Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan Tensions NEWS Live: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi on Friday said during MEA’s press briefing that Pakistan deployed between 300 and 400 drones across 36 locations along India’s northern and western borders. Preliminary investigations indicate that Turkey’s SONGAR drones were used in the attacks. Colonel Qureshi stated that Indian forces successfully neutralised the drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. She also confirmed that a Pakistani UAV attempted to target a military installation in Bathinda, but the Indian Armed Forces intercepted and foiled the attack.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said that Pakistan’s conduct has been very “irresponsible” so far. She added that Pakistan didn’t even close its airspace after launching the attack on India last night and is in fact using its civilian airlines as a shield.
Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones over key areas on Thursday night amid city-wide blackouts. Airforce and Defence ministry confirmed that three Indian military stations in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were attacked by Pakistan. Defence ministry sources confirmed that 8 missiles were targeted at Jammu city and subsequently thwarted. A blackout was enforced in several districts, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Gurdaspur in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to officials in border areas and directed them to take stock of the situation. Many states have also announced the closure of schools, blackouts in border districts, and cancellation of leave of police personnel and administration officials amid the escalating tensions.
“Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in J&K today. The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures. No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” read an update from the Ministry of Defence.
‘Fundamentally, not our problem,’ says US Vice President JD Vance
US Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News, said that while the United States is encouraging India and Pakistan to reduce tensions, it has no plans to directly intervene in the conflict. He stressed that the issue lies outside America’s control and influence, and that both nations must make their own decisions. “What we can do is try to encourage these folks to deescalate a little bit, but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it,” Vance said.
Vance added that the US will continue supporting peace efforts through diplomacy. “You know, America can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can’t tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so, we’re going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels,” he said. He expressed hope that the situation won’t grow into a larger regional conflict or nuclear crisis, though he acknowledged concern about the possibility. He stressed that the responsibility lies with leaders in both countries to avoid such an outcome.
‘We are worried about these things. The job of the cooler heads in India and Pakistan is to make sure that this doesn’t become a nuclear war and if it happens, it will be disastrous but right now we don’t think it is going to happen,” Vance said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an All Party Meet on May 8 where various Opposition leaders and Union Ministers were in attendance. The meeting was held at the Parliament in New Delhi to discuss Operation Sindoor. This comes a day after India launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR‘ early Wednesday morning, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As the Indian Army out it, this was a precision strike carried out by the Armed Forces at nine terror base camps in Pakistan. The strikes were in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Track full live coverage of India’s attack on Pakistan terror camps here:
Operation Sindoor Live Updates Here:
Guru Granth Sahib Saroops moved to Amritsar amid India-Pakistan tensions - WATCH
Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, holy saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib from the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Havelian village are being shifted to Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib in Amritsar.
#watch | Tarn Taran, Punjab | Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, holy saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib from the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Havelian village are being shifted to Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib in Amritsar. pic.twitter.com/G8syG6iMYO
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Health Ministry cancels all leaves amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions
Amid India-Pakistan tension, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that 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.
India Pakistan News LIVE: 'Pak deployed between 300 and 400 drones'
During a briefing on Operation Sindoor, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that Pakistan deployed between 300 and 400 drones targeting 36 different locations across India. She noted that preliminary investigations indicate the use of Turkey-manufactured SONGAR drones in the attempted strikes. According to Col Qureshi, the Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised these drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.
"Pakistan didn't close airspace after launching the attack. Irresponsible of them. They are using civil airplanes as shield," Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said.
India Pakistan News LIVE: Drone attacks took place at 36 locations
Bhatinda military stations were targeted. Pakistan military's intent was to damage Indian military installations. Drone attacks took place at 36 locations, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said.
India Pakistan News LIVE: Press conference begins
Press conference conference begins. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi says Pakistan used Turkish drones in last night's attacks on India.
SBI, PNB other banks say ATMs, digital services operating smoothly
India's top banks have clarified that their ATMs and digital services are fully functional and all operations were normal.
The announcement by the banks came in response to fake social media reports claiming that ATMs are likely to be shut in the coming days amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
"All our ATMs, CDMs/ADWMs and digital services are fully operational and available for public use," the State Bank of India said in a post on X.
India Pakistan News LIVE: MEA briefing to begin in 10 minutes
The MEA briefing is about to begin in the next 10 minutes. This will be the third such press briefing done by the MEA since May 6.
Indian markets ended the week in red as conflict with Pakistan escalates
Indian markets took a hit on Friday, following reports of overnight drone and munitions assaults by Pakistani forces.
India's benchmark indexes dropped over 1.2% each, and were poised to register their first weekly loss in four days.
Indian rupee, which fell by 1% in the previous session, was showing a slight recovery, trading marginally higher at present. Traders speculate that the Reserve Bank of India might have intervened through state-run banks to stabilize the currency.
All shops and establishments in Chandigarh asked to shut down by 7pm today
Chandigarh DC has orderd all shops and establishments including restaurants to be closed by 7:00 PM today, May 9, 2025. However, these orders will not apply to medical shops.
'Situation today same as the Kargil war', says ex-army colonel
“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,” says Colonel (retd) Prabhjot Singh Bindra.
MHA asks states and UTs to use special emergency rules if needed
Ministry of Home Affairs has told all states and Union Territories to use special emergency rules if needed. This means the person in charge of civil defence in each state can quickly by whatever is necessary to put safety measures in place without the usual delays. This would mean fast-tracking a pass to get essential supplies or services if an emergency hits.
As per the communication, "Section 11 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, can be invoked and necessary Emergency Procurement Powers to the Director Civil Defence of state/UT, may be granted so that efficient implementation of the necessary precautionary measures can be implemented."
