The Indian government on Saturday stated that Pakistan has begun moving its troops to forward positions along the border, signaling an increase in tensions. Indian military officials have described the actions as part of a larger pattern of provocations that have escalated over the past few days.
Addressing a special press briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force said, &ldquo;Pakistan Army has been observed to be moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation.&rdquo;&nbsp;
This development follows a series of provocative actions by Pakistan, including drone strikes and missile attacks targeting various locations in India.
The situation came to a head as Pakistan launched multiple drone and missile strikes across northern India, targeting key military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Punjab.&nbsp;
India responded swiftly, intercepting several drones and neutralising missile threats. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the ongoing escalation during the press briefing, where he was joined by Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh.
Misri stated, &ldquo;Pakistan has attempted to hit airbase stations in Punjab and has moved its troops to the forward areas. These actions are being seen as provocative and escalatory, and we have responded accordingly.&rdquo;
The Indian Army confirmed that multiple Pakistani drones were intercepted over Amritsar early on Saturday morning, while explosions rocked several northern cities.&nbsp;
In Jammu, residents reported hearing intermittent blasts as Pakistan attempted to strike Air Force stations. Similar explosions were reported in Rajouri, Pathankot, and other key military locations.
In Srinagar, Baramulla, and Udhampur, blasts were heard near military airfields, with the Indian Army stating that Pakistan had launched swarms of drones targeting military installations for the second consecutive night. While Indian air defences shot down several drones, one armed drone crashed into a civilian area in Ferozepur, Punjab, injuring members of a family.
The Defence Ministry reported that drones had been sighted at 26 locations across India, from Baramulla in Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat. The locations targeted included major cities such as Srinagar, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Jaisalmer, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat.
In response to these provocations, the Border Security Force (BSF) destroyed a Pakistani post and a terrorist launch pad in Looni, District Sialkot, opposite Akhnoor, from where drones were being launched.
&ldquo;On 9 May 2025, from about 2100 hrs, Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing on BSF posts in the Jammu Sector. BSF responded in a commensurate manner, causing widespread damage to the posts and assets of the Pakistan Rangers along the International Boundary,&rdquo; the BSF stated.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The terrorist launch pad at Looni, District Sialkot, opposite Akhnoor area, was completely destroyed by the BSF. Our resolve to protect India&rsquo;s sovereignty is unshaken.&rdquo;
In addition to the drone strikes, Pakistan&rsquo;s military launched mortar shelling in Poonch and Rajouri districts, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure. "We have responded in a commensurate manner," the BSF said, emphasising the ongoing military exchanges along the border.
Pakistan&rsquo;s provocative actions have been condemned by the Indian government, with Misri reiterating India&rsquo;s position in a measured response to the escalating tensions.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s activities have continued to escalate with provocation over the past two to three days. In response, India has defended and reacted in a measured fashion to these provocations and escalations,&rdquo; Misri said.
Col Qureshi condemned Pakistan&rsquo;s actions for targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly hospitals and schools in airbase attacks at Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As a condemnable and unprofessional act, Pakistan targeted hospitals and school premises at air bases in Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur. This once again revealed their irresponsible tendency of attacking civil infrastructure,&rdquo; she said.
The escalation in hostilities follows a backdrop of rising tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to India&rsquo;s Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In the aftermath of the attack, India has continued to respond to Pakistan&rsquo;s provocations while remaining firm on its stance regarding its sovereignty.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted the operational readiness of Indian forces, stating, &ldquo;Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Singh further addressed the misinformation campaign being waged by Pakistan, saying, &ldquo;Pakistan has also attempted to execute a continued malicious misinformation campaign, with claims of destruction of the Indian S-400 system, destruction of airfields at Surat and Sirsa. India unequivocally rejects these false claims.&rdquo;
The Indian government has expressed its readiness to defend its sovereignty while calling for de-escalation. &ldquo;India remains committed to non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates,&rdquo; Singh added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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India says 26 locations were targeted in Pakistani attacks as troop build-up and cross-border firing intensify

Pak Troops Near Forward Areas: India

India says 26 locations were targeted in Pakistani attacks as troop build-up and cross-border firing intensify

May 10, 2025 | 11:45 IST