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Ukraine-Russia War: How Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb has ended hopes of any ceasefire in the near-term

Shraddha Pandey
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Ukraine-Russia War: How Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb has ended hopes of any ceasefire in the near-term

On the 1st of June 2025, Ukraine executed a massive attack on several airbases of Russia destroying around 40 fighter jets. This attack using FPV drones not only destroyed Russian military assets but also inflicted a deep wound on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pride. While a strong response from Russia to the Ukrainian offensive is almost certain, what is even more certain is the end of hopes of any ceasefire between Russian and a NATO-backed Ukraine in the near future.

Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb and how it will keep Russia-Ukraine entangled in a prolonged war

Under the operation code-named Pavutyna or Spiderweb, Ukraine used First-person view (FPV) drones, where an operator can view what’s in front of the drone using its cameras. When aircraft were spotted, they were targeted from weapons carried on the drones, ensuring very close-range precise strikes. The drones were smuggled into Russia much earlier, and were hidden inside mobile wooden cabins loaded onto trucks. The drones were hidden on the roof of the cabins, with a lid on the roof that could be opened remotely. When all the trucks were placed at the desired locations near the airbases in Belaya, Diaghilevo, Olenya and Ivanovo, the operation began.

The Ukrainian officials said that they have been planning this operation for 1.5 years. Reports say that around 40 to 41 Russian aircrafts, including nuclear capable TU-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers were damaged in the attack. Ukraine also attacked a military unit in the village of Sridni, the first such attack in Siberia.

In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded Operation Spiderweb and sheer brilliance with which it was executed, stunning Russia. Zelenskyy said that around 117 drones were used and about 34 per cent of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at targeted airbases were hit.

“Today, a brilliant operation was carried out. The preparation took over a year and a half. What’s most interesting, is that the “office” of our operation on Russian territory was located directly next to FSB headquarters in one of their regions. In total, 117 drones were used in the operation with a corresponding number of drone operators involved. 34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit. We will continue this work,” the Ukrainian President said.

In a subsequent thread posted on X, President Zelenskyy claimed that Russia has been intensifying its drone and missile attacks against Ukraine. He further asserted that Ukraine never wanted this war and even offered a ceasefire, however, it was “the Russians who chose to continue the war – even under conditions where the entire world is calling for an end to the killing.”

Described as the biggest drone strike attack on Russia since the war erupted, Ukraine’s offensive comes across as a bold but reckless move. While executing such an attack deep inside Russia shows Ukraine’s military capabilities and willingness to take risks, however, the timing of the attack raises concerns. The timing of the Ukrainian drone attacks right ahead of the scheduled peace talks in Istanbul raises questions if it was Ukraine’s deliberate attempt to sabotage negotiations or a profound strategic error. This question becomes even more significant when the Ukrainian President says “we will continue to do so”.

While the first round of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev may have not been successful in securing a ceasefire commitment, the talks concluded with both agreeing to exchange around a thousand prisoners of war. Last month, both the warring nations implemented this agreement and PoWs were exchanged, hinting that, although gradually, things may take positive turn in this prolonged war. However, Russia’s missile and drone strikes and now Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb has essentially crushed the hopes for even a short term ceasefire, let alone lasting peace.

Even as the Russian aircrafts destroyed by Ukrainian drones burn and Russian leadership fumes, the leaders of Russia and Ukraine will meet each other in Istanbul on 2nd June, for peace talks, ironically.

While the planned peace talks are not expected to yield any significantly positive outcomes, Russia would not sit silent after the Ukrainian attack or continue with the usual tactics, rather, sone fear that Russian forces might even start considering the Nuclear option against Ukraine.

For President Putin, the Ukrainian attack is both, a setback and an opportunity. The Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russia have not only inflicted damages to fighter jets, but Putin’s image of an untouchable strongman. Russian nationalists, who form Putin’s large support base, expect a robust response. Agreeing to ceasefire immediately after such an attack, would come across as a sign of weakness and Ukraine and its European allies would project this as Russia’s defeat. Besides, President Putin’s reputation as a defender of Russian sovereignty would also be undermined.

Putin has continuously said that Russia’s war against Ukraine is its defence against what Moscow calls Western encroachment and a fight against the root causes of the conflict. These include Ukraine’s desire to join NATO which would translate into bringing NATO forces to the doorstep of Russia, Kiev’s refusal to cede territories occupied by Russia, alongside Western sanctions. Since the Ukrainian attack came just ahead of peace talks, Kiev has essentially handed an opportunity to Moscow to go berserk in response to Ukraine’s “act of terror”.

So far, Ukraine’s Western backers have been accusing Russia of deliberately prolonging the conflict. Hoever, after Operation Spiderweb, Moscow will allege that it is Ukraine and its Western allies who are escalating the war, making it untenable for Putin to accept ceasefire without desired concessions.

Notably, Ukraine has submitted its draft memorandum outlining a peaceful resolution and President Putin’s advisor Vladimir Medinsky, who would lead the Russian delegation at peace talks has confirmed receiving the document. Russia, however, has not submitted its memorandum to Ukraine, Turkey or the US, so far. Moscow is anticipated to reveal its stance during the meeting in Istanbul.

It is, however, expected that Russia would demand Ukraine to recognise Russian control over annexed Ukrainian territories, relinquish NATO dream, and demilitarise. The Ukrainian attack has allowed Moscow to stiffen its demands, and the Russian delegation might argue that Ukraine’s attack proved the need for stricter conditions to ensure Russia’s security and integrity.

Speculations are rife that Putin might opt for immediate escalation by using advanced weaponry including Orshenik missiles, Kalibr, and other warheads. However, Moscow might also pick a gradual, more methodical approach and continue to grind Ukraine’s defences while avoiding the adverse economic impacts a dramatic escalation would trigger including fresh wave of sanctions.

Reports say that the Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, with intent of creating buffer zones along the border, and have almost expelled Ukrainian forces from Russia’s Kursk region. These developments suggest that although time taking, Putin’s strategy of outlasting Ukraine and its Western allies has worked arguably well. Prolonging the conflict would help Russia erode Ukraine’s manpower and EU’s resolve.

In either case, the war will persist and yield devastating consequences for both the warring nations. The continued attacks and counterattacks by Russia and a NATO-backed Ukraine ensures the creation of a cycle of destruction and devastation where peace is the ultimate casualty.

Donald Trump’s dream of playing ‘peacemaker’ now lies in tatters

Ukraine and Russia have been accusing each other of delaying negotiations and having no intentions to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who promised to bring an end to this war, is left clueless and frustrated as things fall apart despite his tall promises of peace.

The 1st June attack has shattered Donald Trump’s ambitions of being hailed as a messiah by brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. During his election campaign last year, Donald Trump had famously claimed that if voted to power, he would end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, however, it’s been nearly five months already and Trump’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war embarrassingly faltered.

Earlier, Trump’s decision not to impose fresh sanctions against Moscow had rattled Kiev as he was seen inching closer to Putin. However, Trump’s more recent remarks directly accusing President Putin of taking measures counterproductive to peace efforts as well as calling Putin “absolutely crazy” indicate that evolving situation has left Trump clueless.

Last month, Ukraine and the United States signed the minerals deal under which the US will gain access to the war-torn nation’s rare earth deposits, including oil and gas. It must be noted that Trump has significantly reduced aid to Ukraine, thus compelling the war-torn country to ink a deal to secure long-term US investment. Trump has also been willing to make Ukraine give up its NATO aspirations, held telephonic conversations with Putin, however, none of his efforts have yielded results that could make Kiev and Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, forget lasting peace.

President Trump has tried all this conventional US tactics of talks, trade and threats, however, neither Russia nor Ukraine have stopped fighting. Neither President Putin will easily commit to a ceasefire, especially after the June 1 attack, nor President Zelenskyy would relent on his NATO dream, particularly without ironclad security guarantees, which the US is not in a position anymore to ensure. With both the warring nations prioritising military posturing over diplomacy and mediation efforts going futile, neither a ceasefire nor lasting peace are on the horizon. For Trump, after India’s outright denial of Trump’s trade-backed mediation stopping India-Pakistan clashes, the escalation of Russia-Ukraine war suggests that Trump’s peacemaker dream was just a naïve dream never meant to translate into reality.

Just procedural matter: Congress leader Rajeev Shukla reacts to news of him becoming BCCI President on interim basis

ANI
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Just procedural matter: Congress leader Rajeev Shukla reacts to news of him becoming BCCI President on interim basis

The Board of Control for Cricket in India vice president Rajeev Shukla believes there is no need to emphasise his potential takeover as the interim president of the BCCI after Roger Binny’s tenure ends, considering it is a “procedural” matter.

On Monday morning, reports stormed social media about Shukla replacing the current BCCI president, Binny, who will turn 70 on July 19 this year. Shukla, 65, is expected to take over the position on an interim basis for three months.

According to sources, with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September, the month he would turn 66, he could stand for the post of full-time president in the elections.

Shukla addressed the ongoing speculations and classified them as “useless talks.” For Shukla, taking over the position on an interim basis is a procedural matter; there is nothing more to it.

“These are useless talks. When one spot is about to get vacant, the person next in line gets the interim charge before the election. It is a procedural thing,” Shukla told ANI.

Roger was elected as the 36th president of BCCI in October 2022, replacing ex-Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, who completed his three-year tenure. Notably, Binny was the only candidate to have filed a nomination for the top post.

During his presidency, India won two white-ball titles: the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also introduced the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a women’s franchise cricket league modelled after the highly successful cash-rich IPL.

During his presidency, several steps related to properly strengthening and prioritising domestic cricket, including better incentives, pay, and senior participation in domestic tournaments, took place.

As a bowling all-rounder, Binny has represented India in 27 Test matches and 72 ODIs during his playing days. He took 47 wickets in Tests and scored 830 runs with five half-centuries. In 72 ODIs, he took 77 wickets and scored 629 runs with a half-century. The right-arm pacer bagged 47 wickets in tests while also picking 77 in ODIs.

He was a crucial contributor to India’s first-ever World Cup victory, taking 18 wickets, the highest number for India in the 1983 World Cup. Binny has previously served as a member of the BCCI selection committee.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Zubair calls teacher to madrasa and rapes her in Bareilly, Maulvi Saddam rapes minor girl in Muzaffarnagar

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Zubair calls teacher to madrasa and rapes her in Bareilly, Maulvi Saddam rapes minor girl in Muzaffarnagar

Zubair, a madrasa manager in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, called a teacher to the institution on 30th May and sexually assaulted her. The accused has been apprehended by the authorities. A similar incident has also come to light from Muzaffarnagar where a cleric raped a 15-year-old student.

Zubair summoned the victim on Friday, when the madrasa was closed. She reached there with her brother who left after dropping her outside the gate. She went inside the institution but noticed that there was no student present which made her a little suspicious. Out of nowhere, Zubair appeared from within and led her to a classroom.

He claimed that he wanted to see her and then raped her. When the teacher’s condition worsened, he fled the scene. Meanwhile, when she did not return home for an extended period, her family went to the madrasa where they found her unconscious and her clothes were also disheveled. They promptly transported her to the hospital and she regained consciousness in the evening and recounted the entire ordeal in front of them.

Subsequently, the family filed a complaint with the police. On 1st June, the police arrested the perpetrator. According to Pradeep Chaturvedi, the officer in charge of the police station, the medical examination of the teacher has been completed and the offender is undergoing interrogation.

Minor raped in Muzaffarnagar

A similar case transpired in Muzaffarnagar district on 1st June where a minor girl was summoned to the madrasa under the guise of addressing her questions and teaching her. Afterward, Maulvi Saddam Hussain raped the student as she kept screaming and shouting. She then arrived home and notified her family regarding the incident after which she took her to the police station to file a report.

Circle Officer (CO) Rupali Rao stated that the police have lodged a case against the culprit under the applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. He has been taken into custody at the Nai Mandi police station.

Pakistan staring at ‘Kharif crop crisis’ as dams run dry after India suspends Indus Water Treaty and clamps down on Chenab’s water supply

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan staring at ‘Kharif crop crisis’ as dams run dry after India suspends Indus Water Treaty and clamps down on Chenab’s water supply

Pakistan faces a dismal kharif (summer crop) sowing season due to a significant decline in live storage at its two main dams, Tarbela on the Indus and Mangla on the Jhelum. Moreover, India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror assault and regulate the flow of the Chenab River have only exacerbated the issue.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed alarm during an international conference on glacier preservation last week in Dushanbe in Tajikistan that the impending shortfall would get more dire in the coming weeks, especially during the early part of the kharif sowing season. Prime Minister Sharif also ranted about India suspended the water treaty.

The recent estimates from Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) outlined that the nation is already experiencing a 21% overall water flow shortage and roughly 50% live storage shortage in the two major dams that are essential for producing hydropower and supplying water for irrigation in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

According to the IRSA’s review of water availability for summer sowing operations from May to September, the agency “noted with concern” that the “sudden decrease in river Chenab inflows at Marala due to short supply by India would result in more shortage in early kharif season.”

The agency instructed dam officials and irrigation supply monitoring organizations to utilize water from reservoirs sparingly, “keeping in view the crisis created by Indian short supplies in Chenab river,” as it announced a 21% overall scarcity. Pakistan’s farming activities will be increasingly dependent on how India controls the flow through its two reservoirs, Baglihar and Salal, on the Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir, even if the situation might improve with monsoon rainfall in the catchment area.

Thus far, India has simply removed sediments from these reservoirs to cleanse them and make more water storage available. Furthermore, it put the 1960 agreement on hold and ceased exchanging water flow statistics with Pakistan after the Pahalgam tragedy. According to publicly available data on the live storage of Pakistan’s key reservoirs, Tarbela dam’s live storage is just over 50% (6 MFA) of its total capacity of 11.6 MFA, while Mangla dam is currently left with less than 50% of its fill level (2.7 MAF out of 5.9 MAF).

The officials mentioned that it would be challenging for the neighboring nation to even control floods during the peak flow season once the monsoon strikes the catchment areas of the Indus river system, as a significant portion of it falls within India, since India is not required to share water flow data with Pakistan after suspending the IWT.

Punjab and Sindh, two Pakistani provinces, rely entirely on irrigation canals connected to the Indus river system, which receives nearly all of its water from the western rivers, the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. Under the IWT, India has complete rights over the waters of the eastern rivers (the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas), yet, Pakistan benefits from India’s lack of infrastructure. Pakistan gains by default since India is allowed to build water storage facilities on western rivers up to 3.6 MAF but has not been able to fully utilize the same.

India hits back at Pakistan

“India’s unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin’s water, is deeply regrettable,” Shehbaz Sharif stated on 30th May in Dushanbe. However, India told Pakistan to stop holding it responsible for the Indus Water Treaty violation.

“We are appalled at the attempt by Pakistan to misuse the forum and to bring in unwarranted references to issues which do not fall within the purview of the forum. We strongly condemned such an attempt,” Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh conveyed.

He stated that it is an indisputable reality that since the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty, fundamental circumstances have changed, necessitating a reevaluation of the treaty’s regulations. According to Kirti Vardhan Singh, these developments include the continuous threat of cross-border terrorism, demographic shifts, climate change and technology advancements. He mentioned that it is crucial to honor the treaty in good faith because its preamble declares that it was signed in the spirit of friendship and goodwill.

“However, the unrelenting cross border terrorism from Pakistan interferes with an ability to exploit the treaty as per its provisions. Pakistan, which itself is in violation of the treaty, should desist from putting the blame of the breach of the treaty on India,” the minister highlighted.

India declared the suspension of the treaty as part of a number of retaliatory steps against Pakistan after the terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on 22nd April.

Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea over deportation drive in Assam

ANI
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Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea over deportation drive in Assam

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition alleging that the Assam government has reportedly launched a “sweeping and indiscriminate drive” to deport persons suspected to be foreigners to Bangladesh.

A vacation bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma asked the All BTC Minority Students Union (ABMSU) to approach the Gauhati High Court for appropriate relief.

The petitioner said that the state of Assam has reportedly launched a sweeping and indiscriminate drive to detain and deport individuals suspected to be foreigners, even in the absence of Foreigners Tribunal declarations, nationality verification, or exhaustion of legal remedies.

The petition filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed said there is a growing pattern of indiscriminate detentions and extrajudicial “push backs” of individuals, many of whom are from marginalised communities, by Assam authorities in border districts such as Dhubri, South Salmara, and Goalpara.

By its February 4 order, the apex court had directed the deportation of 63 identified “declared foreigners” whose Bangladeshi nationality was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the government of Bangladesh.

The petition said that the Assam government has gone far beyond the mandate of that order by launching a sweeping deportation drive without any judicial oversight.

The petition alleged a violation of fundamental rights arising out of the ongoing deportation of Indian citizens under the guise of implementing the top court’s order.

“This policy of ‘push back’– being executed in border districts like Dhubri, South Salmara, and Goalpara–is not only legally indefensible, but also threatens to render stateless numerous Indian citizens stateless, especially those from poor and marginalised communities who were either declared foreigners exparte or have no access to legal aid to challenge their status,” the petition stated.

It sought direction that deportation without due process, including judicial declaration, MEA verification, and exhaustion of remedies, is unconstitutional.

It further sought a stay on all deportation proceedings carried out against individuals.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Buxar triple murder: Local RJD MP and MLA reach victims after 8 days, angry family members question their absence for so long

OpIndia Staff
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Buxar triple murder: Local RJD MP and MLA reach victims after 8 days, angry family members question their absence for so long

On 24th May 2025, in Buxar, Bihar, five members of a family were shot due to personal enmity, three out of them lost their lives in this incident. 8 days after this entire incident, local RJD MP Sudhakar Singh and MLA Vijendra Yadav reached the house of the victims to meet them.

During this visit, the victims and villagers expressed their anger against them. The RJD leaders were asked that when leaders of every party had been visiting during the past 8 days, why did the local MP and MLA not bother to pay them a visit? RJD MP Sudhakar Singh started making excuses of pressure from the administration and limited resources when directly questioned.

According to the Dainik Bhaskar report, MP Sudhakar Singh said that first the administration did not allow him to come and after that he went to Tamil Nadu. That is why he was late in visiting the bereaved family.

When the angry people questioned him for not providing any update on the entire matter till now, he said that due to lack of resources, he is not able to remain active on social media.

MLA Vijendra Yadav said the accused is crazy

Apart from this, MLA Vijendra Yadav called the accused a crazy person. Vijendra Yadav said that Manoj, who is a named accused in the murder case, is a ‘crazy’ man.

Apart from this, the MLA started uttering all sorts of things about the army as well. He said, “The army also teaches us that when bullets start firing and you are weak, then run away from there. Even if you come back stronger later.”

Villagers were furious at his statements. The victim’s family told MP Sudhakar Singh that they have lost their family, and just want justice.

What is the entire matter

Three members of the same family were shot dead over a sand dispute in Ahiyapur, Buxar, Bihar. There was a dispute going on between the two families involved for past several days.

On Saturday (May 24, 2025), the family had gone out for a walk in the morning, when they were shot by people who came in two Scorpios near the canal. Vinod, Sunil and Virendra Singh of the family died on the spot and two others were seriously injured. One of the injured had to have his leg amputated due to serious injuries.

On the complaint of the victim’s side, the police have named 19 people. Out of these, the political connections of two people Santosh Yadav and Manoj Yadav have come to the fore.

JDU leaders are calling the murders ‘violence done by the opposition’. Party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar shared pictures of Santosh Yadav, the accused in the murder case, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and MP Sudhakar Singh, and said that this is organised violence with political support.

Was Pakistan planning something similar to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb in Russia that destroyed 40+ fighter aircraft? Read about Al Sham, and its cache of attack drones

OpIndia Staff
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Was Pakistan planning something similar to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb in Russia that destroyed 40+ fighter aircraft? Read about Al Sham, and its cache of attack drones

On 1st June, Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb deep inside Russia, showcasing a shocking display of asymmetric warfare. President Zelenskyy later confirmed it was in planning for nearly 1.5 years. Notably, the attack happened just a day before Russia and Ukraine were supposed to start peace talks in Istanbul. Ukraine used FPV (first-person view) drones to attack multiple high-security Russian airbases, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, including nuclear-capable warplanes.

Interestingly, these drones were not launched from the Ukrainian border. Instead, they were smuggled into Russia well in advance, hidden in mobile wooden cabins loaded onto trucks. The trucks were driven by unsuspecting locals. They were parked near airbases in Belaya, Diaghilevo, Olenya and Ivanovo. Once the trucks were in place, the SBU, Ukraine’s intelligence agency, remotely opened the truck roofs and launched the drones.

The drones flew just a few feet above the ground and provided crystal-clear visuals of Russian bombers and early warning aircraft, including Tu-95s and the A-50. Each drone, carrying precision munitions, struck the targets with remarkable accuracy. Russia’s loss was not just strategic but irreversible. The Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers destroyed in the operation are no longer in production. Over 40 aircraft were hit, with the total estimated damage crossing $2 billion.

Following the attack, the same trucks exploded in coordinated blasts, eliminating all evidence and wounding or killing those who went near them. It was meticulously planned, ruthlessly executed, and surprisingly cost-effective. Russia, the wounded bear, is expected to retaliate strongly.

And just last year, India came dangerously close to a similar plot

In May 2024, OpIndia had reported how the National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed one of the darkest secrets of terrorists living inside the country. In the sleepy town of Padgha, just 50 KM from Mumbai, investigations led by journalist Pankaj Prasoon and actions by the NIA exposed that the village had become a base of ISIS operations in India. The village was renamed Al Sham by its self-declared ruler, terrorist Saqib Nachan.

In 2023, a massive NIA raid in Padgha unearthed a stash of 44 drones, clearly being prepared for a coordinated attack on Mumbai. Those were not toy drones but were rigged for combat. The NIA found explosives, extremist literature and even Israeli flags, indicating a twisted attempt at false-flag operations or to incite communal tensions.

Saqib Nachan is a known terrorist linked to the 2002–2003 Mumbai bomb blasts. He had not just resurfaced but gone further. He was backed by foreign handlers, organised funding and digital networks to plan to turn Padgha into India’s version of Spiderweb. He was radicalising youth under the pretext of religious gatherings. They were getting trained in IEDs and given bayʿah, an oath of allegiance, to ISIS.

Thankfully, the NIA acted before the attack could have been executed and arrested 15, including Nachan, in December 2023. Had they delayed, India might have been writing obituaries, not reports. The world marvelled at Ukraine’s ingenuity on 1st June, but similar tactics, when used by terrorists, can lead to devastating results. It is not hard to imagine what could have happened had Al Sham succeeded.

Constant upgradation is a necessity

Operation Spiderweb is a chilling reminder of how modern warfare no longer relies on missiles, fighter jets and expensive equipment. It has turned towards low-cost, high-precision tools like FPV drones and covert logistics. The fact that such an operation could be planned, drones smuggled and an attack executed in just 1.5 years without detection should set alarm bells ringing across the world, especially for India.

There are hostile actors not only in Pakistan but inside India itself. These actors, backed by Pakistan and ISIS-linked operatives, actively seek to replicate such tactics. The threat is neither distant nor hypothetical. The foiled Padgha plot showed how dangerously close India came to witnessing a Spiderweb-style drone attack on Indian soil, much before Ukraine executed it in Russia.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, agencies like the NIA, supported by state police and central intelligence units, have cracked down hard on such sleeper cells and terror modules. The recent arrests of tens of spies working for Pakistan is another wake-up call that the enemy lives within.

The battle is far from over. Terrorism today wears many faces, from lone wolves to coordinated drone warfare. Defeating such sophisticated attacks requires a combination of proactive intelligence, strong political will, and public vigilance. The Modi government has taken significant steps to modernise internal security, but in an age where a Rs 30,000 drone can destroy a Rs 300 crore aircraft, constant upgradation of both technology and strategy is not a choice, but a necessity.

Over 2000 illegal immigrants sent back to Bangladesh, thousands going back on their own as Indian government cracks down on illegal immigration

OpIndia Staff
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Over 2000 illegal immigrants sent back to Bangladesh, thousands going back on their own as Indian government cracks down on illegal immigration

After a countrywide verification exercise, the authorities are believed to have sent back over 2,000 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh since “Operation Sindoor” commenced in the early hours of 7th May after the 22nd April Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack, reported The Indian Express.

They added that during that time, an equal number of immigrants willingly crossed the border between India and Bangladesh as a result of the panic caused by the crackdown. The sources revealed that government action is majorly taking place in Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam along the Bangladesh border.

Approximately half of all individuals who have been sent back have come from Gujarat, which was one of the first states to start the round-up. The sources further disclosed that a significant number of immigrants have also been returned from Delhi and Haryana as well, with the remainder being rounded up from Assam, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

A government source informed, “It is an ongoing process and all states which have cities with significant economic activity are rounding up such illegal immigrants after verification of their documents. A focused effort began in this direction following the Pahalgam attacks in April. Since Operation Sindoor, it has picked up pace. Gujarat was the first off the blocks followed by Delhi and Haryana. More states will begin sending soon. The instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs are clear in this regard and the states, too, are cooperating.”

These illegal immigrants are reportedly being transported from different places to the borders in Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and then turned over to the Border Security Force (BSF) to be detained in temporary camps along the border. The source mentioned that after a few hours of confinement, they receive food and some Bangladeshi currency, if necessary, and then sent back.

“There is a perception that these states have been chosen because they are BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)-ruled. But that is not true. BJP is a small minority in Meghalaya. These states were chosen because of the ease in pushing back from these states. In West Bengal, because of the nature of the border, which often passes through the middle of villages or even houses, and the familial connections on either side, there was fear of law and order issues cropping up,” a security establishment officer stated while talking about the action transpiring along the border in Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam.

Another official pointed out that around 2,000 Bangladeshi immigrants voluntarily arrived at the border to go back. “Because of largescale reporting in the media about a crackdown, many illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are voluntarily leaving the country for the fear of being detained,” the officer highlighted.

The Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have reportedly been “cooperating” with their Indian counterparts and the operation has gone smoothly thus far. “It is because most of those who have been rounded up are not resisting deportation. Barring those who came to India decades ago, most are willing to go back. Once rounded up and taken to the border, they call up their relatives in Bangladesh who come to pick them up. Most of them know that once they are rounded up, they will end up in detention centres or jails. A majority of them are poor labourers with no means to fight a legal battle. They prefer to go back to their families,” conveyed another security establishment officer.

However, once the numbers rise to 10,000 or 20,000 per week, officials in Bangladesh are expected to become uncomfortable, according to sources. An official expressed, “This is only a temporary solution. Such exercises, albeit on a much smaller scale, have been carried out in the past as well, even under the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government. But these illegal immigrants often come back once the heat lowers. That is why the Government is pushing for biometric capture of all such immigrants who are being pushed back and integration with larger immigration data.”

Crackdown against intruders in the country

On 29th May, around 160 illegal immigrants were sent back to Bangladesh via Hindon Air Base from Delhi. According to the sources, a special plane would transport them to Tripura after which they were to be deported by road to the Bangladesh border for repatriation. Nearly 470 Bangladeshi nationals were found to be living unlawfully in the city by Delhi Police and they were also removed using the same route. Most of these people had smuggled their way into India while others did not return to Bangladesh even after their visas had expired.

It has been reported that during 24th and 25th May, India forced 172 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh to head back to their homeland. The deportations were conducted via the borders of Sylhet, Meherpur and Moulvibazar in Bangladesh.

29 Bangladeshi nationals, including women and children who were staying illegally in India were taken into custody by the Haryana police. They were employed at Kharkiya brick kiln. During questioning, Noor Islam disclosed that he had been living illegally in India for 22 years. He claimed to have paid ₹15,000 to the contractor who facilitated his entry into India. Musharraf claimed that he paid an agent ₹25,000 last year in order to enter India illegally. Hafizul reported to have entered India at night via the Balaghat border region.

According to the investigation, the contractors created fictitious Aadhar cards for the Bangladeshis who were arrested. They organized Bangladeshi nationals into groups of five to ten and made it easier for them to enter through West Bengal.

Operation Push-back

For decades, India has followed established protocols to deport Bangladeshi infilitrators and Rohingyas to their home country. The process has been slow (pending trial in courts), cumbersome (because Bangladesh government and Bangladesh Border Guard often refuse to acknowledge their own citizens) and has failed to attain success.

The situation has been exacerbated due to continued illegal immigration through the porous India-Bangladesh border with the help of agents and brokers but not enough deportations year-on-year. For the unversed, there are more than 2 crore Bangladeshis living illegally in India (2016 data). Following the undemocratic ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the hostile attitude of the Yunus-led interim government, the deportation protocol has been rendered useless by Bangladesh.

Forced by circumstances, the Indian government has now resorted to what is being unofficially referred to as “Operation Push-back.” The Indian government has devised a new strategy to get rid of Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas who are caught red-handed at the Eastern border as well as living in India illegally for several years.

