Amritsar, Punjab: In a display of exceptional military preparedness, the Indian Army’s air defence systems successfully repelled an attempted missile and drone assault on the iconic Golden Temple and other civilian sites in Punjab, launched by Pakistan during the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.
According to Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC of the 15 Infantry Division, the attack was anticipated through intelligence reports. “Pakistan’s aim was to target Indian military and civilian sites, particularly religious sites. The Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent target,” he said in an official statement to ANI.
Air Defence Saves the Golden Temple
The Indian Army’s air defence units swiftly activated their AKASH missile systems and L-70 air defence guns. In the early morning hours of May 8, a large-scale air assault using drones and long-range missiles was launched by Pakistan but was intercepted with precision.
“Our alert gunners shot down all aerial threats before they could inflict any damage,” Major General Seshadri confirmed. “Not a scratch was allowed on our holy Golden Temple.”
Retaliation: Operation Sindoor Targets 9 Terror Camps
Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed domestic and international tourists, India launched a decisive response dubbed Operation Sindoor. Nine terror targets across the border were destroyed with high-precision strikes. These included terror hubs in Muridke and Bahawalpur — homes to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, respectively.
“We took care to avoid civilian or Pakistani military infrastructure. This was a targeted strike against terror,” said Major General Seshadri. Read our full breakdown of Operation Sindoor and its strategic outcomes.
Global Implications of India’s Air Defence Capability
The Indian Army’s use of indigenously developed systems like AKASH and L-70 proves India’s self-reliance in strategic deterrence. These systems are now seen as globally deployable defence assets capable of countering drones, micro UAVs, loitering munitions, and long-range missiles.
For more on indigenous defence systems, read our detailed feature on India’s air defence innovations. Also, visit the Ministry of Defence for official insights.
Conclusion
The Golden Temple stands protected, and India’s message is clear — any attempt to disrupt peace or threaten religious sanctity will be met with strategic resistance and calibrated precision. Operation Sindoor and India’s air defence response reaffirm the nation’s defence readiness amid growing geopolitical instability.
