In a significant shift in national security policy, India has declared that any future act of terror will henceforth be treated as an “act of war” against the country and responded to with full military resolve, top government sources said on Saturday. The announcement comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a series of retaliatory airstrikes and cross-border escalations.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting at his residence in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff, and the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The gathering came just hours after Indian fighter jets conducted precision strikes on four airbases deep inside Pakistani territory.
These strikes were carried out in retaliation for Pakistan’s coordinated attacks on 26 Indian military locations. Indian Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that the Indian Air Force targeted military installations in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, in addition to radar stations at Pasrur and Sialkot aviation bases. The operations were executed using air-launched weapons with pinpoint accuracy.
In a joint press briefing later in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh addressed the media to share updates and counter disinformation. Misri condemned Pakistan’s aggressive actions, terming them “provocative escalations,” and clarified that India’s military response was “responsible and measured.”
“Pakistan’s actions constituted provocation and escalation. In response, India defended and reacted in a responsible and measured fashion,” said Misri, while also presenting intelligence and evidence of Pakistan’s role in the escalation.
Despite the intensity of the conflict, Indian forces mounted a successful defence. However, several Indian airbases, including those in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj, and Bathinda, sustained varying degrees of damage. Reports also confirmed injuries to military personnel. A particularly alarming attack occurred around 1:40 AM, when Pakistan fired high-speed missiles at an airbase in Punjab. In a serious breach of wartime conduct, Pakistan also targeted hospitals and schools near airbases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur—an act condemned by Indian authorities.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh used the briefing to categorically reject Pakistan’s misinformation campaign. She addressed false claims circulated by Islamabad, which alleged the destruction of key Indian assets such as the S-400 air defence system at Adampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, the BrahMos missile facility at Nagrota, and artillery positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh.
“These are deliberate lies aimed at creating confusion and undermining public confidence in India’s defence preparedness,” Singh asserted, adding that all Indian critical military infrastructure remains intact and operational.
Heavy shelling and cross-border firing were also reported throughout Saturday along various sectors of the India-Pakistan border. The situation remains tense, with both nations on high alert.
The Indian government’s latest stance signals a no-tolerance approach toward cross-border terrorism and marks a strong message to hostile elements. By elevating acts of terror to acts of war, India has drawn a red line, indicating that future provocations will invite swift and comprehensive retaliation.
The global community watches closely as developments unfold in the subcontinent, with many urging restraint while acknowledging India’s right to self-defence.
