 5.2 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of India's total exports of USD 437 billion. The exports include: mineral fuels and oil (USD 960 million in 2023-24); electrical machinery and equipment; auto and its parts; organic chemicals; pharma products; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel.
India's imports from Turkey was USD 2.84 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of India's total imports of USD 720 billion. The imports include: different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples (about USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil (USD 1.81 billion in 2023-24); chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel.
With calls for boycott, business leaders say that Turkey's tourism will be affected more than how Maldives was affected after its boycott last year over anti-India statements.&nbsp;

World, India News | #BoycottTurkey calls are growing in the country. Here's a list of companies and universities that have announced a suspension of their ties with Turkey. How it will affect Ankara

Joining the bandwagon of boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan, several Indian institutions and tour and travel companies have announced suspension or cancellation of their tie-ups with Turkey. Moreover, India has cancelled security clearance for the Turkish firm that handles the lion's share of services at nine major airports in India. Why did the #BoycottTurkey calls start? After India’s Operation Sindoor, Ankara showed solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry condemned India’s “unprovoked aggression violating Pakistan’s sovereignty and killing innocent civilians”. It said Operation Sindoor raised the “risk of an all-out war.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country will always side with the “brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”. The calls for boycott grew stronger when India's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh revealed that the 300-400 drones sent by Pakistan across India’s bordering states were Turkish-made Songar drones. List of institutions and travel companies who have announced #BoycottTurkey Travel platform EaseMyTrip issued an advisory, asking travellers to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan only if absolutely necessary. Its founder and chairman, Nishant Pittie, said, “As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary.” Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security". JNU said in a statement that it "stands with the Nation. Jamia Millia Islamia suspended all Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye with immediate effect. Indian travel brand Go Homestays announced the end of its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline’s association with Pakistan which has taken a “hostile” position towards India. Cox & Kings said it will temporarily stop all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. Goa Villas, a villa rentals aggregator, declared that it will not offer accommodation to Turkish citizens. Ixigo, a travel and booking platform stated that it suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan and China. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations. Himachal Apple Grovers Society wrote to PM Modi requesting a ban on importing apple from Turkey. Pune fruit traders announced boycotting apples imported from Turkey. A local trader also claimed that he received a threatening voice message from Pakistan after boycott announcement. Maulana Azad National Urdu University announced the cancellation of its academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunus Emre Institute, Turkey with immediate effect. Will it affect Turkey's tourism: What numbers say? According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 3,30,000 Indians travelled to the country last year, compared to 119,503 arrivals in 2014. This resulted in a massive hike in Turkey’s tourism revenue that reached an all-time high of $61.1 billion in 2024, an 8.3 per cent increase from the year before. Moreover, there are currently around 3,000 estimated Indian nationals in Turkey, including 200 students. Thus, India has reportedly emerged as the fourth-largest tourist source for Turkiye. India's exports to Turkey stood at USD 5.2 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of India's total exports of USD 437 billion. The exports include: mineral fuels and oil (USD 960 million in 2023-24); electrical machinery and equipment; auto and its parts; organic chemicals; pharma products; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel. India's imports from Turkey was USD 2.84 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of India's total imports of USD 720 billion. The imports include: different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples (about USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil (USD 1.81 billion in 2023-24); chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel. With calls for boycott, business leaders say that Turkey's tourism will be affected more than how Maldives was affected after its boycott last year over anti-India statements.

#BoycottTurkey chorus grows in India: How will it affect Turkey's tourism and what numbers say | Check list of suspensions

After three weeks of the India-Pakistan conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 15) sharply criticised Pakistan and its crippling economy, saying that the line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands.
During a speech in Jammu and Kashmir, India's defence minister slammed Pakistan for asking money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;
"What can I say about Pakistan," Rajnath Singh said. "After begging and begging, that country is in such a position that you can say that the line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/are-nuclear-weapons-safe-with-a-rogue-nation-like-pakistan-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-raises-doubt-9070913">Are nuclear weapons safe with a 'rogue' nation like Pakistan, questions Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a>
This comes right after the IMF's fresh disbursement of $1.023 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), raising the total disbursed amount under the current programme to approximately $2.1 billion.&nbsp;
Singh continued to bash Pakistan, saying, "You must have heard, they once again went to the International Monetary Fund to ask for money, while India is among those countries that fund the IMF to help poor countries."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-omar-abdullah-slams-imf-for-essentialy-reimbursing-pakistan-for-devastating-jk-9053772">Indo-Pak war: Omar Abdullah slams IMF for 'essentialy reimbursing' Pakistan for devastating J&amp;K</a>
The decision by the IMF to release funds came despite India raising objections to it, stating that the funds could be misused for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. New Delhi abstained from voting at the crucial meeting just a few days after it launched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/operation-sindoor">Operation Sindoor</a>.&nbsp;
India raised concerns about the efficacy of the IMF programmes regarding Pakistan and cited its poor track record. The Ministry of Finance said in a statement, "Pakistan has been a prolonged borrower from the IMF, with a very poor track record of implementation and of adherence to the IMF's program conditions."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajanath-singh-visits-jammu-and-kashmir-for-first-time-since-operation-sindoor-9070712">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Jammu and Kashmir for first time since Operation Sindoor</a>

During a speech in Jammu and Kashmir, India's defence minister slammed Pakistan for asking money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). India news pakistan

After three weeks of the India-Pakistan conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 15) sharply criticised Pakistan and its crippling economy, saying that the line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands. During a speech in Jammu and Kashmir, India's defence minister slammed Pakistan for asking money from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "What can I say about Pakistan," Rajnath Singh said. "After begging and begging, that country is in such a position that you can say that the line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands." Also read: Are nuclear weapons safe with a 'rogue' nation like Pakistan, questions Defence Minister Rajnath Singh This comes right after the IMF's fresh disbursement of $1.023 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), raising the total disbursed amount under the current programme to approximately $2.1 billion. Singh continued to bash Pakistan, saying, "You must have heard, they once again went to the International Monetary Fund to ask for money, while India is among those countries that fund the IMF to help poor countries." Also read: Indo-Pak war: Omar Abdullah slams IMF for 'essentialy reimbursing' Pakistan for devastating J&K The decision by the IMF to release funds came despite India raising objections to it, stating that the funds could be misused for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. New Delhi abstained from voting at the crucial meeting just a few days after it launched Operation Sindoor. India raised concerns about the efficacy of the IMF programmes regarding Pakistan and cited its poor track record. The Ministry of Finance said in a statement, "Pakistan has been a prolonged borrower from the IMF, with a very poor track record of implementation and of adherence to the IMF's program conditions." Also read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Jammu and Kashmir for first time since Operation Sindoor

'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy

What set this operation apart was not just its military precision, but the use of indigenously developed weapons systems, many of which, being deployed in active conflict for the first time.

Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan

India has raised two operational Rafale squadrons—No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ based in Ambala, Haryana, and No. 101 ‘Falcons’ based in Hasimara, West Bengal. This east-west deployment reflects India's need to counter both Pakistan and China simultaneously.

Operation Sindoor: Which Indian bases are home to Rafale fighter jets?

Post the success of Russian-made S-400 in repelling aerial threats during the operation, discussions abut next-generation systems—especially the upcoming S-500 Prometheus have started. 

Operation Sindoor: How is Russia's S-500 different from the S-400 defence system?

Rafales can’t be cleaned like your average SUV. Due to sensitive avionics, stealth coatings, and high-precision sensors, maintenance crews follow strict protocols using approved cleaning fluids and techniques. 

Operation Sindoor: How much water does it take to clean a Rafale fighter jet?

Developed by Almaz-Antey, the system had been built to intercept not just advanced aerial threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonic projectiles, but even satellites in low Earth orbit.

Operation Sindoor: Why India could be interested in Russia's S-500 defence system? Know its power, range, strike capabilities and more

In a significant stride towards India's goal towards self-reliance, the country's defence exports surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the financial year 24-25, witnessing a 34-fold increase from 2013-14.
Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack highlighted the precision of domestically produced systems.
The deployment of indigenous BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defence missiles and D4 anti-drone systems to repel wave after wave of Pakistani aerial strikes, letting very little pass through, proved the might of made-in-India weapons.
Aso Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-the-sr-71-blackbird-the-worlds-fastest-jet-ever-built-reaching-speeds-of-up-to-3500-kmph-9060072">Meet the SR-71 Blackbird: The world&rsquo;s fastest jet ever built, reaching speeds of up to 3,500 kmph</a>
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in a post on 'X' said, "India's exports to around 80 countries aiming for Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, strengthening its global defence manufacturing footprint,&rdquo; and confirmed that Operation Sindoor had showcased the effectiveness of Indian-made weapon systems. Conducted on 7 May, the operation involved coordinated use of indigenous drones, missiles, and targeting systems, signalling &nbsp;on the nation's increasing self-reliance in defence.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-map2nhbz-gpa0ouou-iw4wqpwd">
India&rsquo;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefenceExports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefenceExports</a> surged from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, a 34-fold increase. In 2024-25, private sector exports were Rs15,233 crore, and DPSUs Rs 8,389 crore, with DPSU exports growing 42.85%. Export authorisations rose by 16.92%, and exporters&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/yDVYAwajxG">pic.twitter.com/yDVYAwajxG</a>
&mdash; Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1922256627534565467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Record growth in defence exports</h2>
India&rsquo;s defence exports reached an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion), a 12.04 per cent rise from the previous year&rsquo;s Rs 21,083 crore. This marks a dramatic increase from FY 2013-14's ₹686 crore.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-this-tech-firm-is-powering-the-pinpoint-precision-of-rafale-fighter-jets-all-about-thales-9061652">Operation Sindoor: This tech firm is powering the pinpoint precision of Rafale fighter jets! All about Thales</a>
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed this achievement to the centre&rsquo;s push for a more self-reliant country, under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. &ldquo;India&rsquo;s defence sector is growing stronger than ever&hellip; Defence exports have jumped from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25,&rdquo; his office posted on X.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-map2k3lp-jezl2teb-b39uvqxr">
India&rsquo;s defence sector is growing stronger than ever, driven by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Defence exports have jumped from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25 &mdash; a 34-fold rise. <a href="https://t.co/FInaF9eC8S">pic.twitter.com/FInaF9eC8S</a>
&mdash; रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1922562390396191132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
The Defence Ministry further noted that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) saw a rise of 42.85 per cent in their exports, reflecting India's defence product's broader international acceptance.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-which-aircraft-can-refuel-indias-rafale-fighter-jets-in-mid-air-9061063">Operation Sindoor: Which aircraft can refuel India's Rafale fighter jets mid-air?</a>
<h2>Policy reforms and export momentum</h2>
The government has issued 1,762 export authorisations in FY 2024&ndash;25, up 16.92 per cent from the previous year. The number of exporters has also increased by approx 17.4 per cent. India exported a number of products, including weapons, &nbsp;ammunition, components, and subsystems, to nearly 80 countries.
The government has introduced several policy reforms, with an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. This would include simplification of industrial licensing, extension of licence validity, and removal of certain items from the licensing regime.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in a post on 'X' said, "India exports to around 80 countries aiming for Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, strengthening its global defence manufacturing footprint,”

