India has accused Pakistan of using civilian airliners as cover during an unprovoked drone and missile attack on May 7. Defence officials highlighted that Pakistan didn’t close its civil airspace, risking passenger lives, while India showed restraint and neutralised hundreds of hostile drones in “Operation Sindoor.”
In a sharp rebuke to Pakistan’s recent airspace aggression, Indian defence officials on Friday accused the neighbouring country of using civilian airliners as shields during an unprovoked drone and missile attack launched on May 7.
Addressing the media during a special briefing on “Operation Sindoor,” Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated, “Pakistan’s irresponsible behaviour has again come to the fore. It did not close its civil airspace despite launching a failed, unprovoked drone and missile attack on India at 8:30 PM on May 7.”
The Centre noted that while Pakistan conducted the attack, it knowingly allowed civilian flights to continue along routes between Karachi and Lahore, potentially risking the lives of innocent passengers. “Pakistan is using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response,” added Wing Commander Singh.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi presented flight-tracking data as evidence, pointing out that while the Indian side had cleared its airspace of civilian traffic following standard protocol, Pakistan continued regular commercial air traffic along its western corridor.
“The Indian Air Force demonstrated considerable restraint in its response, thus ensuring the safety of international civil carriers,” Singh emphasized, highlighting India’s commitment to responsible military conduct.
The press briefing also revealed that Pakistan’s army violated Indian airspace multiple times across the western sector, targeting military installations. One Pakistani UAV was detected heading toward the Bhatinda military station, but it was successfully intercepted and neutralised.
In a measured but firm retaliation, India launched precision drone strikes on four Pakistani air defence sites. One of the Indian drones also successfully destroyed a Pakistani air defence radar installation.
According to Indian defence officials, over 300-400 drones were sent across the border targeting 36 Indian locations in a massive offensive by Pakistan, all of which were neutralised by India’s air defence systems.
The Ministry of Defence’s revelations mark a significant escalation in cross-border tensions and underline the dangerous tactics being adopted by Pakistan, particularly the use of civilian airspace to obscure military aggression.
India has reiterated that it remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding national security, while also acting in accordance with international norms governing airspace and the protection of civilian lives.
