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The complete story: How India’s targeting of Pakistani military bases close to its nuclear arsenal forced it to beg US for help, make desperate call for ‘ceasefire’

OpIndia Staff
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The complete story: How India’s targeting of Pakistani military bases close to its nuclear arsenal forced it to beg US for help, make desperate call for ‘ceasefire’

India has displayed its military prowess through multiple phases of Operation Sindoor, striking 9 Pakistani terror camps, multiple air defence systems, 10 military bases and 2 radio stations.

The military operation by India, which kicked off on 7th May, ended up causing irreparable damage to Pakistan, so much so that it went begging to the United States for help.

India’s military capabilities had spooked the Pakistan army to the extent that it was forced to make a desperate call to for an immediate ‘ceasefire.’

The chain of events leading up to Pakistan begging for ‘ceasefire’

To further understand how India humbled Pakistan and forced it to plead for a ceasefire, we need to take a look at the chronology of events as reported in the media.

  1. In the wee hours of Saturday (10th May), the Indian Air Force (IAF) targeted important and strategic Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases with BrahMos-A cruise missiles. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) suffered heavy losses in the Indian strikes at the airbases of Chaklala, Sargodha, Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu.
  2. OpIndia had reported about the killing of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Squadron leader Usman Yousaf in India’s missile strike at the Bholari base.
  3. According to a report by The New York Times, the panic within the Pakistan military establishment began after India hit the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi.
  4. The said airbase is close to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. It is strategically important for its air refuelling capabilities, which would keep the Pakistani fighter jets afloat.
  5. But most importantly, the Nur Khan air base is close to the Strategic Plans Division that maintains Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
  6. Pakistan’s air defence systems failed to intercept/ neutralise the strikes, resulting in large-scale damage and destruction.
  7. As per a news report by NDTV, Indian intelligence agencies soon intercepted ‘high alert messages’ flashing across Pakistan’s defence networks.
  8. The messages conveyed the possibility of an attack by India on Pakistan’s nuclear establishments. Pakistan got spooked so much so that it was forced to heighten security protocols at Rawalpindi and the Strategic Plans Division.
  9. In the meantime, India had successfully destroyed 10 military bases in Pakistan and 2 radar stations. A baffled and battered Pakistan then begged the United States for urgent intervention.
  10. According to NDTV, the US, instead of preaching to India, ordered Pakistan to bow down and activate its direct line to the Indian Army without any delay.
  11. Pakistan, fearful of the destruction of its nuclear arsenal after witnessing India’s military prowess and precision attacks, practically begged India for a ceasefire.
  12. On 10th May at 3:35 pm, Pakistani Major General Kashif Abdullah made a direct plea to his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai. This was later confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing.
  13. India maintained its stand by not engaging in any formal diplomatic or military negotiations with Pakistan outside of protocol.
  14. India did not engage in mediation and kept its Armed Forces ready for the next phase of escalation, which might have involved coordinated strikes on energy and economic targets, as well as deeper strategic command structures.
  15. India said that decisions taken following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including holding in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) would remain unaffected by the ceasefire.

Conclusion

The firm resolve of the Modi government and the capabilities of the Indian armed forces, which it exhibited by firing drones and missiles deep inside the enemy territory, sent shivers down the spine of the Pakistani Army and its generals.

India was close to decimating Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal – a bargaining chip that the hostile country had used to deter Indian governments (pre-2014) from taking adverse military action for its proxy terror attacks.

After having realised that it was fighting a losing battle and was close to losing its military bases, Pakistan was forced to dial the US and then India for a ‘ceasefire agreement.’

This timely decision on the part of the Pakistan army helped them avoid second-hand embarrassment at home and avoid accountability for their incompetence.

After all, they did not need to surrender publicly like in 1971 and face the wrath of the general public. This reaffirms the age-old saying – Peace can only be maintained from a point of strength.

As long as India flourishes economically, militarily and diplomatically, we will continue to maintain peace in the region.

We will do so by exerting our strength each time against Pakistan, which relies on radical Islamic outfits to perpetrate terror and hostility in the region.

Operation Sindoor: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting with Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, NSA Doval, Chief of Defence Staff and three service chiefs

ANI
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Operation Sindoor: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting with Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, NSA Doval, Chief of Defence Staff and three service chiefs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and tri-services chiefs at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were also present at the meeting.

The meeting comes after days of heightened tension with Pakistan along the western border, following Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7. The operation targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday and noted that India will continue its firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism.

“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he said in a post on X.

The minister’s remarks came after DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed that both sides would stop all firing and military action.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told the media that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart on Saturday afternoon.

“Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time,” he said.

“Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” he added.

However, India said on Saturday that Pakistan has violated the understanding reached between DGMOs of the two countries earlier in the day on stoppage of firing and military action and that the Indian Army retaliated and dealt with the border intrusions.

