New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — In a defining moment for India’s military doctrine, the country successfully repelled a high-volume missile onslaught from Pakistan and launched a retaliatory operation that dismantled Pakistan’s strategic strike network, dealing a significant blow to its offensive capabilities.
The multi-pronged attack targeted cities spanning from Srinagar in the north to Hyderabad in the south, aiming to paralyze India’s civic and communication infrastructure. However, India’s proactive surveillance and real-time tracking systems picked up launch signatures early, triggering counter-launches of interceptors.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a statement to Parliament, said, “We were prepared. We knew the risk. And we neutralised it. Our cities are safe because of the commitment and precision of our forces.”
In retaliation, India’s military launched Operation Garuda Claw, focusing on Pakistan’s long-range strike network. The mission involved coordinated air and ground operations with drones, fighter squadrons, and ground-launched cruise missiles.
Key targets included missile command centres in Gujranwala, forward air bases in Rahim Yar Khan, and satellite-linked tracking radars near Peshawar. India also carried out a cyber operation to temporarily blind Pakistan’s command-and-control networks, contributing to the success of kinetic strikes.
While Pakistan maintains that it has retaliated proportionately, internal military analysts and leaked ISPR memos reveal deep disruption in their strike infrastructure. Independent observers confirm visible destruction at three military installations and two launch sites.
This latest episode highlights a major shift in India’s strategic thinking — moving from reactive deterrence to active denial and preemptive neutralisation.
The Prime Minister has since addressed the nation, declaring: “This is not just a military response. It is a message: India will not tolerate threats to its people. We seek peace, but we will never be passive in the face of provocation.”