In a significant stride towards India's goal towards self-reliance, the country's defence exports surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the financial year 24-25, witnessing a 34-fold increase from 2013-14. Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack highlighted the precision of domestically produced systems. The deployment of indigenous BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defence missiles and D4 anti-drone systems to repel wave after wave of Pakistani aerial strikes, letting very little pass through, proved the might of made-in-India weapons. Aso Read: Meet the SR-71 Blackbird: The world’s fastest jet ever built, reaching speeds of up to 3,500 kmph The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in a post on 'X' said, "India's exports to around 80 countries aiming for Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, strengthening its global defence manufacturing footprint,” and confirmed that Operation Sindoor had showcased the effectiveness of Indian-made weapon systems. Conducted on 7 May, the operation involved coordinated use of indigenous drones, missiles, and targeting systems, signalling on the nation's increasing self-reliance in defence. India’s #DefenceExports surged from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25, a 34-fold increase. In 2024-25, private sector exports were Rs15,233 crore, and DPSUs Rs 8,389 crore, with DPSU exports growing 42.85%. Export authorisations rose by 16.92%, and exporters… pic.twitter.com/yDVYAwajxG — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 13, 2025 Record growth in defence exports India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore (approximately $2.76 billion), a 12.04 per cent rise from the previous year’s Rs 21,083 crore. This marks a dramatic increase from FY 2013-14's ₹686 crore. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: This tech firm is powering the pinpoint precision of Rafale fighter jets! All about Thales Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed this achievement to the centre’s push for a more self-reliant country, under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. “India’s defence sector is growing stronger than ever… Defence exports have jumped from Rs 686 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25,” his office posted on X. India’s defence sector is growing stronger than ever, driven by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Defence exports have jumped from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25 — a 34-fold rise. pic.twitter.com/FInaF9eC8S — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 14, 2025 The Defence Ministry further noted that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) saw a rise of 42.85 per cent in their exports, reflecting India's defence product's broader international acceptance. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Which aircraft can refuel India's Rafale fighter jets mid-air? Policy reforms and export momentum The government has issued 1,762 export authorisations in FY 2024–25, up 16.92 per cent from the previous year. The number of exporters has also increased by approx 17.4 per cent. India exported a number of products, including weapons, ammunition, components, and subsystems, to nearly 80 countries. The government has introduced several policy reforms, with an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. This would include simplification of industrial licensing, extension of licence validity, and removal of certain items from the licensing regime.

Operation Sindoor: Defence Ministry targets Rs 50,000 crore in exports following success of indigenous weapons

Operation Sindoor and India's drone capabilities: Operation Sindoor, India's military mission targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, brought sharp focus on the country's drone capabilities. Shining in surveillance, offensive and defensive roles, India's drone capabilities prove that in the next few years, with a focus on 'Make in India', India will emerge as a hub for these unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs.
India has clear ambitions of becoming a drone manufacturing centre by 2030, with the twin aims of not only reducing imports but also being able to export military drones.
Here is what you should know about India's drone arsenal. 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1405_DRONE_930AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1405_DRONE_930AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=158&amp;tags=operation sindoor, india strikes pakistan" title="Operation Sindoor: India&rsquo;s Drone Industry Takes Flight | WION World Business Watch" id="PL_iframe_block-map469v9-0z50ac6z-np3v0ijj"></iframe>
&nbsp;
<h2>India&rsquo;s military drones include imports and local development</h2>
India's drone capacity building accelerated in recent years, particularly with a focus on China, in the context of recent border standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Local development through projects like Ghatak seek to counter China's growth in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) tech.
During Operation Sindoor, it became evident that Pakistan has been amassing drones over these years, which it used unsuccessfully in swarm operations after India's May 7 offensive. India thwarted Pakistan&rsquo;s Turkish and Chinese drones, which it had been using for years for infiltration, surveillance and strikes against India.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhargavastra-indias-game-changing-drone-slayer-redefines-defence-power-9070919">Bhargavastra: India&rsquo;s game-changing drone slayer redefines defence power</a>
For drone development and manufacturing, the focus is on Make in India. indigenous efforts are led by Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL, and private players.
DRDO and HAL have entered into public-privatership programmes with companies like EEL, IdeaForge, and Adani Defence.
<h2>India's drone warfare: How are military drones used? </h2>
Indian military uses drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strikes, swarm operations and providing logistics. Drones like Heron, Drishti 10, and Tapas do surveillance and reconnaissance in border areas. Nagastra-1 and Harop drones can carry out targeted strikes, as proven in Operation Sindoor. Swarm drones can overwhelm the enemy defences and hit its critical infrastructure. Some drones support cargo delivery to high-altitude areas.
India has also developed effective counter-drone operations.&nbsp; During Operation Sindoor, the counter-drone system 'Bhargavastra' and DRDO&rsquo;s anti-drone technology were used to defend Indian airspace from Pakistani drones.
<h2>India's imported drones </h2>
While estimates vary, India is thought to possess up to 2,500 drones according to reports.&nbsp;India's imported drones are mainly from Israel and the US. Israeli and US drones have been imported by India over the years, particularly since 1999 Kargil War.
The Heron Series - Heron I and Heron Mk II - are medium-altitude long-endurance or MALE drones, which Inda uses for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or ISR. Heron drones are at work along border with China.&nbsp;Searcher Mk II is used for surveillance and reconnaissance by the Indian forces.&nbsp;Harop drones are "kamikaze" or suicide drones that can conduct precision strikes, and were reportedly used during Operation Sindoor.
Hermes 900 and 450 drones, made in India in a joint venture with Israel, are another MALE drone.&nbsp; A varient of Hermes 900,&nbsp; Drishti 10 Starliner, has 70 per cent indigenous components.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hard-kill-counter-drone-system-what-is-indias-bhargavastra-a-step-forward-in-protecting-nation-from-drone-swarms-9069152">'Hard-kill counter drone system': What is India's Bhargavastra, a step forward in protecting nation from drone swarms</a>
In terms of total value, the US is India's largest source of military drones, with a deal for&nbsp; $3.5 billion signed in October 2024 for 31 MQ-9B Sea and Sky Guardian high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) armed drones.
<h2>India's drone manufacturing efforts are growing</h2>
India seeks to achieve self-reliance by making everything from tactical mini-drones to advanced MALE and UCAVs. The DRDO, private industry, and startups are leading India's domestic drone manufacturing.
DRDO-led drones include the Rustom series. Rustom-1 is a short-range remotely piloted aircraft system that has automatic takeoff and landing capability using India&rsquo;s GAGAN SBAS.&nbsp;Archer-NG, being developed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE),&nbsp; can carry anti-airfield weapons. Ghatak UCAV, developed by ADE has a weapons bay for missiles and precision-guided munitions.
DRDO, in partnership with private firms like Kadet Defence Systems, has developed India&rsquo;s loitering aerial munitions (LAM) or&nbsp; "kamikaze" drones, which enhance its strike capabilities.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-turkey-sent-military-operatives-to-pakistan-helped-in-drone-strikes-against-india-9069021">Operation Sindoor: Turkey reportedly sent military operatives to Pakistan, helped in drone strikes against India</a>
Nagastra-1, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), is a loitering munition that can conduct GPS-enabled precision strikes.&nbsp;Drishti 10 Starliner and Netra quadcopter are among drones developed in public-private partnerships.&nbsp;
NewSpace Research &amp; Technologies delivered India&rsquo;s first heterogeneous swarm drone system to the Indian Army in February 2023, capable of offensive and defensive operations that can overwhelm the enemy.
HAL CATS Warrior, developed jointly by HAL and NewSpace R&amp;D, is a Combat Air Teaming System that can integrate fighter jets with swarming drones for deep strikes and surveillance.
Kadet Defence Systems is another firm that develops military drones.
<h2>Counteroffensive systems in India's drone warfare arsenal</h2>
Bhargavastra, a counter-drone system, can detect drones at over 6 km and neutralise them with 64 micro-missiles. During the Operation Sindoor, Bhargavastra system, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) and Economic Explosives Ltd, neutralised more than 50 Pakistani drone attacks.
DRDO has developed an Anti-Drone System that can jam enemy drones. It also has laser-based hard-kill capabilities.
<h2>Policy initiatives for military drones</h2>
Indian government has introduced several policy incentives for developing military drones. These include grants as well as open challenges to startups for building military drones.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-tensions-first-civilian-casualty-outside-jk-punjab-woman-dies-after-pakistani-drone-attack-ferozepur-operation-sindoor-9065459">First civilian casualty outside J&amp;K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack</a>
Key among them are the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) pathway, iDEX and Technology Development Fund. In 2021, India simplified drone regulations to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation.&nbsp;The 2022 drone import ban pushed private firms to develop drones locally.