At a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today and India takes “very serious note of these violations”.

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

India-Pakistan tensions: Missile war possibly averted, ceasefire announced and violated; the real war is far from over

Anurag
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India-Pakistan tensions: Missile war possibly averted, ceasefire announced and violated; the real war is far from over

The past few days brought the Indian subcontinent to the brink of catastrophe. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 innocent Hindus in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. India retaliated in every possible way, from withdrawing the Indus Water Treaty to exposing Pakistan on international platforms, followed by military strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan itself, shaking the very foundation of the hostile neighbour.

However, Pakistan dared to attack India and used swarm drones, missiles and heavy shelling on the Line of Control (LoC). India again retaliated and, according to defence sources, damaged multiple air bases. While India and Pakistan were on the path to full-fledged war, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called India’s DGMO seeking a ceasefire. Though Donald Trump, President of the United States of America (USA), claimed a role in initiating ceasefire talks, India firmly stated it was Pakistan that sought the ceasefire.

However, within hours of announcing the ceasefire, Pakistan violated it and attacked India with drones in multiple cities. India’s statement asking Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address the violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility showcased that India is maintaining its position and not violating the ceasefire to retaliate, as of now.

The aim of the ceasefire was to achieve de-escalation of the war-like situation between India and Pakistan, and it highly depends on the actions of Pakistan. India maintaining restraint points towards efforts at de-escalation, but anyone mistaking this for stability in the region is dangerously naïve. Pakistan, for some reason, has a habit of poking India repeatedly to the point where India retaliates with its might. As soon as India shows its prowess, Pakistan runs towards Western countries for shelter.

Even now, after agreeing to a ceasefire, Pakistan’s habit of poking India is not under control. The war continues, only now it has expanded from the battlefield to a far murkier theatre: global perception.

The real war – narrative and misinformation

Pakistan did not waste a second before launching its predictable propaganda machine after violating the ceasefire. While its army spokesperson cooked up fantastical claims that India had struck its own cities, especially Amritsar, a day before, the Prime Minister of Pakistan issued a video statement late at night on 10 May claiming victory against India.

Its propaganda machines worked, and citizens of Pakistan celebrated the fabricated victory. Not to forget, Pakistan’s statement suggesting India hit Amritsar was to create chaos among Sikhs and push them towards the idea of Khalistan, a Pakistani-backed propaganda seeking a separate Sikh nation.

To utter shock, some Western and Chinese media outlets uncritically echoed the pro-Pakistan narrative, claiming it shot down Indian fighter jets including Rafale, that an Indian female pilot was captured in Pakistan, that its air force destroyed Indian military bases, and more. Despite its obvious absurdity, Pakistan’s narrative is being pushed on international forums just to satisfy some perverse fantasies against India.

This is not new. For decades, Pakistan has thrived on manipulating gullible global commentators, not only in Western media but also in Indian media. Pakistan has played the “victim card” for far too long while riding on the shoulders of such narratives. What is new, and worrying, is how India’s narrative response remains largely reactive.

Official briefings were correct; however, there was an early vacuum in global messaging. India cannot continue to play catch-up in a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts. The Indian government needs to come up with a much stronger plan to re-evaluate its narrative strategies and evolve with the pace of information sharing.

India is an emerging global power, and that status demands information dominance. Think tanks, diaspora voices, and credible media allies are not enough to set the narrative. India must establish a more aggressive and permanent ecosystem, which the ruling party seriously lacks. Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2014 election, and a strong social media presence with narrative-setting capabilities played a crucial role. However, the BJP-led NDA government seems to be lagging behind in enhancing its ecosystem with time. We cannot allow hostile players to define our motives, our actions, or our restraint. And, mind you, these hostile players are present inside India as well.

PM Modi’s leadership under scrutiny, but essential

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s towering global image and record of decisive action in 2016 and 2019 still command public trust. It is this very trust that brought India precious diplomatic space during this crisis. However, it would be dishonest to ignore the undercurrent of frustration among his domestic support base at such a crucial time. India’s last night response is being seen as more of a muted response against the hostile neighbour, which is not good.

There is a fine line between strategic restraint and perceived indecisiveness, and it is dangerous. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image has always been bold, and people expect unambiguous action from him. This time, however, the calculus seems to have prioritised avoiding global escalation. The reason remains unknown. India appeared ready to respond with overwhelming force, which was clear from PM Modi’s statement during an event in Bihar. However, something changed in the past 24 hours which has rattled the sentiments of the general public.

It is understandable that global escalation would affect India in the long run and the Indian government is aiming at a bigger picture, but it is also a fact that deterrence has diminishing returns if the enemy feels no real pain. India had just started. If more pain is not inflicted in the next few days, or even months, Pakistan will develop a strategy to use its armed forces, terrorist groups, and terrorist-linked sleeper cells against India.