Complete blackout in Ambala tonight
The district administration in Haryana’s Ambala, a key air force base, has issued an order to enforce blackout during night hours.
“Given the prevailing circumstances, it is imperative to ensure a complete blackout during night hours to safeguard public safety and strategic interests,” an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer said.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the importance of GST, saying it's nothing but God-Sent Tax.
"Rafale jets and S-400 systems don’t just appear- they are built on the strength of our taxpayers. That’s why GST was never a “Gabbar Singh Tax” - it’s a ‘God-Sent Tax’ that unites India and funds its security, growth, and resilience," Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
World Bank distances itself from Indus Water Treaty
In a major setback to Pakistan, the World Bank made it clear on Friday that it has no role to play in sorting out matters related to the Indus Water Treaty.
"We have no role to play beyond that of a facilitator." “There’s a lot of speculation in the media about how the World Bank will step in and fix the problem but it’s all bunk. The World Bank’s role is merely as a facilitator," the World Bank President said.
Pakistan has been claiming that it preparing legal action over India's suspension of the water treaty, including raising the issue at the World Bank, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced that the waters of the river and its tributaries rightfully belong to India and will now be used in the interest of India.
AIR raid siren tested at ITO in Delhi
The civil defence directorate carried out the testing of an air raid siren installed atop the multi-storey PWD building at ITO.
MEA briefing at 5.30pm today
MEA will be holding its daily briefing to detail out overnight developments in the ongoing India Pakistan conflict at 5.30pm today
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a directive to the chief secretaries and administrators of all states and Union Territories, urging them to invoke emergency powers under the Civil Defence Rules to ensure effective implementation of essential precautionary measures, reports ANI.
BCCI states that the the decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans.
Despite having full faith in India's preparedness and the armed forces BCCI considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.
IPL 2025 suspended with immediate effect for one week
In a statement, BCCI shared that it has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
Board stated that further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation. It will be done in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
11% domestic air traffic impacted by India-Pak conflict
At least 11 per cent of the daily domestic air traffic has been affected following the closure of 24 airports in the country, data showed on Friday.
According to industry data, average daily domestic flights dropped from 3,265 in April to 2,907 (as of May 8).
Nearly 670 airline routes will be affected over May 9-10. This includes 334 incoming and 336 outgoing flights across the 24 airports that have been shut, according to FlightRadar24 data. Airports in Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu and Leh account for the most affected routes. Other impacted airports include Patiala, Bhuntar, Pathankot, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Mundra, Keshod and Rajkot.
Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi remained open and operational on Friday. "Delhi Airport operations remain normal. Some flights are impacted due to changing airspace conditions and heightened security. Please check with your airlines for the latest updates,” said the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) in a post on X.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any inconvenience," DIAL added.
Amit Shah reviews border, airport security at high-level meeting
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting in Delhi to review the prevailing border situation and evaluate security arrangements at airports across the country.
In a nearly one hour meeting, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF) Daljit Chawdhary, Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) RS Bhatti, and Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS) Rajesh Nirwan were present.
The meeting was focused on reviewing the current border situation and assessing security arrangements at airports across the country. The discussion comes amid heightened vigilance along sensitive zones and a push to strengthen national security infrastructure.
No need to panic as of now: Punjab CM Bhagwant
'Whatever the Army says, we will do it, but there is no need to panic as of now. Everything is under control," says Punjab CM Bhagwant on Pakistan's failed attempts to attack India's western borders.
Chandigarh DM issues notice on hoarding of essential commodities
Chandigarh District Magistrate has banned hoarding of essential commodities (rice, wheat, sugar, fuel, etc.) under the Essential Commodities Act. Traders must declare current stock to the Department of Food & Supplies within 3 days.
We salute our armed forces: Jasprit Bumrah
'Grateful to our armed forces for their courage and bravery. We salute them and remain forever in their debt for everything that they do to keep us safe,' Jasprit Bumrah posted on social media.
We stand in solidarity with our forces: Virat Kohli
"We stand in solidarity with and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times...", cricketer Virat Kohli
posted on Instagram amid India Pakistan Conflict.
Jaishankar speaks to UK Foreign Secretary
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has posted on social media that he had a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
"Our discussions centered around countering terrorism, for which there must be zero-tolerance."
'Pakistan is trying to escalate the situation', says J&K CM Omar Abdullah
J&K CM Omar Abdullah is in Jammu today after yesterday's drone attacks by Pakistan. Speaking to the media he said that Pakistan is trying to escalate the situation, and this won't benefit them in any way. "They should lay down their weapons...they should move forward with de-escalation instead of escalation..."
He even confirmed that Kashmir's Anantnag ammunition depot was also targeted but the attempt was foiled
"Biggest thing is they have tried to target civilians...they used drones...but the credit goes to our defence forces, they shot down all the drones. We did not start this situation, innocent people were killed in Pahalgam, and we had to reply."
Union health Minister JP Nadda reviews health infrastructure & preparedness
Union Health Minister JP Nadda holds a review meeting with senior officers of the ministry on health infrastructure and preparedness.
#watch | Union Health Minister JP Nadda holds review meeting with senior officers of the ministry on health infrastructure and preparedness.
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
The Senior officials of the Health Ministry gave complete information about the hospitals and health facilities in the country. Complete… pic.twitter.com/w2056i0Wj8
Army jawan M Murali Naik martyred in Jammu and Kashmir
"I am deeply saddened to learn that Army Jawan M Murali Naik of Kalli Thanda village in Gaddamthanda panchayat of Gorantla mandal in Sri Satya Sai district was martyred in the ongoing Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday," wrote Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer on X.