Srinagar, May 8 (KNS): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday said that India’s recent military action was a direct response to Pakistan’s “initial escalation” following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Ministry of External Affairs on ‘Operation Sindoor’, Misri underlined that India’s counteraction was “measured, focused, and non-escalatory.”
He said that India’s response came after Pakistan initiated hostilities on April 22. “We are not the ones escalating. Pakistan did that first. Our actions have been careful and calculated. If they continue to escalate, we are prepared to respond suitably,” Misri said.
India launched precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan in the early hours of May 7, aiming only at non-military targets associated with terrorist operations, he added.
According to Misri, these strikes were carefully executed to avoid any collateral damage or military confrontation.
While discussions on the Pahalgam incident were underway at the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan, Misri said, attempted to block any mention of The Resistance Front (TRF), the group that had twice claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. “This is despite TRF openly owning the attack,” he said.
Both Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh had earlier emphasized that India’s action was defensive and not aimed at escalating tensions. Misri reiterated this, saying, “We did not target military establishments. Only infrastructure linked to terrorism was struck.”
He also criticized Pakistan’s history of sheltering terrorism, noting that it has been a long-standing hub for proscribed terror groups. “Let’s not forget where Osama Bin Laden was found, and who glorified him as a martyr. Pakistan hosts a number of UN-designated terrorists and has leaders who recently acknowledged links to such groups,” Misri said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Adding further, he pointed out the disturbing trend of civilian funerals being conducted with national honours, questioning Pakistan’s stance on terrorism.
Misri condemned Pakistan's artillery attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically targeting civilians. “Yesterday, a Gurdwara in Poonch was hit, and three Sikh community members lost their lives. Sixteen civilians in total have died, and many others are injured,” he said.
The Ministry of Defence also issued a statement supporting Misri’s remarks, confirming that India’s counterstrike under Operation Sindoor was “deliberate and proportionate,” focusing exclusively on terror-related sites, and avoiding any Pakistani military targets.
However, Pakistan reportedly attempted to retaliate overnight on May 7-8, launching drone and missile attacks at various military installations across northern and western India. Locations targeted included Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and others across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
These attempts were intercepted and neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. Debris recovered from several sites confirms the Pakistani offensive, the statement added.
In retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces on Thursday morning targeted air defence systems across multiple locations in Pakistan. “An air defence system in Lahore has been destroyed,” the Defence Ministry revealed, maintaining that India’s response matched Pakistan’s aggression in both scale and type.
Meanwhile, unprovoked artillery shelling by Pakistan has intensified along the Line of Control in areas such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. Heavy mortar and artillery fire have led to more civilian casualties—16 people, including five children and three women, have lost their lives.
India, the statement said, was forced to return fire to silence Pakistani artillery.(KNS)