India responds to cross-border shelling by Pakistan

Islamabad has vowed retaliation after New Delhi struck multiple “terrorist targets” on its territory and Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir

India has launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting what it calls “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir, in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley.

Islamabad has condemned the strikes as a “heinous provocation” and vowed retaliation.

New Delhi said it hit at least nine targets early Wednesday morning, insisting that the strikes were directed at “terrorist camps” and not the Pakistani armed forces or civilians.

“Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution,” the Indian government said in a statement.

READ MORE: ‘Operation Sindoor’: What are the nine targets that India bombed inside Pakistan?

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Indian operation as a “cowardly” attack, stating that Islamabad “has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given.”

The airstrikes follow the April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley, which left 26 civilians dead. India has held Pakistan indirectly responsible, alleging cross-border militant involvement. Islamabad has vehemently denied that it had any role in the attack and has called for an impartial probe.

Amid heightened tensions and sporadic border skirmishes, India has launched one of its largest civil defense exercises in recent years, dubbed Operation Abhyaas. The nationwide “mega drill,” according to local media, simulates wartime scenarios and includes air raid sirens, blackout protocols, evacuation plans, and public training to enhance preparedness in the event of a hostile attack.