There is no doubt that PM Modi needs our full support currently. However, it does not mean we should not seek definitive action from our leader. This is a moment for the nation to stand behind his leadership, while also demanding better institutional readiness and swifter, sharper narrative control.

What happens next – the short-term risks

Over the next few days, Pakistan’s desperation may lead to more provocations, especially unconventional ones like drone swarms, cyber intrusions, or staged “false flag” events designed to provoke a reaction. India must stay alert but unprovoked. On the same hand, diplomatic channels have to work overtime with key global players to ensure Pakistan cannot weaponise sympathy, as it has done several times in the past.

Behind the curtains, India has to continue upgrading its military capabilities. Vulnerable civilians must be protected and everything must be done to ensure that at a time of attack, they have ample options to stay safe. Military installations need to be increased and upgraded to ensure excessive drone or missile intrusions can be neutralised. Not to forget, Pakistan used dozens of swarm drones in a short span, showing it can escalate such attacks.

It is similar to what Israel is facing. The number of missile attacks on Israel reaches such a level that its famous “Iron Dome” air defence system sometimes gets overwhelmed. This is what Pakistan seems to be trying to achieve and India has to be vigilant, and I am sure defence experts in the government are on it.

The long game – what India must fix in the next 12 months

The next one year must focus on three critical pillars:

  • First, operational dominance. India must further upgrade border defences, air grids, and civilian security infrastructure with urgency.
  • Second, narrative dominance. India has to create a permanent international communications architecture. From embassies to international media houses and top influencers, every global audience must hear India’s version first in their native language, not last.
  • Third, diplomatic offensive. India must take the battle to Pakistan on international platforms on its own, instead of playing defensive and answering only when Islamabad pokes New Delhi. Whether it’s FATF, UN forums, or G20 corridors, if Pakistan is raised as a topic of discussion, India must continue to expose Pakistan’s duplicity and support for terrorism. India must expose Islamabad’s terror ecosystem and duplicity offensively, not defensively.

Winning the narrative war is important, but winning the actual war matters more

A final word of caution. While India must build a strong international communication machine to push its narrative, it is essential that its people do not get consumed by the illusion that “narrative victory” also secures national survival. India is in a much stronger position compared to the pre-2014 era but must strengthen further. No nation has ever won a war just because it convinced CNN or BBC to like it.

Take the example of Israel. Its ambassadors are heckled globally. Its leadership is targeted by international courts, and every media outlet from New York to London glorifies Hamas as resistance heroes while vilifying the only democracy in the region. Yet, Israel survives, thrives and wins. It is not because the world applauds. It is because the people of Israel stand united behind the Israeli state and its military strength.

The same holds for Russia. Despite unprecedented Western sanctions, propaganda campaigns and diplomatic isolation, Moscow has continued its lone fight in Ukraine, a country which is supported by NATO. Russia is standing tall only because its leadership and people remained aligned on national survival at any cost. Whether or not you agree with their decisions, Russia has shown the world that survival depends on resolve, not approval. We too stand with Russia’s and Israel’s right to defend their sovereign choices.

India must learn this fast. Pakistan will always be portrayed as the weak, unstable underdog in Western media narratives. Global elites will always mistrust an assertive Hindu-majority India. No amount of op-eds or press briefings will change that fundamental bias. Still, winning narratives is part of the broader war against the terrorist state that is Pakistan.

Winning the narrative is essential for diplomacy. But winning the actual war, be it at the border, in cyberspace, or on the economic front, must remain the top priority of the PM Modi-led Indian government. And for that, there is an immediate need for an unshakeable bond between the state and its people.

The endless online rants and internal pessimism must be countered systematically and effectively. Claim the victory for what it is: a powerful nuclear state with a professional armed force neutralising an enemy provocation. Stop expecting applause from those who fundamentally despise your very existence.

The coming days, the next phase of the India-Pakistan war, is going to test the unity between the people of India and the government. If India is prepared to stand together – government, armed forces and citizens – it can ensure that both the narrative and the real war end in nothing less than victory on all fronts.

Former Afghanistan VP hails Operation Sindoor and subsequent ceasefire as Indian victory, dubs Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos ‘propaganda without proof’

OpIndia Staff
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Former Afghanistan VP hails Operation Sindoor and subsequent ceasefire as Indian victory, dubs Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos ‘propaganda without proof’

On 11th May (local time), former Vice President of Afghanistan, Amrullah Saleh, weighed in on the recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He described India’s execution of Operation Sindoor and the eventual ceasefire as a clear strategic victory for India.

He drew a sharp comparison between India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s so-called Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos and outlined several key firsts that defined India’s assertive and autonomous approach.

Operation Sindoor vs Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos – some of the firsts

India showed real strategic autonomy

For the first time, India did not seek approval or sympathy from the outdated United Nations Security Council (UNSC), dominated by the victors of 1945. Saleh pointed out that Operation Sindoor demonstrated a strong sense of self-confidence, strategic autonomy, and sovereignty.

