India Pakistan Tensions Live Updates: Explosions heard in Samba as India's air defence intercepts Pakistan drones amid blackout

Pakistan launched a heavy drone attack targeting strategic installations besides residential areas in Ferozepur City, Cantonment and border areas. The residents witnessed heavy drones in the sky and panic prevailed in the area. One person is reportedly seriously injured in Khai Pheme ki area of the district in the drone attack.

There are also reports of drone explosion in Ferozepur.

Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) flared again as Pakistani forces opened fire with small arms and artillery in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded proportionately to the provocation, maintaining defensive readiness.

This comes amid a broader escalation along India’s western front, where the Pakistani military carried out multiple airspace violations and drone intrusions on the night of May 7 and 8. The coordinated attacks reportedly targeted Indian military infrastructure, marking a significant intensification in cross-border hostilities.

Meanwhile, J&K CM Omar Abdullah has urged people to stay off the streets in around Jammu. "Intermittent sounds of blasts, probably heavy artillery, can now be heard from where I am," he informed.

“It’s my earnest appeal to everyone in & around Jammu please stay off the streets, stay at home or at the nearest place you can comfortably stay at for the next few hours. Ignore rumours, don’t spread unsubstantiated or unverified stories & we will get through this together,” he said.

This comes a day after Pakistan launched airstrikes at several locations in Jammu and Punjab. Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepted the drones and missiles.

Meanwhile, complete blackout imposed Jammu.

In response to escalating tensions and cross-border attacks by Pakistan on the night of May 8–9, authorities have extended the closure of 27 airports across northern, western, and central India until 5.29am on May 15.

The affected airports include key locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rajkot, and Pathankot, among others. The temporary shutdown, outlined in a revised Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), comes as a precautionary measure following Pakistan’s targeting of Indian cities and civilian areas.

The closure impacts both civilian and military air operations across multiple states, reflecting heightened security measures in the wake of ongoing regional hostilities.

Pakistan has resumed heavy shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, escalating border tensions. Meanwhile, it resorted to small arms and artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri. The Indian Army has been responding proportionately.

"Leaves cancelled at AIIMS Delhi. Following the order of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, no leave of any kind, including station leave, is to be granted to any officer except on medical grounds, till further orders. Further, the already sanctioned leave, if any, stands cancelled and the officers who are on leave are directed to resume their duties immediately," it said.

"We will not de-escalate -- with the damages India did on our side, they should take a hit," Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told media at a briefing. "So far we have been protecting ourselves but they will get an answer in our own timing," he added.

PM Narendra Modi met a group of armed forces veterans today. PM had an extensive interaction with veterans on various issues on the current situation This included former Air Force Chiefs, Army Chiefs, Navy Chiefs and other veterans who have extensively served the country, ANI reported.

"Bahawalpur is the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group that is proscribed by the United Nations. Its leader Maulana Masood Azhar is a proscribed individual... The Jaish-e-Mohammed was in some way directly or indirectly responsible for the death of Daniel Pearl, but the real connection is through Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the British Pakistani Jihadi who was held in India but was released in 2000 and he was the person who lured Daniel Pearl eventually leading to his murder. So these are all obviously connected figures, connected institutions and the attack on that facility of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur is, I would imagine a fitting part of this unfortunate incident," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

Amid rapidly rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) provided a detailed briefing on recent cross-border hostilities, accusing Pakistan of provocative and reckless actions. According to the MEA, the Pakistani military launched approximately 300 to 400 drones—identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models—targeting Indian positions. In a highly concerning tactic, Pakistan reportedly kept its civilian airspace open during the assault, allowing commercial airliners to fly dangerously close to the International Border. Officials said this was a deliberate move to complicate India’s defensive response and risk civilian lives.

Despite these tactics, Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralized the majority of the drones, averting significant damage. The MEA condemned Pakistan’s actions as both provocative and irresponsible, particularly the use of civilian aircraft as a potential shield during military operations.

"IMF meeting is going on today, we will present our side in the meeting. Our perspective on these things will be shared with the fellow members. It is on the board to decide further... India has responsibly and adequately responded to the activities carried out by Pakistan early today morning," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

"Instead of owning up to its actions, Pakistan made the preposterous and outrageous claims that it is the Indian armed forces that is targeting its own cities like Amritsar and trying to blame Pakistan... They are well-versed in such actions as their history would show," foreign secretary Vikram Misri said during a press briefing on Friday.

"In addition, that we would attack our own cities, is the kind of deranged fantasy that only the Pakistanis can come up with," he added.

"In response to the Pakistani attack, armed drones were launched at four air defence sites in Pakistan. One of the drones was able to destroy an AD radar. Pakistan also carried out artillery shelling across the line of control using heavy-calibre artillery guns and armed drones... which resulted in some losses and injuries to Indian army personnel. Pakistan army also suffered major losses in Indian retaliatory fire," she said.

"On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure. Not only this, the Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control. Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations. The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones," she informed.

"On the intervening night of May 8 and May 9, Pakistani army tried to attack military installations on the western borders. From Leh to Sir Creek, Pakistani army used drones for infiltration," Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said.

“The situation is the same as the Kargil war in 1999. Many people lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. We took time but gave an accurate reply to them by destroying terrorist hideouts; that was a warning for them. But Pakistan again attacked 15 cities with drones and missiles, but we were able to destroy them. We are still giving them the warning,” he said.

"In the current hostile attack scenario, I would like to draw your kind attention towards Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, which inter-alia empowers he State Governments, to take such measures, which in the opinion of the state government necessary for the protection of persons and property from injury or damage, or for ensuring the due maintenance of the vital services, in the event of hostile attack," the letter said.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has filed a petition in the Islamabad high court seeking his immediate release from Adiala Jail, citing serious concerns over his health and the current regional tensions with India.

In a statement shared via WhatsApp, PTI said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur approached the court on behalf of the party, arguing that Khan’s prolonged incarceration poses a threat to his life due to deteriorating health conditions and the heightened security situation in the region.

Khan, 72, has been held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since mid-2023 in connection with multiple legal cases. The plea marks a renewed push by PTI to secure his release amid escalating political and geopolitical challenges.

"The Islamabad High Court has been approached for the release of Imran Khan. An application has been filed by Chief Minister KP Ali Amin," the party said.

Amid heightened tensions along the border, the Indian Armed Forces successfully defused a projectile-like object that landed in a village in Amritsar, Punjab, on Thursday, according to ANI.

The incident occurred as Pakistan reportedly intensified hostilities, launching air strikes at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Video footage shared by ANI captured a loud explosion at the moment the Army intercepted and neutralized the object.

Security has been tightened in the region as a precaution, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched action against the listing and sale of walkie-talkie devices on various e-commerce platforms that do not comply with regulatory requirements.

In its directive, the CCPA flagged concerns over the sale of such devices without proper disclosure of operating frequencies, licensing information, and Equipment Type Approval—raising serious issues related to public safety and regulatory compliance.

The authority has warned platforms to ensure that sellers provide all mandatory information and obtain the necessary clearances before listing such products online. The move is part of CCPA's broader efforts to protect consumers and ensure accountability in digital marketplaces.

The Directorate of Civil Defence, under the Government of NCT of Delhi, will conduct a routine air raid siren testing exercise at the PWD Headquarters, ITO, on Friday at 3pm. The test will last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

In an official statement, district magistrate (Central) G Sudhakar urged the public to remain calm and not be alarmed by the sirens, emphasizing that the exercise is part of standard preparedness measures. Authorities have requested that the public be informed in advance through social and electronic media to avoid confusion or panic.

Key officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, chief minister, cabinet ministers, chief secretary, and the Commissioner of Police, have been notified about the drill. The directorate of information & publicity is also working to ensure wide dissemination of information regarding the test.

As many as 138 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled by various airlines on Friday, according to a source. In the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, security measures have also been enhanced at airports.

Around 27 airports in various parts of the country are closed in the wake of Operation Sindoor, under which armed forces carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.

As a result of the closure of the airports, many flights have been cancelled.

A total of 66 domestic departures and 63 arrivals, as well as 5 international departures and 4 arrivals, were cancelled between 5 am and 2 pm on Friday, the source said.

"Delhi airport operations remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and heightened security measures, some flight schedules and security processing timings may be impacted,' DIAL said in a post on X on Friday.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said the presence of Pakistani officials at the funerals of terrorists killed during Operation Sindoor exposes Pakistan’s denial of involvement in terrorism. Speaking at a programme in Satara, Pawar said India faces a serious challenge but is fully capable of responding through its strong defence forces.

