India's Strategic Response to Pakistan's Provocations: A Closer Look

India's Measured Reaction to Border Tensions

New Delhi: On Saturday, India announced that it has taken a 'measured approach' in response to the recent provocations and escalations from Pakistan.

During a press briefing regarding 'Operation Sindoor', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force, provided updates on the current situation at the India-Pakistan border.

"In the last few days, we have observed a rise in provocative actions from Pakistan. India has responded appropriately to these provocations, including incidents that occurred earlier today," Misri stated.

Pakistan has reportedly launched several armed drones from its territory targeting Khasa Cantt in Amritsar, but these were effectively intercepted by the Indian Army's air defense systems.

"The escalation from Pakistan, including drone strikes and other military actions, continues to pose a threat along our Western borders. This morning, around 5 a.m., multiple hostile drones were detected over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar, and were promptly engaged and destroyed by our air defense units," the Indian Army confirmed.

The Army condemned these provocations, asserting, "Pakistan's blatant attempts to breach India's sovereignty and jeopardize civilian safety are intolerable. The Indian Army is committed to thwarting such hostile actions."

In a decisive counteraction, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully neutralized a Pakistani post and a terrorist launch pad in Looni, District Sialkot, which had been used for launching tube drones against India.

"On May 9, 2025, at around 9 p.m., Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing on BSF positions in the Jammu Sector. The BSF retaliated effectively, inflicting significant damage on the Pakistan Rangers' posts and assets along the International Boundary," the BSF reported.

"The terrorist launch pad in Looni, District Sialkot, opposite Akhnoor, was destroyed by the BSF. Our commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty remains unwavering," the statement continued.

In a related incident late Friday night, three civilians, including a woman, sustained injuries due to a Pakistani drone attack on the outskirts of Ferozepur town in Punjab.

Additionally, residents in Jammu and Kashmir experienced panic as loud explosions were reported in Srinagar and the Akhnoor area early Saturday morning, prompting many morning walkers to rush home in fear.

Overnight mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army in the Poonch and Rajouri districts also caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure.

According to a release from the Defence Ministry, "Drones have been observed at 26 locations along the International Border and Line of Control with Pakistan, including suspected armed drones."

The identified locations encompass Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala.