1. Operation Sindoor: Pakistan escalates, India retaliates
2. Pakistan Claims Doing What It Could Not During “Op. Swift Retort”, Shoot Down An IAF Sukhoi Fighter!
3. US Secretary Marco Rubio speaks to EAM, Pakistan PM, urges ‘immediate de-escalation’
4. Saudi minister visits Delhi as tensions rise between India, Pakistan
5. Iran and India forge strategic partnership – sign bilateral deals on trade, customs, and healthcare

What Else

1. India will ‘pay price’ for missile strikes, Pakistan PM warns
2. India-Pakistan Tension [Pakistan Media]: BBC Verify authenticated videos showing wreckage of a crashed Indian Rafale fighter jet in Punjab’s Bathinda.
3. At least 40-50 Indian soldiers killed in retaliation along LoC following missile attack
4. Baloch Rebels Capture Quetta, Pakistani Army Booted Out: Reports

Operation Sindoor: Pakistan escalates, India retaliates

• Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated with both countries exchanging drone and missile attacks.
• Pakistan targeted civilian and military areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan with drones and missiles, which India intercepted and shot down using its air defense system.
• India had previously launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• The Indian military claims to have downed three Pakistani fighter jets, including an F-16 and two JF-17s, and destroyed a Pakistan Air Force’s Airborne Warning and Control System
• The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. (more)
• 7 Terrorists, Backed By Pak Rangers, Shot Dead Trying To Infiltrate In Jammu: India foiled an infiltration attempt last night and killed seven terrorists in the Samba sector of J&K.
• Pakistan Rangers were helping them infiltrate by firing across the border from Dhandhar post, said the Border Security Force (BSF).
• India’s military action also caused damage to the Pakistani post.
• The group of terrorists was detected by the surveillance grid during the intervening night of May 8 and 9 while infiltrating the Samba Sector, said the BSF. (more)
• On the night of May 7-8, Pakistan launched a coordinated drone and missile attack targeting military bases across 15 Indian cities. But India’s powerful S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system intercepted the threats in time.  (ET)
• India destroys China-made missile shield in Lahore: India’s counter-strikes on May 7-8 destroyed Pakistan’s air defense units, including the HQ-9P system, guarding Lahore. The HQ-9P is a Chinese-supplied variant of the HQ-9 air defense system.
• The strikes degraded Pakistan’s ability to detect and defend against air attacks. India’s S-400 missile defense system helped repel Pakistan’s attack.
• The Indian counter-strikes followed Pakistan’s attack after India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor. (more)

Pakistan Claims Doing What It Could Not During “Op. Swift Retort”, Shoot Down An IAF Sukhoi Fighter!

• India launched “Operation Sindoor” in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
• The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control, focusing on groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
• India claims to have successfully struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• However, Pakistan counterclaimed that it shot down five Indian military aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets, a MiG-29, a Su-30MKI, and an Israeli-made Heron drone.
• Pakistan described the action as taken “in self-defense.”
• India has not yet issued a formal response to these claims.
• Reports indicate an unidentified aircraft component crashed into a school building in the village of Wuyan, but its origins cannot be verified.
• The situation remains tense, with questions about whether Pakistan’s claim of shooting down Indian aircraft signals a new chapter in air combat dynamics between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
• The Su-30MKI, a symbol of India’s air power, has become a central point of contention. Official confirmation from India is awaited.
• Updates: Pakistan admitted losing two JF-17 fighter jets after India’s retaliatory action following coordinated attacks across the India-Pakistan border. (more)
• US Vice President JD Vance says: “We’re not going to get involved in the middle of war that’s fundamentally none of our business..”
• India’s military swiftly neutralized drone and missile threats from Pakistan along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, with no casualties or material losses reported- IA
• India Gate is being completely evacuated, and no one is allowed to stop or remain around- Wion
• At around 2300 hours on 8 May 2025, BSF foiled a major infiltration bid at the International Boundary in Samba district, J&K: BSF statement
• The Delhi govt on Thu cancelled leaves of all its employees till further orders due to escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, an official said. (ET)
• Escalating Tensions: India-Pakistan Conflict: India claims to have shot down a Pakistani Air Force jet in Pathankot, Punjab, amid heightened tensions between the two nations.
• Earlier, India downed two Pakistani drones in Naushera, J&K, after Pakistan allegedly targeted Indian military stations. Official confirmation is pending. (ET)
• Türkiye extends condolences to Pakistan over civilian casualties in recent missile attacks and supports an international investigation into the Jammu and Kashmir terrorist attack. Türkiye is working to reduce tensions and open dialogue between Pakistan and India to prevent further escalation.