Instead of going through the hassle of handing them over to the police, registering a FIR, producing them before the court, continuing trials for years and then sending them back through established protocols, the Indian security forces are now increasingly pushing-back the infiltrators to the other side almost instantenously. “Operation Push-back” has been in motion since April 2025.

Lie big, apologise small: Times of India issues apology for publishing fake news that BJP would use Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as campaign faces

OpIndia Staff
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Lie big, apologise small: Times of India issues apology for publishing fake news that BJP would use Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as campaign faces

On 2nd June 2025, the Times of India issued an apology for publishing fake news that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) was planning to make Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh the face of its campaign.

In its Lucknow and Chennai editions, the leading Indian newspaper had published a report headlined, “Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika set to be BJP campaign’s faces”.

The TOI in its tiny “correction” inserted on one corner said that although the report was based on a conversation with the National President of the BJP Minority Morcha, Jamal Siddiqui, the newspaper should have checked with the party’s central leadership.

“Correction: TOI’s June 1 editions of Lucknow and Chennai carried a report, headlined ‘Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika set to be BJP campaign’s faces’. We have since gathered that BJP does not have such a plan. Though the report was based on a conversation with Jamal Siddiqui, national president of BJP Minority Morcha, we should have checked with the party’s central leadership. We apologise for the lapse,” the TOI stated.

In the article in question, the Times of India misreported BJP Minority Morcha leader Jamal Siddiqui’s statement about highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as role models for women, especially for the Muslim community, as BJP’s plans to make Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as its women-centric campaign’s face.

This news was published prominently by the newspapers of Times Media Group . In this news published in Times of India, it was told that on 9th June 2025, on the completion of 11 years of Modi government, BJP will run this women-centric campaign.

The TOI report claimed that the BJP Minority Morcha has been directed by the BJP to organise such Chaupals in mosques, dargahs and other places. The Times of India report also claimed that the party wants to increase its reach among the minority community. However, the BJP had called this news completely fake.

Calling out Times of India for peddling falsehoods, the BJP stated that it has no plans to use Colonel Qureshi or Wing Commander Singh as the faces of any of its campaign.

BJP leader Amit Malviya said on X, “This is #FakeNews. The BJP has no plans to use either Col Sofia Qureshi or Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as campaign faces. The comments made by BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui have been misconstrued. He simply made a limited point about highlighting Col Qureshi as an example of an empowered Muslim woman within the community.”

Earlier, BJP had rejected the report of Dainik Bhaskar in which it was claimed that the party is running a campaign to send sindoor to every house. BJP had said that it has no such plan.

Assam: Habiba Khatun calls Goddesses Durga and Kali ‘Nangi’, makes hateful videos against Hindus, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Habiba Khatun calls Goddesses Durga and Kali ‘Nangi’, makes hateful videos against Hindus, arrested

Amid the arrest of Sharmishta from Gurgaon by Kolkata police, a video of a Muslim woman making derogatory comments about Hindu community and its deities surfaced on social media on Friday (30th May).

The accused was identified as Habiba Khatun from Silchar (Cachar district) in Assam. She regularly posted hateful content targeting the Hindu religion and its practioners.

In one Instagram comment, she was seen making vile references to Goddess Kali and Goddess Durga (Hindu deities who are highly revered in Assam).

“Waise Kaali aur Durga to Nangi hoti hai, Iska matlab yeh sab nangi rehna chahti hai (Because Kali and Durga remain naked, they (Hindus) all want to stay naked),” she had commented.

Soon after, the Assam police took cognisance of the matter after it was brought to light by alert netizens.

On Sunday (1st June), Cachar Police tweeted, “She has been arrested and forwarded to the Hon’ble Court.”

In a subsequent tweet, Cachar Police informed, “A video recently emerged on social media in which Habiba Khatun of Tukergram, Silchar, was seen making derogatory & indecent remarks against Goddess Maa Kali, prompting arrested her & forwarded to the Hon’ble Court.”

Prior to her arrest, Habiba Khatun made a video promising not to make hateful content anymore on Instagram. But her damage control mechanism could not save her.

“Aaj se me Roasting video aur hindu muslim Nafrat failane wali Jo bhi content hoga wo me nhi banaungi aur Kuch aisa comment bhi nhi Karungi (I will not make roasting videos and spread Hindu-Muslim hate, or make any such comments),” her last post read.

Habiba Khatun has now deleted all her Instagram posts.

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