Operation Sindoor - India’s military drones surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities thwarted Turkish and Chinese drones Trending | India News Pakistan

Operation Sindoor and India's drone capabilities: Operation Sindoor, India's military mission targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, brought sharp focus on the country's drone capabilities. Shining in surveillance, offensive and defensive roles, India's drone capabilities prove that in the next few years, with a focus on 'Make in India', India will emerge as a hub for these unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs. India has clear ambitions of becoming a drone manufacturing centre by 2030, with the twin aims of not only reducing imports but also being able to export military drones. Here is what you should know about India's drone arsenal. India’s military drones include imports and local development India's drone capacity building accelerated in recent years, particularly with a focus on China, in the context of recent border standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Local development through projects like Ghatak seek to counter China's growth in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) tech. During Operation Sindoor, it became evident that Pakistan has been amassing drones over these years, which it used unsuccessfully in swarm operations after India's May 7 offensive. India thwarted Pakistan’s Turkish and Chinese drones, which it had been using for years for infiltration, surveillance and strikes against India. Bhargavastra: India’s game-changing drone slayer redefines defence power For drone development and manufacturing, the focus is on Make in India. indigenous efforts are led by Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL, and private players. DRDO and HAL have entered into public-privatership programmes with companies like EEL, IdeaForge, and Adani Defence. India's drone warfare: How are military drones used? Indian military uses drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strikes, swarm operations and providing logistics. Drones like Heron, Drishti 10, and Tapas do surveillance and reconnaissance in border areas. Nagastra-1 and Harop drones can carry out targeted strikes, as proven in Operation Sindoor. Swarm drones can overwhelm the enemy defences and hit its critical infrastructure. Some drones support cargo delivery to high-altitude areas. India has also developed effective counter-drone operations. During Operation Sindoor, the counter-drone system 'Bhargavastra' and DRDO’s anti-drone technology were used to defend Indian airspace from Pakistani drones. India's imported drones While estimates vary, India is thought to possess up to 2,500 drones according to reports. India's imported drones are mainly from Israel and the US. Israeli and US drones have been imported by India over the years, particularly since 1999 Kargil War. The Heron Series - Heron I and Heron Mk II - are medium-altitude long-endurance or MALE drones, which Inda uses for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or ISR. Heron drones are at work along border with China. Searcher Mk II is used for surveillance and reconnaissance by the Indian forces. Harop drones are "kamikaze" or suicide drones that can conduct precision strikes, and were reportedly used during Operation Sindoor. Hermes 900 and 450 drones, made in India in a joint venture with Israel, are another MALE drone. A varient of Hermes 900, Drishti 10 Starliner, has 70 per cent indigenous components. 'Hard-kill counter drone system': What is India's Bhargavastra, a step forward in protecting nation from drone swarms In terms of total value, the US is India's largest source of military drones, with a deal for $3.5 billion signed in October 2024 for 31 MQ-9B Sea and Sky Guardian high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) armed drones. India's drone manufacturing efforts are growing India seeks to achieve self-reliance by making everything from tactical mini-drones to advanced MALE and UCAVs. The DRDO, private industry, and startups are leading India's domestic drone manufacturing. DRDO-led drones include the Rustom series. Rustom-1 is a short-range remotely piloted aircraft system that has automatic takeoff and landing capability using India’s GAGAN SBAS. Archer-NG, being developed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), can carry anti-airfield weapons. Ghatak UCAV, developed by ADE has a weapons bay for missiles and precision-guided munitions. DRDO, in partnership with private firms like Kadet Defence Systems, has developed India’s loitering aerial munitions (LAM) or "kamikaze" drones, which enhance its strike capabilities. Operation Sindoor: Turkey reportedly sent military operatives to Pakistan, helped in drone strikes against India Nagastra-1, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), is a loitering munition that can conduct GPS-enabled precision strikes. Drishti 10 Starliner and Netra quadcopter are among drones developed in public-private partnerships. NewSpace Research & Technologies delivered India’s first heterogeneous swarm drone system to the Indian Army in February 2023, capable of offensive and defensive operations that can overwhelm the enemy. HAL CATS Warrior, developed jointly by HAL and NewSpace R&D, is a Combat Air Teaming System that can integrate fighter jets with swarming drones for deep strikes and surveillance. Kadet Defence Systems is another firm that develops military drones. Counteroffensive systems in India's drone warfare arsenal Bhargavastra, a counter-drone system, can detect drones at over 6 km and neutralise them with 64 micro-missiles. During the Operation Sindoor, Bhargavastra system, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) and Economic Explosives Ltd, neutralised more than 50 Pakistani drone attacks. DRDO has developed an Anti-Drone System that can jam enemy drones. It also has laser-based hard-kill capabilities. Policy initiatives for military drones Indian government has introduced several policy incentives for developing military drones. These include grants as well as open challenges to startups for building military drones. First civilian casualty outside J&K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack Key among them are the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) pathway, iDEX and Technology Development Fund. In 2021, India simplified drone regulations to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation. The 2022 drone import ban pushed private firms to develop drones locally.