India targeted both terrorists and their backers

Saleh noted that the long-standing notion that terrorists operate separately from their state backers was decisively rejected by India, and it boldly targeted both the terrorists and their handlers within Pakistan. This shift signals a new paradigm and forces Pakistan to invent new forms of deniability.

Pakistan’s military ambitions versus financial realities

While hostilities were ongoing, Pakistan sought and surprisingly secured an IMF loan. The former VP pointed out that Pakistan has enough resources to fight battles but not to sustain a war. No war has ever been won on IMF loans. He said, “It matters because most likely Pakistan isn’t fit enough to finance a war but has capabilities to engage in battles. A war can’t be won with IMF loans anyway.”

Limits of strategic patience tested by terror attack

Saleh noted, “The strategic patience and cultural restraint have a limit. That limit was tested on 22nd April by the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. Perhaps they wanted what followed. They didn’t benefit from their adventure though. Perhaps they wanted to humiliate India publicly. They seem to be mentally stuck in 2008.”

India demonstrated overwhelming reach

The belief that Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi was impenetrable was disproven. The former VP said, “Size matters. Every inch of Pakistan was within reach. I always thought the Nur Khan airbase was the best-defended base of Pakistan. It isn’t. The garrison town of Rawalpindi, as the heart of Pakistan’s military and its best-known airbase, was hit.”

India ended Pakistan’s monopoly over Islamic fatwa

For decades, Pakistan leveraged religious fatwas to rally sympathy within the Muslim world. India’s own ulema, notably from Deoband, issued a fatwa in support of India, thereby stripping Pakistan of this unique diplomatic tool. He said, “The religious dimension always exploited by Pakistan to earn sympathy from the Muslim Ummah evaporated. Deoband is located in India, by the way.”

India maintained remarkable operational secrecy

Despite the challenge of operating within a democratic framework where leaks are common, India maintained strict operational silence. He said, “Keeping secrets in a democratic society is next to impossible, but very little leaked out of India, which shows enormous skills in adhering to principles of operational silence and public unity to assist in the safeguarding of secrets.”

Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos – propaganda without proof

The Afghan leader noted the absence of credible visuals or evidence from Pakistan’s claimed Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos. He said, “I have seen very few or no visuals from Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos to comment on. Seemingly, it never took off the way it was propagated. The ceasefire saved Pakistan’s skin. Pakistan’s military leadership has made statements and claims over their own achievements, but the Indian skies remained open, flights weren’t cancelled, and I haven’t seen visuals of missiles landing in Delhi or Amritsar.”

He concluded that the ceasefire effectively saved Pakistan from further humiliation, despite exaggerated claims of success by its military leadership.

Blackouts, drone attacks by Pakistan, firing at army base in Nagrota and more: Here are 10 things that happened after ceasefire was announced

OpIndia Staff
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Blackouts, drone attacks by Pakistan, firing at army base in Nagrota and more: Here are 10 things that happened after ceasefire was announced

On 10th May, India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire after tensions spiked following the 22nd April Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 Hindus. India had responded with “Operation Sindoor” on 7th May and hit terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). In retaliation, Pakistan attacked India with swarm drones and missiles.

Though United States President Donald Trump claimed the US mediated the ceasefire, India categorically said India and Pakistan reached the agreement of ceasefire after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called India’s DGMO and sought the same.

However, soon after the ceasefire was announced, Pakistan violated it and initiated another round of attacks on several cities across the Line of Control (LoC). Here are ten things that happened after the ceasefire was declared.

United States claims credit for brokering ceasefire

President of the United States Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire. According to Western media outlets, the US played a major role in brokering the ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance reportedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi at noon Eastern Time on Friday and asked for a ceasefire as continuing hostilities risked a “high probability of a dramatic escalation”. Reportedly, Vance had shared the intelligence with President Trump first before urging India and Pakistan to consider de-escalation options.

Omar Abdullah questions ceasefire amid explosions

Soon after the ceasefire was announced, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, shared a video on social media and questioned the ceasefire amid explosions. He raised doubts over the ceasefire as loud explosions rocked Srinagar. In a post on X, he wrote, “What the hell just happened to the ceasefire? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!! This is no ceasefire. The air defence units in the middle of Srinagar just opened up.”

Drones and explosions return as Pakistan violates ceasefire

Despite the agreement, sirens were heard in Srinagar and Udhampur as Pakistan continued launching drones into Indian airspace. Explosions echoed across several border states, marking another provocation by the hostile neighbour.

Blackouts enforced in border areas

Soon after another round of attacks was launched by Pakistan, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan enforced blackouts as a precautionary measure.

