In a significant admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that India launched a surprise missile attack on key Pakistani military bases before Pakistan could carry out its planned offensive. Speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, Sharif said that Pakistan had intended to strike India on the morning of May 10, following Fajr prayers. However, India’s long-range supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles hit multiple targets across several Pakistani provinces disrupting Pakistan’s plans.

Sharif stated that the Pakistan Army was “caught unawares” during the night of May 9-10 when India’s BrahMos missiles struck, highlighting the precision and timing of the Indian offensive. He recounted being informed about the early morning attack by Munir, who has since been promoted to Field Marshal.

“Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4:30 a.m. after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi,” Sharif said.

This revelation underscores the strategic advantage gained by India through its pre-emptive strike capability and adds a new dimension to the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation. The BrahMos missile system’s role in delivering precise, swift strikes has been pivotal in shaping the operational dynamics between the two neighbours.

In a powerful gesture of international solidarity, the Sierra Leone Parliament observed a moment of silence on Thursday in memory of the 26 innocent victims who lost their lives in the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The solemn tribute was attended by an all-party delegation, symbolizing a united stand against terrorism and expressing deep condolences to India and the families affected by the tragedy.

The Pahalgam attack, which targeted a group of tourists, resulted in the deaths of 25 foreign and domestic visitors along with one local resident. The incident sent shockwaves across the globe, eliciting widespread condemnation from governments, international organizations, and civil society. Several countries expressed their unwavering support for India’s fight against terrorism and highlighted the need for a coordinated global response to such threats.

The Sierra Leone Parliament’s moment of silence is a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of terrorism and the importance of global cooperation to ensure peace and security. Members of Parliament reflected on the tragic loss and reiterated their commitment to standing alongside nations affected by terrorism in their pursuit of justice and stability.

Following the attack, the Indian government swiftly launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military campaign that successfully struck nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring future cross-border attacks. Alongside military measures, India took decisive diplomatic steps by downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, signalling a firm and comprehensive approach to counterterrorism.

The international community’s response, including Sierra Leone’s observance, underscores the shared recognition of terrorism as a global menace that requires collective resolve. This event also emphasizes the importance of supporting victims and survivors, promoting peace, and working towards a world free from violence and fear.

As India continues its efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, the solidarity shown by countries like Sierra Leone reinforces the global commitment to fight terrorism and uphold the values of peace, justice, and human dignity. The memory of the Pahalgam victims serves as a solemn call to action for nations worldwide to unite against terror and protect innocent lives.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed strong confidence that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will voluntarily return to India’s fold, describing them as “our own” and “part of the Indian family.” Speaking at the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Singh said that India’s ties with PoK are rooted in a deep emotional and cultural connection.

“I believe that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are our own, part of our family,” Singh said. “We have full faith that those of our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today will also return to the mainstream of India someday, listening to their voice of soul.”

The Defence Minister said most people in PoK feel a strong bond with India, and only a few have been misled. He emphasised that India’s approach has always been about “connecting hearts” and that love, unity, and truth will ultimately bring PoK back to India. “The day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, ‘I am India, I have returned,’” he said.

In a message to Pakistan, Singh asserted that any future dialogue will only focus on terrorism and PoK. He reiterated India’s stand that Pakistan should vacate the Indian territory it occupies illegally and forcibly.

He also warned Islamabad that terrorism is no longer a viable strategy. “The business of terrorism is not cost-effective and comes with a heavy price – something Pakistan is beginning to realise,” he said.

Highlighting India’s strides in defence manufacturing, Singh noted the rise in defence exports from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to ₹23,500 crore today. He credited this success to the Make-in-India initiative, adding that India’s home-grown platforms proved their strength during Operation Sindoor.

“Today, we are not just building fighter jets or missile systems; we are preparing for new-age warfare,” Singh said, underscoring the transformation of India’s defence ecosystem.

In a major step towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities and self-reliance, the Indian Army showcased the indigenously developed SURGE Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) at the Babina Field Firing Ranges. The demonstration, held on May 27, was reviewed by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who assessed a range of homegrown military technologies focused on modernizing India’s defense posture.

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Developed by Indian firm Armor yShield, the SURGE system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize rogue drones, which have emerged as a critical security threat. With over 400 drone incursions recorded along the India-Pakistan border last year alone, the need for robust counter-drone systems has become increasingly urgent. The SURGE system addresses this challenge with a tripod-mounted platform featuring multiple antennas, offering advanced signal detection, tracking, and RF jamming capabilities.

The demonstration at Babina highlighted the Army’s focus on leveraging non-kinetic solutions and artificial intelligence for defense. The SURGE system’s capability to neutralize unmanned threats without physical interception reflects a growing global trend in counter-drone warfare, particularly for safeguarding borders, military installations, and critical infrastructure.

In addition to the SURGE system, the event featured demonstrations of other indigenous technologies, including loitering munitions and unmanned aerial systems. These innovations are part of the broader Make in India initiative, which aims to establish a self-sufficient and technologically advanced defense ecosystem.

The successful field test of the SURGE C-UAS reaffirms the Indian Army’s resolve to integrate indigenous, high-tech solutions into its operational arsenal. It marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards securing its borders against evolving threats and highlights the critical role of innovation in maintaining national security.