New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — In a high-stakes military escalation, India successfully defended 15 of its major cities from a coordinated missile threat by Pakistan and launched a counterstrike that disabled core components of Pakistan’s air command infrastructure.
The cities targeted in the attempted strike included Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, Bhopal, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Nagpur, among others. India’s state-of-the-art air defence systems — including the S-400 Triumf, AAD (Advanced Air Defence), and PAD (Prithvi Air Defence) — intercepted and destroyed the missiles before they reached urban airspace.
“The attempted assault was unprecedented in scale, but our multi-layered defence shield held perfectly,” stated Defence Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Anil Bhaskar.
India’s military response was swift and precise. Operation Meghna Strike, a joint mission involving the Indian Air Force and Strategic Forces Command, targeted Pakistan’s military coordination hubs. Surveillance data helped pinpoint mobile air command centers and communication links near Sargodha, Chaklala, and Bahawalpur — all of which were rendered inoperable.
India’s Rafale fighter jets carried out deep-penetration raids, escorted by airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). The Indian Navy also supported from afar by jamming Pakistani communication networks to delay coordination of retaliatory efforts.
Global reaction has been measured. The European Union urged both countries to return to dialogue. The United States reiterated support for India’s right to self-defence but stressed the importance of “strategic restraint.”
Despite Pakistan’s denial of initiating the missile attacks, Indian intelligence claims to have intercepted encrypted communications proving the launches were authorized by Pakistani military leadership following a failed terror infiltration attempt in Kashmir.
While no casualties occurred on Indian soil, citizens across the 15 targeted cities expressed relief and solidarity. PM Modi, in a national address, stated, “India does not seek war, but neither will it flinch from duty. The safety of our people will never be negotiable.”