Intrusion attempt foiled at Nagrota

A suspected intrusion attempt was foiled at the Nagrota Military Station, resulting in a brief exchange of fire. The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed that the soldier sustained minor injuries. A search operation was subsequently launched to locate the intruder(s).

Foreign secretary Misri holds Pakistan accountable

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the ceasefire violation. He said, “This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it. The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion,” and urged Pakistan to take immediate corrective action.

China calls for regional stability, says it stands by Pakistan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly spoke to India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Doval informed them that the Pahalgam terror attack had caused heavy Indian casualties, prompting counter-terrorism action. He stressed that war was not India’s choice and that both sides were committed to restoring regional peace and stability. China further issued a statement suggesting it would stand by Pakistan amidst the ongoing tensions with India.

Jaishankar reiterates India’s zero tolerance to terrorism

In a statement, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar confirmed that India and Pakistan had agreed to halt “firing and military action”, but reiterated New Delhi’s firm stance. He stated, “Our commitment against terrorism in all forms remains uncompromising.” Notably, his statement came before Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

India directs armed forces to act strongly

After the violation, the Indian government directed its armed forces to respond robustly to any further ceasefire breaches along the Line of Control and international border to ensure the country’s security.

Amritsar under red alert, border areas calm overnight

On the morning of 11th May, Amritsar was placed under red alert, with district officials advising residents to remain indoors amid heightened security concerns. The situation across Jammu, Poonch, and other border regions, however, remained calm in the morning.

Before the violation of the ceasefire, India had announced that another round of DGMO-level talks would take place on 12th May. However, it is unclear if the talks will happen following the ceasefire violation.

Lucknow: Amid ceasefire violation by Pakistan, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to virtually inaugurate BrahMos testing facility

ANI
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Lucknow: Amid ceasefire violation by Pakistan, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to virtually inaugurate BrahMos testing facility

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow today.
As per the Defence Minister’s Office, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the facility at around 11 am.

“At around 11.00 AM today, 11th May, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will virtually inaugurate the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow,” the post said.

Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for the Defence Technology & Test Centre and BRAHMOS Manufacturing Centre, established by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on December 26, 2021.

According to an official release, a first-of-its-kind Defence Technologies & Test Centre (DTTC), over approximately 22 acres, is set up to accelerate the growth of the defence and aerospace manufacturing clusters in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UP DIC).

The BRAHMOS Manufacturing Centre, announced by BrahMos Aerospace, is a modern, state-of-the-art facility in the Lucknow node of UP DIC. It covers over 200 acres and produces the new BRAHMOS-NG (Next Generation) variant, which carries forward the lineage of the BRAHMOS weapons system.

The state-of-the-art Defence Technologies & Test Centre is set up to implement the MoU exchanged between Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and DRDO during DefExpo-2020 at Lucknow in the presence of the Defence Minsiter and the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

It will facilitate industries through establishing a centralised state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, which will accelerate the product development and reduce the induction time & the turnaround time for the futuristic systems development through its six subcentres.

This unique setup will act as a bridge for Industries & Startups to grasp the DRDO’s IPRs, Patents & ToTs. It will extend holistic handholding to Industries, Startups & Academia in UP DIC. It will promote the growth of Industries & Startups in UPDIC and Ease of Doing Business and contribute to building an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

The release stated that the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system is one of the most successful missile programmes in the world. India has undertaken jointly in partnership with its closest strategic ally Russia.

As the world’s best and fastest precision-guided weapon, BRAHMOS has fortified India’s deterrence power in the 21st century. Designed and developed by the India-Russia JV entity BrahMos Aerospace, the supersonic cruise missile BRAHMOS has continued to evolve as the most versatile weapon in its genre.

To carry forward this excellent lineage, BrahMos Aerospace has initiated work on a new, more advanced variant of the missile – BRAHMOS-NG.

This new missile, having smaller, lighter and smarter dimensions, would be designed for deployment on a wider number of modern military platforms, including land, sea, underwater and air. It will hugely bolster the Indian military’s modern combat capability and flexibility in the next few years.

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

Is former Pakistan PM Imran Khan dead in custody? After sexual assault claims, social media flooded with ‘press release’ declaring his death: What we know so far

Jinit Jain
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Is former Pakistan PM Imran Khan dead in custody? After sexual assault claims, social media flooded with ‘press release’ declaring his death: What we know so far

On May 10, 2025, social media platforms were awash with an image claiming to be an official press release from the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement announced the alleged death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan while in judicial custody, citing “circumstances that are currently under thorough investigation.” 

“It is with deep regret and solemnity that we confirm the passing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in judicial custody. The incident occurred under circumstances that are currently under thorough investigation,” the document labelled as press note said. 

The image has instantly gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a raft of social media users commenting, expressing concern, and wondering about the fate of former Prime Minister of Pakistan at a time when recently concluded ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan came under jeopardy as fresh drone attacks were reported from several regions in India, including Jammu, Akhnoor, Srinagar, and Rajasthan’s Barmer. 