He stressed that India has always upheld peace, but pre-emptive action is essential when citizens' safety is at risk. Pawar praised the armed forces' preparedness and highlighted the role of women officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday carried out a comprehensive review of the national security scenario with the top military leadership, a day after Pakistan's attempts to target Indian military installations were repelled. Every aspect of the evolving security situation was discussed in the meeting, it is learnt.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

India last night neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones.

"Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation along the western border and operational preparedness of the Indian armed forces," a defence ministry spokesperson said.

After the Pakistani attempts were foiled last night, the defence ministry said India remains "fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people."

Indian military officials said the Pakistani drones and missiles were effectively engaged by Indian armed forces and the attempts by the enemy were thwarted.

Pakistan's fresh attempts to target Indian military installations came less than 24 hours after a similar attempt.

On Thursday afternoon, the defence ministry said Indian armed forces foiled Pakistan's attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country using missiles and drones.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation along India's border with Pakistan and airports in the country amid the military conflict between the two countries, sources said. The meeting came hours after the Border Security Force said it has foiled an infiltration bid from across the International Border in Jammu, killing at least seven terrorists and destroying a Pakistan Rangers post.

Apart from reviewing the security situation along the India-Pakistan border, Shah also took stock of the steps taken to beef up security at airports across the country, the sources said.

While the BSF guards the India-Pakistan border, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects the airports in the country, Metro networks and other vital installations.

Those who attended the meeting included Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Directors General of the BSF, CISF and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday carried out a comprehensive review of the national security scenario with the top military leadership, a day after Pakistan's attempts to target Indian military installations were repelled. Every aspect of the evolving security situation was discussed in the meeting, it is learnt.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

India last night neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones.

"Defence minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation along the western border and operational preparedness of the Indian armed forces," a defence ministry spokesperson said.

After the Pakistani attempts were foiled last night, the defence ministry said India remains "fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people."

Indian military officials said the Pakistani drones and missiles were effectively engaged by Indian armed forces and the attempts by the enemy were thwarted.

Pakistan's fresh attempts to target Indian military installations came less than 24 hours after a similar attempt.

The Times of India is a trusted source. As such, we will not publish any unverified claims. We are committed to publishing only verified information that our readers can trust.

Union health minister JP Nadda holds review meeting with senior officers of the ministry on health infrastructure and preparedness.

The Senior officials of the Health Ministry gave complete information about the hospitals and health facilities in the country. Complete monitoring is being done from the control centre.

"We congratulate the central government leadership and our armed forces for decisive action “Operation Sindoor” taken against Pak-sponsored terrorists and their supporting ecosystem following the cowardly attack on unarmed tourists at Pahalgam...We condemn the attacks being carried out by Pakistani army on religious places and civilian settlement areas on the border of Bharat and express heartfelt condolences to families of victims in these savage, inhuman attacks," the statement read.

The Times of India is a trusted source. As such, we will not publish any unverified claims. We are committed to publishing only verified information that our readers can trust.

On 8-9 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K by killing at least seven terrorists and causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Post Dhandhar, says BSF.

"Siren has been switched off . However All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies and only venture out in case of urgency only for next two hours. All educational institution e.g. school, colleges, ITI, polytechnique etc shall remain closed on 9th May and 10th May," DCP Ambala said.

Indian Oil Corp Ltd said, "Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying -fuel and LPG are readily available at all our outlets."

Ambala DC said An air warning indicating a possible attack has been received from the Air Force Station.

Sirens are currently being sounded across the area.

All residents are strongly advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies or open spaces

As India's Op Sindoor continues to damage the terrorist infrastructure amd its support structure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistan government has pleaded with international partners to provide more loans. It has also called on international partners to help de-escalate as the stocks were crashing.

The Pakistan government made the request in an account purportedly belonging to the Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan, on the social media platform X.

In a post on X, Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan, stated, "Govt of Pakistan appeals to International Partners for more loans after heavy losses inflected by enemy. Amid escalating war and stocks crash, we urge international partners to help de-escalate. Nation urged to remain steadfast."