Operation Sindoor proved Indian drones' lethal power, locally made military drones will soon make India a 'drone-Aachaarya'

India has taken a giant leap in modern warfare with Bhargavastra, a homegrown, low-cost counter-drone system developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Group. Successfully tested on May 13, 2025 at Gopalpur&rsquo;s Seaward Firing Range, this state-of-the-art weapon neutralised drone swarms with precision. Alongside India&rsquo;s strategic deployment of drones during Operation Sindoor launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Bhargavastra has positioned India as a global leader in drone warfare.
This twin approach&mdash;combining drone strikes with anti-drone defence&mdash;has reshaped India&rsquo;s battlefield readiness, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-firepower-crushes-turkeys-betrayal-operation-sindoor-exposes-pakistans-ally-9067592">India firepower crushes Turkey&rsquo;s betrayal Operation Sindoor exposes Pakistan ally</a>
<h2>Bhargavastra: India&rsquo;s Drone-Killing Shield</h2>
Bhargavastra acts like an eagle, spotting and eliminating hostile drones before they strike. It has a two-tier kill mechanism:
First Layer: Fires unguided micro-rockets with a 20-metre blast radius, designed to wipe out drone clusters swiftly.
Second Layer: Launches precision-guided micro-missiles to destroy high-value or evasive aerial targets with surgical accuracy.
What makes Bhargavastra unique is its versatility. It can be upgraded with &ldquo;soft-kill&rdquo; features&mdash;such as jamming and spoofing&mdash;to confuse enemy drones. Its adaptability allows deployment by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, from desert terrain to high-altitude regions like Ladakh, operating efficiently even at altitudes above 5,000 metres.
During its successful trials, supervised by Army Air Defence officials, Bhargavastra executed both single and salvo-mode launches&mdash;firing two rockets in just two seconds. All tests met performance targets with direct hits.
<h2>Proudly Made in India</h2>
Every component&mdash;sensors, launchers, and control systems&mdash;is developed in India. Equipped with advanced radar, electro-optical cameras, and RF receivers, Bhargavastra detects small and incoming drones up to 2.5 km away and identifies threats using radar detection up to 6 km, with enhanced tracking through optical and RF systems.
At the heart of the system lies a C4I-powered Command-and-Control Centre (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), ensuring seamless coordination. It fits perfectly into India&rsquo;s network-centric warfare model, boosting situational awareness and rapid response.
<h2>Drones in Operation Sindoor: A New Era of Warfare</h2>
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India&rsquo;s bold retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. The tri-service mission saw the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy strike nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
For the first time, drones played a central role. India deployed SkyStriker kamikaze drones&mdash;co-developed by Adani Group&rsquo;s Alpha Design Technologies and Israel&rsquo;s Elbit Systems&mdash;to surgically hit targets. These Bengaluru-made drones, with a 100 km range and 5&ndash;10 kg warheads, demonstrated precision and cost-effectiveness.
Pakistan&rsquo;s response was a massive drone swarm&mdash;nearly 400 drones, including Turkish-made SONGAR variants&mdash;targeting 26 locations across India, from Leh to Sir Creek. These attacks hit military bases and civilian zones, injuring people in Punjab&rsquo;s Ferozepur. However, India&rsquo;s layered air defence&mdash;including Bhargavastra&mdash;intercepted over 600 aerial threats within six days.
India also deployed high-energy lasers and its own drones to destroy enemy swarms, marking a shift from conventional to high-tech warfare.
<h2>A Technological Turning Point</h2>
India&rsquo;s LMS kamikaze drones&mdash;developed with DRDO&mdash;used thermal imaging, AI navigation, and NTRO-supplied real-time data to hit targets without collateral damage. Over 100 terrorists were neutralised in the nine strikes.
These capabilities show that drones are not just surveillance tools&mdash;they are decisive military assets. Bhargavastra addresses this threat affordably and efficiently, making India the first country to field such a flexible, indigenous counter-swarm solution.
<h2>Setting a Global Benchmark</h2>
India&rsquo;s performance in Operation Sindoor&mdash;striking terror camps with drones and blocking enemy swarms&mdash;showcases a balanced military posture. Social media buzzed with praise for Bhargavastra, calling it a &ldquo;nightmare&rdquo; for Turkish and Chinese drones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Operation Sindoor the &ldquo;new normal&rdquo; in India&rsquo;s counter-terrorism doctrine.
A Symbol of Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance)
Bhargavastra is not just a defence system; it&rsquo;s a symbol of Indian ingenuity. With EEL, DRDO, and Adani Group working in tandem, India has built a robust and scalable solution to modern aerial threats.
As drone warfare redefines battlefields globally, from Ukraine to Gaza, India stands at the forefront with Bhargavastra. This is not just a technological triumph&mdash;it&rsquo;s a national milestone.
India&rsquo;s future battles won&rsquo;t just be fought with guns and tanks&mdash;but with brains, bytes, and brilliant homegrown tech like Bhargavastra.