US Secretary Marco Rubio speaks to EAM, Pakistan PM, urges ‘immediate de-escalation’

• US Secy of State Marco Rubio called Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, urging “immediate de-escalation” of tensions between the two nations.
• He emphasized the need for both countries to work together to de-escalate the situation and asked Pakistan to end support for terrorist groups.
• Rubio reiterated the US commitment to fighting terrorism and expressed condolences for the Pahalgam attack.
•  The US supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan to improve communication and reduce tensions.
• The call came amid heightened tensions and air strikes between the two countries. Diplomatic efforts aim to prevent further escalation. (more)

Saudi minister visits Delhi as tensions rise between India, Pakistan

• Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir visited India to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
• The visit comes after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• Jaishankar shared India’s perspective on countering terrorism with Al-Jubeir.
• The operation was in response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
• Pakistan reported 31 deaths in the retaliatory strikes.
• World leaders have urged both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate hostilities.
• The tensions stem from the disputed region of Kashmir, which both countries claim in full and have fought wars over.
• India accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants in Kashmir, while Pakistan denies this, saying it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris.
• Diplomatic efforts aim to reduce tensions. (more)

Iran and India forge strategic partnership – sign bilateral deals on trade, customs, and healthcare

• Iran and India forge strategic partnership – sign bilateral deals on trade, customs, and healthcare
• Foreign Ministers have already sealed agreements to deepen cooperation and strengthen economic ties (more)

[Neighborhood]

India will ‘pay price’ for missile strikes, Pakistan PM warns

• Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to retaliate against India for a missile strike that killed at least 31 civilians in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• Sharif called the attack a “blatant mistake” and warned India will “now have to pay the price”.
• India claimed the strike targeted terrorist infrastructure, while Pakistan denied this, saying the locations were not militant camps.
• The incident is part of an escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, which have fought two wars over the disputed region of Kashmir.
• Pakistan’s military says exchanges of fire continued along the Line of Control, and they shot down several Indian aircraft, including three fighter jets.
• The UK’s Foreign Office has advised Britons against traveling within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and to avoid certain regions in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Missile Strike: India launched “Operation Sindoor”, targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• Casualties: At least 31 civilians killed, 46 wounded in Pakistan.
• International Response: Global leaders urge restraint and dialogue.
• Travel Advisory: UK warns against traveling near the India-Pakistan border and in certain regions of J&K. (more)

India-Pakistan Tension [Pakistan Media]: BBC Verify authenticated videos showing wreckage of a crashed Indian Rafale fighter jet in Punjab’s Bathinda.

• Pakistan Rejects India’s Allegations: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has strongly denied India’s allegations of launching attacks on Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Srinagar, calling them “baseless” and “politically motivated propaganda”.
• The ministry asserts that such claims aim to destabilize the region and malign Pakistan’s image. Pakistan urges the international community to take note of India’s behavior and counsel it towards restraint.
• Pakistan remains committed to peace but reserves the right to respond to acts of aggression, prioritizing its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• These allegations are rejected in the strongest possible terms, with Pakistan ready to defend itself.
• Footage shows troops collecting debris and a projectile catching fire.
• Experts identified possible French air-to-air missile wreckage, and a tail fin with ‘Rafale’ inscribed on it surfaced on social media.
• Pakistani media now claiming that Pakistani military struck and destroyed an Indian military outpost in Haji Pir sector along the LoC.
• Mufti Taqi Usmani urges Imams to highlight Jihad’s importance in Friday sermons amid India’s alleged hostility towards Islam, following recent mosque attacks.
• He also calls for prayers for victory and recitation of Ayat-e-Karima in sermons, amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir.

At least 40-50 Indian soldiers killed in retaliation along LoC following missile attack

• Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar stated that the country’s response to Indian aggression will come soon and will be powerful.
• The National Security Committee has authorized the armed forces to respond at a time and place of their choosing.
• Tarar claimed Pakistan’s retaliation had killed 40-50 Indian troops and slammed India for cowardly attacks using Rafale jets.
• He added that India’s arrogance has been shattered and the manufacturers of Rafale jets have seen an 18% drop in shares.
• Pakistan’s forces are fully prepared, and the nation stands united behind them to respond to Indian aggression. (more)

Baloch Rebels Capture Quetta, Pakistani Army Booted Out: Reports

• The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have taken control of Quetta, pushing Pakistani forces out of Balochistan.
• BLA fighters launched multiple attacks on Pakistani forces and infrastructure, including the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Quetta.
• The group targeted checkpoints, supply trucks, and communication towers in various areas, resulting in casualties and damage.
• BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that locals must refrain from assisting occupation forces.
• The BLA’s actions are part of a broader escalation in Balochistan, coinciding with heightened tensions between Pakistan and India along the international border.
• Pakistan has successfully thwarted drone and missile attacks by India, but faces challenges on multiple fronts, including the western front with Balochistan and the eastern front with India.

The situation is complex, with multiple conflicts and actors involved. (more)