“Pakistan has always upheld the sanctity of life and the rule of law. The protection of human rights, especially in custodial settings, is a cornerstone of our democratic framework, The Government is engaging with relevant UN human rights bodies and independent observers to ensure a credible and impartial inquiry,” it further added. 

The press note concluded with an appeal for calm, urging the nation to remain peaceful and patient during this challenging time. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, unity, and national stability.

However, the authenticity of this document is highly questionable, and all signs point to it being a doctored image created to stoke unrest and confusion.

How the viral ‘press note’ is rife with anomalies and inconsistencies

A close examination of the purported press release reveals several red flags:

Date discrepancy: The document is labeled “No 427/2025” but omits the exact date of issuance on the top-right, displaying only a vague “/2025.” This is a highly irregular format for official communications from a national ministry.

Stylistic and grammatical issues: There are subtle formatting and typographical inconsistencies, such as awkward line breaks and punctuation errors, which are uncharacteristic of professional government correspondence. Phrases like “The Government Isetively engaging…” clearly suggest poor editing or manipulation.

No media or government confirmation: As of this writing, no major Pakistani or international news outlet has corroborated the claim of Imran Khan’s death. Official government channels, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office, have not released any statements regarding the incident.

Pattern of misinformation

This alleged press release comes just days after unverified social media claims suggested that Imran Khan had been subjected to sexual abuse while in prison—a claim that also lacked credible evidence but managed to gain significant traction online. These recurring rumors reflect a larger trend of digital misinformation aimed at destabilizing public sentiment and possibly inciting unrest.

Strategic disinformation?

The circulation of such material raises critical questions about the intent behind these rumors. With tensions between Khan and Pakistan Army, the de-facto power centre of the country, well known, and in the wake of humiliation at the hands of the Indian Armed Forces as Islamabad was forced to dial New Delhi pleading for ending hostilities, one cannot rule out this could be a psychological warfare commissioned by DG-ISPR to divert public attention from their failure in military exchange with India. 

Whether orchestrated by political actors, or simply the product of social media mischief, such claims—especially when packaged as “official” documents—carry the potential to mislead millions and inflame tensions in a deeply polarized country.

Unverified viral claims to be treated with extreme skepticism

Until credible verification emerges from reputable sources or the Government of Pakistan issues a formal and dated statement, this image should be treated with extreme caution. It is essential for both the public and the media to exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified information that could contribute to national instability.

In times of war as the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan demonstrates after several sectors in Jammu and Kashmir faced a fresh wave of drone attacks, the call for transparency, due process, and factual reporting becomes not just a journalistic standard, but a democratic imperative. The health and safety of Imran Khan remain a matter of serious public interest, especially among PTI supporters and critics of Pakistan Army, but any developments must be grounded in truth, not speculation.

Adani Group moves towards Mission Green India, launches country’s first hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh

OpIndia Staff
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Adani Group moves towards Mission Green India, launches country’s first hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh

Adani Group has taken a big step towards clean and eco-friendly transport in India. Adani Enterprises launched a hydrogen fuel cell truck, which will be an alternative to diesel vehicles in the logistics and mining sector. These hydrogen-powered trucks will gradually replace diesel vehicles used in the company’s logistics operations.

Adani Group said in a statement that it has developed this truck in collaboration with an Indian and an international energy company. This truck is equipped with smart technology and three hydrogen tanks, which can carry 40 tonnes of cargo for 200 kilometres.

The project is a joint effort between Adani Natural Resources (ANR) and Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), both part of Adani Enterprises. Adani Natural Resources is also involved in green hydrogen, wind turbines, solar modules, and battery manufacturing. It will source hydrogen cells from ANIL.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai flagged off this truck in Raipur on Saturday (May 10, 2025). This truck will carry coal from Gare Palma III coal block to Chhattisgarh’s power plants. The Chief Minister said, “The launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered truck in Chhattisgarh reflects the state’s commitment to sustainability. Such initiatives will significantly reduce our carbon footprint and set a new standard for industry. Chhattisgarh is not only at the forefront in meeting the country’s electricity demands but also leads by example in adopting sustainable practices,”

The company aims to use clean fuel like hydrogen instead of diesel in mining and logistics. Since mining mainly uses diesel-powered machinery, switching to cleaner fuels will reduce emissions and noise.

Dr. Vinay Prakash, CEO (Natural Resources), Adani Enterprises, said, “The initiative for hydrogen-powered trucks is a significant step towards Adani Group’s commitment to decarbonization and responsible mining. We are creating model mines with minimal environmental impact by incorporating autonomous dozer push technologies, solar power, digital initiatives, and tree transplanters to relocate trees. We aim to ensure affordable and reliable electricity for all while pioneering new standards in sustainable mining practices.”