This twin approach—combining drone strikes with anti-drone defence—has reshaped India’s battlefield readiness, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities. India news

India has taken a giant leap in modern warfare with Bhargavastra, a homegrown, low-cost counter-drone system developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Group. Successfully tested on May 13, 2025 at Gopalpur’s Seaward Firing Range, this state-of-the-art weapon neutralised drone swarms with precision. Alongside India’s strategic deployment of drones during Operation Sindoor launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Bhargavastra has positioned India as a global leader in drone warfare. This twin approach—combining drone strikes with anti-drone defence—has reshaped India’s battlefield readiness, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Also Read: India firepower crushes Turkey’s betrayal Operation Sindoor exposes Pakistan ally Bhargavastra: India’s Drone-Killing Shield Bhargavastra acts like an eagle, spotting and eliminating hostile drones before they strike. It has a two-tier kill mechanism: First Layer: Fires unguided micro-rockets with a 20-metre blast radius, designed to wipe out drone clusters swiftly. Second Layer: Launches precision-guided micro-missiles to destroy high-value or evasive aerial targets with surgical accuracy. What makes Bhargavastra unique is its versatility. It can be upgraded with “soft-kill” features—such as jamming and spoofing—to confuse enemy drones. Its adaptability allows deployment by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, from desert terrain to high-altitude regions like Ladakh, operating efficiently even at altitudes above 5,000 metres. During its successful trials, supervised by Army Air Defence officials, Bhargavastra executed both single and salvo-mode launches—firing two rockets in just two seconds. All tests met performance targets with direct hits. Proudly Made in India Every component—sensors, launchers, and control systems—is developed in India. Equipped with advanced radar, electro-optical cameras, and RF receivers, Bhargavastra detects small and incoming drones up to 2.5 km away and identifies threats using radar detection up to 6 km, with enhanced tracking through optical and RF systems. At the heart of the system lies a C4I-powered Command-and-Control Centre (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), ensuring seamless coordination. It fits perfectly into India’s network-centric warfare model, boosting situational awareness and rapid response. Drones in Operation Sindoor: A New Era of Warfare Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India’s bold retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. The tri-service mission saw the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy strike nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). For the first time, drones played a central role. India deployed SkyStriker kamikaze drones—co-developed by Adani Group’s Alpha Design Technologies and Israel’s Elbit Systems—to surgically hit targets. These Bengaluru-made drones, with a 100 km range and 5–10 kg warheads, demonstrated precision and cost-effectiveness. Pakistan’s response was a massive drone swarm—nearly 400 drones, including Turkish-made SONGAR variants—targeting 26 locations across India, from Leh to Sir Creek. These attacks hit military bases and civilian zones, injuring people in Punjab’s Ferozepur. However, India’s layered air defence—including Bhargavastra—intercepted over 600 aerial threats within six days. India also deployed high-energy lasers and its own drones to destroy enemy swarms, marking a shift from conventional to high-tech warfare. A Technological Turning Point India’s LMS kamikaze drones—developed with DRDO—used thermal imaging, AI navigation, and NTRO-supplied real-time data to hit targets without collateral damage. Over 100 terrorists were neutralised in the nine strikes. These capabilities show that drones are not just surveillance tools—they are decisive military assets. Bhargavastra addresses this threat affordably and efficiently, making India the first country to field such a flexible, indigenous counter-swarm solution. Setting a Global Benchmark India’s performance in Operation Sindoor—striking terror camps with drones and blocking enemy swarms—showcases a balanced military posture. Social media buzzed with praise for Bhargavastra, calling it a “nightmare” for Turkish and Chinese drones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Operation Sindoor the “new normal” in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. A Symbol of Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) Bhargavastra is not just a defence system; it’s a symbol of Indian ingenuity. With EEL, DRDO, and Adani Group working in tandem, India has built a robust and scalable solution to modern aerial threats. As drone warfare redefines battlefields globally, from Ukraine to Gaza, India stands at the forefront with Bhargavastra. This is not just a technological triumph—it’s a national milestone. India’s future battles won’t just be fought with guns and tanks—but with brains, bytes, and brilliant homegrown tech like Bhargavastra.

Bhargavastra: India’s game-changing drone slayer redefines defence power

Amid the &lsquo;boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan&rsquo; calls from Indians for backing Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained firm in his support for &ldquo;brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times&rdquo;.
After Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Turkish leader for his &ldquo;strong support and unwavering solidarity&rdquo; for Pakistan and praised the &ldquo;brotherly ties&rdquo; between the two countries, Erdogan voiced similar comments on social media.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-turkey-sent-military-operatives-to-pakistan-helped-in-drone-strikes-against-india-9069021">Operation Sindoor: Turkey reportedly sent military operatives to Pakistan, helped in drone strikes against India</a>
Erdogan wrote on X, &ldquo;My precious @CMShehbaz brother, The brotherhood between T&uuml;rkiye and Pakistan, which is enjoyed by very few nations in the world, is one of the best examples of true friendship. As T&uuml;rkiye, we attach great importance to the peace, tranquillity and stability of Pakistan.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We appreciate the sensible, patient policy of the Pakistani state, which prioritises dialogue and compromise in resolving disputes. We will continue to be by your side in good and bad times, as we have in the past and in the future. Through you, I greet our friendly and brotherly Pakistan with my most heartfelt affection,&rdquo; he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-jnu-suspends-agreement-with-inonu-university-amid-recep-tayyip-erdogans-support-for-pakistan-9068846">Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security'</a>
Shehbaz Sharif earlier said, &ldquo;I was deeply touched by the strong support and unwavering solidarity of my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested and enduring brotherly ties with Turkey, which have grown stronger with each new challenge. I am particularly grateful for His Excellency's constructive role and resolute efforts to promote peace in South Asia.&rdquo;
He added, &ldquo;May the ties between Pakistan and Turkey continue to grow stronger as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future for our two countries and peoples.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mao81t20-6xsvp9ep-rbb6r7d3">
Kıymetli <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a> kardeşim, D&uuml;nya &uuml;zerinde pek az millete nasip olan T&uuml;rkiye-Pakistan kardeşliği, hakiki dostluğun en g&uuml;zel &ouml;rneklerinden biridir.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/NePsq2Lr3O">https://t.co/NePsq2Lr3O</a>
&mdash; Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1922372464103063886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Indians boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan</h2>
Hundreds of Indian tourists have cancelled their bookings in Turkey and Azerbaijan, calling for a boycott of the two nations for supporting Pakistan amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Following the attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-firepower-crushes-turkeys-betrayal-operation-sindoor-exposes-pakistans-ally-9067592">India firepower crushes Turkey&rsquo;s betrayal Operation Sindoor exposes Pakistan ally</a>
Turkey received a backlash on social media from Indian users after its Tourism Department released a statement saying that the recent conflict &ldquo;has no bearing on daily life or the tourism environment&rdquo; of the country. The statement added, &ldquo;Indian travellers are welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy across T&uuml;rkiye.&rdquo;&nbsp;
However, Indians were not impressed and rejected to travel to the country for supporting Pakistan.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
On Wednesday (May 14), the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations.
Watch | Indian Travel Companies Suspend Bookings To Turkey And Azerbaijan
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1405_ARJUN_BOYCOTT_3PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1405_ARJUN_BOYCOTT_3PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=124&amp;tags=pahalgam, terror, wion" title="Indian Travel Companies Suspend Bookings To Turkey And Azerbaijan" id="PL_iframe_block-mao8a15d-zjcys1l0-sc0q2kdn"></iframe>

