Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi, (DD): In a decisive escalation of its defence posture, the Indian government has declared that any future act of terrorism will be considered an act of war against the country, signalling a sharp shift in its national security doctrine amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.
The announcement came following a high-level security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The meeting was convened hours after India launched precision airstrikes targeting key Pakistani military installations. According to senior defence officials, Indian Air Force jets struck facilities in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian, as well as radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot.
The strikes were carried out in response to a coordinated Pakistani assault on 26 Indian locations, including forward military posts and civilian infrastructure. Indian airbases in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, Bhuj, and Bathinda sustained damage, while several personnel were reported injured.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described Pakistan’s actions as “provocative and escalatory”, stressing that India had exercised restraint but responded with “measured and responsible force” to ensure deterrence.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh condemned Pakistan’s attempted disinformation campaign, rejecting claims that Indian strategic assets — including the S-400 system at Adampur, airfields at Suratgarh and Sirsa, and artillery positions in Dehrangyari and Chandigarh — were destroyed.
She accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian zones, including hospitals and schools near airbases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur, calling such actions “reckless, unprofessional, and in gross violation of international norms.”
India’s armed forces remain on high alert, and diplomatic channels have been activated to brief global partners on the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, shelling and cross-border firing continue to be reported from multiple sectors along the LoC and IB (DD)