The specialty of hydrogen truck is that it can carry as much cargo as diesel trucks, but does not cause pollution. It releases only water vapor and hot air. It also reduces noise. This initiative of Adani Group will help in reducing India’s dependence on oil and carbon footprint.

The company said that Adani Natural Resources is the first in Asia to deploy Dozer Push Semi-Autonomous Technology, boosting both safety and sustainability.

Baloch Liberation Army takes control of an Mangochar city in Balochistan, declare independence from Pakistani establishment

OpIndia Staff
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Baloch Liberation Army takes control of an Mangochar city in Balochistan, declare independence from Pakistani establishment

Amidst rising military hostilities with India, Pakistan is facing a massive challenge at the domestic front, with emerging resistance from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Reigniting their freedom movement against the Pakistan government, the BLA on Saturday (10th May) announced that it has taken control of Mangochar city in the Kalat district of Balochistan. BLA’s Fateh Squad reportedly carried out the operation to claim Mangochar city by adopting tactics such as blocking highways, capturing police stations, striking military convoys and the detention of local police personnel.

In its statement, the BLA claimed responsibility for 39 attacks carried out at different locations across Balochistan. “We claim responsibility for attacks at 39 different locations across Balochistan. These operations are still ongoing,” said Jeeyand Baloch, BLA’s spokesperson, in a statement on Saturday.

Balochistan declares independence from Pakistan

Baloch writer Mir Yar Baloch posted on X on Friday (9th May), that Balochistan has claimed independence and asked the United Nations to recognise the Democratic Republic of Balochistan. He also demanded the release of funds from the UN for currency and passport printing. Baloch urged the Indian government to allow the establishment of an embassy for Balochistan in Delhi.

“We also urge the UN to immediately send its peacekeeping missions to Balochistan and ask Pakistan’s occupational army to vacate the territories, airspace and sea of Balochistan and leave all the weapons and property in Balochistan,” said Baloch. He invited the heads of friendly states to the ceremony of the independence of Balochistan, which, according to him, will take place soon. “Representation of Baloch women in the cabinet is the fulfilment of a commitment to our nation. The state ceremony of the independence government of Balochistan will take place soon. We invite the heads of state of our friendly countries to witness the national parade and bless us,” said Baloch.

BLA attacked Pakistani forces

The BLA have intensified their attacks against the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, the BLA targeted Pakistani forces and infrastructure in coordinated attacks carried out in different regions of Balochistan. A grenade attack was carried out in Turbat targeting Pakistani forces, and two grenade attacks occurred in Quetta, hitting two Pakistani Army posts in Hazarganji and Faizabad. A couple of days before this, the BLA blew up a Pakistani Army vehicle in Bolan, killing eight Pakistani soldiers, including a special commander. A week before that, 10 Pakistani Army personnel were killed in an IED blast in Quetta carried out by BLA.

TTP targets Pakistani forces, killing 20 personnel

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan launched a massive attack against the Pakistani forces, killing 20 personnel in the Pakistani Army’s Dawngate outpost in Shakhai sub-division in South Waziristan on Thursday (8th May). The TTP claimed that it was a multi-phase operation in which Pakistani soldiers were initially targeted using laser-aided rifles. Thereafter, a military convoy which arrived at the attacked outpost was ambushed, leaving 20 personnel dead and 5 injured.

Pakistan weaponises anti-India propaganda peddled by Congress, Dhruv Rathee against India: Why govt must put an end to this recurring problem

Anurag
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Pakistan weaponises anti-India propaganda peddled by Congress, Dhruv Rathee against India: Why govt must put an end to this recurring problem

In the aftermath of the brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, largely Hindu tourists, a familiar yet disturbing pattern has emerged once again. The terror attack was carried out by The Resistance Force, a terrorist group affiliated with the Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad. In the days following the attack, several opposition party leaders, including Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, questioned the government and armed forces.

Pakistan is a rogue establishment. It not only exports terrorists to India, but also runs manipulative campaigns to exploit so-called internal dissent to create a global narrative against India. Pakistan used videos and statements of opposition party leaders and anti-BJP influencers to float a narrative that the PM Modi-led government of India was responsible for the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

What transpired following the terrorist attack in terms of setting a narrative is a textbook example of how this insidious strategy works and why it demands urgent attention from the Government of India and responsible citizens.

Pakistan’s brazen misuse of Indian internal criticisms

On 9 May, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya sounded an alarm on social media as he shared a video of how the Pakistan Army used carefully selected video clips of political leaders and influencers from India to deflect global condemnation. Pakistan, in its attempt to set a narrative against India, tried to malign the Indian government.

The video shared by Malviya was a clip from the Pakistani Army’s press conference where DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry showcased videos of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, propagandist and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, propagandist and influencer Neha Singh Rathore, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, and some statements made by members of the general public, other political leaders, and pained family members of the victims.