Hundreds of Indian tourists have cancelled their bookings in Turkey and Azerbaijan, calling for a boycott of the two nations for supporting Pakistan amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. World | India news | Pakistan

Amid the ‘boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan’ calls from Indians for backing Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained firm in his support for “brotherly people of Pakistan in good and bad times”. After Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Turkish leader for his “strong support and unwavering solidarity” for Pakistan and praised the “brotherly ties” between the two countries, Erdogan voiced similar comments on social media. Also read | Operation Sindoor: Turkey reportedly sent military operatives to Pakistan, helped in drone strikes against India Erdogan wrote on X, “My precious @CMShehbaz brother, The brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan, which is enjoyed by very few nations in the world, is one of the best examples of true friendship. As Türkiye, we attach great importance to the peace, tranquillity and stability of Pakistan.” “We appreciate the sensible, patient policy of the Pakistani state, which prioritises dialogue and compromise in resolving disputes. We will continue to be by your side in good and bad times, as we have in the past and in the future. Through you, I greet our friendly and brotherly Pakistan with my most heartfelt affection,” he added. Also read | Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security' Shehbaz Sharif earlier said, “I was deeply touched by the strong support and unwavering solidarity of my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan. Pakistan is proud of its long-standing, time-tested and enduring brotherly ties with Turkey, which have grown stronger with each new challenge. I am particularly grateful for His Excellency's constructive role and resolute efforts to promote peace in South Asia.” He added, “May the ties between Pakistan and Turkey continue to grow stronger as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future for our two countries and peoples.” Kıymetli @CMShehbaz kardeşim, Dünya üzerinde pek az millete nasip olan Türkiye-Pakistan kardeşliği, hakiki dostluğun en güzel örneklerinden biridir.… https://t.co/NePsq2Lr3O — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) May 13, 2025 Indians boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan Hundreds of Indian tourists have cancelled their bookings in Turkey and Azerbaijan, calling for a boycott of the two nations for supporting Pakistan amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. Following the attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read | India firepower crushes Turkey’s betrayal Operation Sindoor exposes Pakistan ally Turkey received a backlash on social media from Indian users after its Tourism Department released a statement saying that the recent conflict “has no bearing on daily life or the tourism environment” of the country. The statement added, “Indian travellers are welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy across Türkiye.” However, Indians were not impressed and rejected to travel to the country for supporting Pakistan. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also called upon Indian traders and citizens to completely boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. On Wednesday (May 14), the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which represents workers, technicians, artists, and professionals of the Indian film industry, announced a complete ban on Turkey for shooting films and cultural collaborations. Watch | Indian Travel Companies Suspend Bookings To Turkey And Azerbaijan

Turkish President Erdogan continues to support Pakistan, as Indian tourists reject travel, call for boycott

As there has been a social media buzz on India attacking nuclear facilities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-0">Pakistan</a>, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (May 13) said that the military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain.&nbsp;
When asked about the "social media buzz as well as international media reporting about nuclear leakage in Pakistan", India replied that it is for Pakistan to answer.&nbsp;
"The military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain. This is also made clear in the defence briefing yesterday. India has a firm stance that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail or allow cross-border terrorism to be conducted invoking it," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-live-from-adampur-base-after-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-conflict-india-pakistan-news-9064078">India-Pakistan news LIVE: 'The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is,' India's warning to Pak over consequences of nurturing terrorism</a>
Further, he added, "We saw some social media posts about Egyptian, American aircrafts etc, but those questions are for them to answer, not for us."
"During the defence briefing, India made it clear about what was our targets," he continued.&nbsp;
Moreover, in the latest statement made by the Pakistan Foreign Office, the MEA Spokesperson said that a nation that has nurtured terrorism on an industrial scale should think that it can escape the consequences is fooling itself.&nbsp;
"We have seen the statement made by the Pakistani side. The terrorist infrastructure sites that India destroyed were responsible not only for the deaths of Indians but for many other innocents around the world. There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is," he stressed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-nur-khan-sargodha-kirana-hill-nuclear-sites-damaged-social-media-claims-debunked-9064547">Operation Sindoor: Social media buzzing with claims on Pakistan's alleged nuclear sites, after India struck its air force assets</a>
<h2>'Claiming victory is an old habit'</h2>
The MEA spokesperson said that you have to compare the sites attacked in India and in Pakistan to get a clear answer.&nbsp;
Responding to Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's interview with foreign media, Jaiswal said that India's position remained the same. "Pakistan's position changed on May 10 morning after its airbases were effectively put out of action."
"All you have to do is to look at who called who to negotiate the terms of the cessation of firing. You all know that satellite pictures are available commercially. I urge you to look at the sites which Pakistan claims to have attacked in India. Contrast it with these sites and places that we successfully targeted and destroyed. That will give you a clear answer. Claiming victory is an old habit...," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thank-you-for-telling-us-dgmos-quirky-response-on-media-telling-indian-army-about-pakistan-nuclear-base-in-kirana-hills-9061020">'Thank you for telling us': DGMO's quirky response on media telling Indian Army about Pakistan nuclear base in Kirana Hills</a>