While some of the statements were made in the heat of the moment, other statements, like those of Kharge, Tikait, Rathore, and Rathee, were meticulously designed to plant seeds of doubt among their followers. Pakistan, being Pakistan, selectively used these clips and repurposed them to depict India as a divided, unstable country that cannot manage its own internal security.

Notably, this was not a random attempt. Pakistan has frequently relied on opposition narratives from within India to boost its anti-India narrative in international forums. From Barkha Dutt to Karan Thapar, from Dhruv Rathee to Rahul Gandhi and Satyapal Malik, each one of these individuals has made anti-establishment statements on several occasions, which gave Pakistan a chance to use them as an ‘anti-India sentiment among Indian public’ on the international stage.

It is a sinister ploy where Indian voices criticising their own government are weaponised to shield Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism against India.

The Pahalgam attack and security lapses

On 22nd April in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, terrorists systematically targeted unarmed tourists. It was a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking across the border. Notably, in a premeditated act, the terrorists segregated and killed the victims after ensuring they were Hindus. The hatred fostered in the terror factories of Pakistan was exposed to the world.

After the attack, investigations revealed that the Baisaran area had been reopened for tourists without mandatory clearance or information being passed to the security agencies. Furthermore, the Government of India admitted there was an intelligence lapse. However, instead of standing with the victims and the government, the opposition and an array of influencers and journalists decided to attack the government with a false narrative.

Domestic voices that fuelled the fire

Many Indian opposition leaders and influencers openly criticised the Modi government. Dhruv Rathee, who is known for his propaganda-filled anti-establishment videos, claimed that it was not an intelligence failure. He claimed that the intelligence inputs were there but no preventive action was taken.

Neha Singh Rathore took it a step further by insinuating that all major terror attacks in India seem to happen under BJP rule, conveniently forgetting the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks under the UPA regime. Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, outright blamed the incident on intelligence failure, and Tikait echoed similar sentiments.

During the press conference on Operation Sindoor (the codename given by the Government of India to the operation against Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terrorist attack), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “We have also seen in some of the remarks that have been shown on television that the Pakistani army spokesman seems to take great joy at the fact that the Indian public should criticise the Government of India with regard to various issues. It may be a surprise to Pakistan to see citizens criticising their own government. That is the hallmark of an open and functioning democracy. Pakistan’s unfamiliarity with that should not be surprising.”

In a democratic setup, criticism is welcome and essential. The sentiment has been echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions. In March this year, during podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi called criticism “the soul of democracy”. He emphasizes the need for well-researched, fact-based critique over baseless allegations. A strong democracy, he says, flourishes when criticism is deep, informed, and fearless.”

However, timing and context matter immensely. These statements made by the opposition leaders and so-called influencers do not seek answers. They were made public at a time when the country was grappling with grief and the security forces were actively pursuing the terrorist state, Pakistan.

Pakistan seized the opportunity to play clips of mourning family members and common citizens questioning the government. In one instance, they showcased a video of a man asking why the army was not present when “lakhs of army personnel” are stationed in Kashmir. This again pointed back to the Baisaran lapse. Questioning the government must be welcomed, but the timing has to be better.

The urgent need for political maturity and policy action

India remains under constant threat from Pakistan-based terror networks. The government must act swiftly to tighten internal coordination between local bodies and security forces. There is a need for reforms in communication, clearance protocols, and intelligence sharing to avoid any lapses in the future.

At the same time, it is essential that the political class, journalists, and social influencers realise that there is weight to their words, even if the majority of the public knows that what they utter is pure propaganda. Public figures must, for once, think about India and not their own vendetta. They must maintain a balance between legitimate critique and providing ammunition to hostile states. Pakistan’s use of such statements shows how propaganda dressed as dissent can become a weapon in the hands of a hostile state.

Similar challenges have emerged globally. In the United States and Europe, adversarial states have amplified internal political divisions to sow distrust. India must prepare to combat this modern hybrid warfare without compromising its democratic values.

Conclusion

Pakistan continues to exploit a well-established strategy of using statements from India’s opposition leaders and critical voices for its propaganda narratives. Such actions by the neighbour must be called out and countered with firm statecraft and national unity. None of these influencers, political leaders, or journalists has the audacity to come forward and criticise Pakistan for using their voices for its propaganda, which can be seen as if they are comfortable being used for an enemy nation’s anti-India narrative. Why? Just because they do not like Prime Minister Narendra Modi or do not want BJP to rule the country?

The government must put an end to administrative lapses and work towards a strategy that counters both the external terror threat and internal misinformation. The country needs strong democratic institutions but also a mature discourse that does not compromise national interest in the pursuit of political point-scoring. Only then can India effectively stand strong in the face of repeated provocations and manufactured narratives from across the border.

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