When asked about the "social media buzz about nuclear leakage in Pakistan", India replied that it is for Pakistan to answer. India news pakistan

As there has been a social media buzz on India attacking nuclear facilities in Pakistan, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (May 13) said that the military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain. When asked about the "social media buzz as well as international media reporting about nuclear leakage in Pakistan", India replied that it is for Pakistan to answer. "The military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain. This is also made clear in the defence briefing yesterday. India has a firm stance that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail or allow cross-border terrorism to be conducted invoking it," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Also read: India-Pakistan news LIVE: 'The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is,' India's warning to Pak over consequences of nurturing terrorism Further, he added, "We saw some social media posts about Egyptian, American aircrafts etc, but those questions are for them to answer, not for us." "During the defence briefing, India made it clear about what was our targets," he continued. Moreover, in the latest statement made by the Pakistan Foreign Office, the MEA Spokesperson said that a nation that has nurtured terrorism on an industrial scale should think that it can escape the consequences is fooling itself. "We have seen the statement made by the Pakistani side. The terrorist infrastructure sites that India destroyed were responsible not only for the deaths of Indians but for many other innocents around the world. There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is," he stressed. Also read: Operation Sindoor: Social media buzzing with claims on Pakistan's alleged nuclear sites, after India struck its air force assets 'Claiming victory is an old habit' The MEA spokesperson said that you have to compare the sites attacked in India and in Pakistan to get a clear answer. Responding to Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's interview with foreign media, Jaiswal said that India's position remained the same. "Pakistan's position changed on May 10 morning after its airbases were effectively put out of action." "All you have to do is to look at who called who to negotiate the terms of the cessation of firing. You all know that satellite pictures are available commercially. I urge you to look at the sites which Pakistan claims to have attacked in India. Contrast it with these sites and places that we successfully targeted and destroyed. That will give you a clear answer. Claiming victory is an old habit...," he added. Also read: 'Thank you for telling us': DGMO's quirky response on media telling Indian Army about Pakistan nuclear base in Kirana Hills

Nuclear leakage in Pakistan? Here's what India has to say about it

A day after the Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-message-to-pakistan-with-indias-s-400-in-background-at-adampur-air-base-watch-9063607" rel="dofollow">Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base </a>and sent a strong message to Pakistan with S-400 air defence system in the background, puncturing Islamabad's misinformation campaign,&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. Both Pasrur and Sialkot airbases faced damages in India's action against Pakistan after it launched drone attacks on civilians and military posts in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.&nbsp;
India's Ministry of Defence said that in a pre-dawn operation on May 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) struck 11 military sites deep inside Pakistan using air-launched precision weapons. The targets included critical airbases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot.
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/580x348/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/00309539-c35.png" data-clarity-loaded="lpw50o">
In what is largely a copycat move, Sharif visited the Pasrur and Sialkot airbases along with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and others.
The tensions between both countries rose after India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to avenge the killings of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian armed forces targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists.
<h2 class="gh-post-page__title">With S-400 in background, PM Modi's stern message to Pakistan</h2>
Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operatin-sindoor-pm-narendra-modi-meets-indian-air-force-personnel-at-adampur-base-after-1st-address-to-the-nation-9063289" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Narendra Modi travelled to the Adampur air base</a>&nbsp;in Punjab on Tuesday morning (May 13) and interacted with air force personnel, who have been in the thick of action during the recent conflict with Pakistan.&nbsp;India's&nbsp;surface-to-air missile&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pahalgam-terror-attack-indias-s-400-ready-if-pakistan-strikes-back-know-about-missile-defence-system-9043683" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">S-400</a> was&nbsp;seen in the background as PM Modi was&nbsp; greeted by the members of the Armed Forces at the airbase. The air defence systems including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-after-india-strikes-pak-s-400-air-defence-missile-system-on-high-alert-know-what-are-s-400s-9042483" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">S-400</a>&nbsp;and Akash played a crucial role in India's defence in response to cross-border shelling and drone attacks from Pakistan, as per reports. Pakistan had claimed that it had hit the Adampur base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab as a part of their misinformation campaign.
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/Vlz1Mcmi8qHQfM8w9TKQ.png" alt="Cover (85)">
<h3>WATCH video of PM Modi with S-400 in background</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mao2w9yn-tls0zq2y-gs71tzk8">
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Adampur air base, greeted with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' chants . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a> <a href="https://t.co/9CW3LxK1PZ">pic.twitter.com/9CW3LxK1PZ</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1922191048731762832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>

A day after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot.

A day after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base and sent a strong message to Pakistan with S-400 air defence system in the background, puncturing Islamabad's misinformation campaign, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. Both Pasrur and Sialkot airbases faced damages in India's action against Pakistan after it launched drone attacks on civilians and military posts in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. India's Ministry of Defence said that in a pre-dawn operation on May 10, the Indian Air Force (IAF) struck 11 military sites deep inside Pakistan using air-launched precision weapons. The targets included critical airbases in Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, and Sialkot. In what is largely a copycat move, Sharif visited the Pasrur and Sialkot airbases along with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and others. The tensions between both countries rose after India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6 and 7 to avenge the killings of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian armed forces targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists. With S-400 in background, PM Modi's stern message to Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the Adampur air base in Punjab on Tuesday morning (May 13) and interacted with air force personnel, who have been in the thick of action during the recent conflict with Pakistan. India's surface-to-air missile S-400 was seen in the background as PM Modi was greeted by the members of the Armed Forces at the airbase. The air defence systems including S-400 and Akash played a crucial role in India's defence in response to cross-border shelling and drone attacks from Pakistan, as per reports. Pakistan had claimed that it had hit the Adampur base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab as a part of their misinformation campaign. WATCH video of PM Modi with S-400 in background Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Adampur air base, greeted with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' chants . . . .#OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/9CW3LxK1PZ — WION (@WIONews) May 13, 2025

Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base

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