Kavitha urges Telangana govt. to postpone beauty pageant
HYDERABAD
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and president of the Telangana Jagruthi, the cultural wing of BRS, K. Kavitha has requested the State Government to postpone the Miss World Pageant being held in the city, when the country is passing through a war-like situation following mounting tensions with Pakistan, on the lines of postponement of IPL.
Speaking at the conclusion of a rally (procession) taken out by Telangana Jagruthi from Indira Park to RTC Crossroads here on Friday expressing solidarity with the armed forces of the country and the Operation Sindoor taken up by them against terrorism backed by Pakistan, she said it was not a time to go for prestige but to exhibit wisdom and not to send wrong signals that State was holding beauty pageant during the war-like situation.
She paid tributes to soldier of the army Murali Nayak who was martyred in the Pakistani shelling. She stated that nine major terror training camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan were destroyed as part of the Operation Sindoor but did not target their citizens or public installations. However, Pakistan was targeting civilian airports in India.
It was the responsibility of every citizen in the country to support the armed forces and their fight to protect the country from terrorists.
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The Hindu
32 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Economic sanctions against Pakistan via trade, visas, water are the third part of Operation Sindoor: Jay Panda
BJP MP Baijayant Panda, who headed a multi party delegation that visited Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria as part of a diplomatic outreach post Operation Sindoor said the delegation's remit was not just to put India's case on its right to retaliate against terror acts on its soil, but also to convey the 'new normal' of imposing economic sanctions against Pakistan for the same. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr Panda said that his delegation that visited four countries that are also members of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which had issued an objectionable statement post the Pahalgam terror attack, which was condemned by India, had received a positive feedback, even on the question of these economic sanctions. 'I and everybody in my delegation, considered this visit to be extremely successful because of the support we received explicitly. We were explicitly told that they understand India's dilemma. Now, but this is a work in progress. This is it's not a thing that's going to get resolved today,' he said. He said that military hostilities was the first part of Operation Sindoor, the second was the diplomatic outreach by MPs and the last part, which was conveyed via these delegations was the economic sanctions against Pakistan. 'And we discussed that at length, that our economic sanctions, having to do with visas, with water, with shipping, with trade, these are all intended to nudge Pakistan in the right direction. Prime Minister Modi has made it very clear. These are put in abeyance. They are not permanently scrapped,' he said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent outreach, through the last decade with these countries, many of whom, have awarded him their highest civilian honours helped, apart from their own experiences with terrorism. 'The one comment that used to have tremendous response with all these countries, was how just like how America went into Pakistan and had to take out Osama bin Laden, we also have the right to defend ourselves by hitting a terrorist camps. These countries have been the victims of ISIS, and they were deeply embarrassed by Pakistan's complicity in hiding Osama bin Laden,' he said. On being asked about how these countries explained the negative statement by the OIC, Mr Panda said took a longer view, stating that it emerged out decades of a 'circle the wagons' approach. 'The OIC has a particular stance which has emerged from decades and decades of if you can call it, 'circle the wagons' approach. But we must keep in mind that two of these nations we visited have played a role in United Nations Security Council when it has proscribed some of these terrorist elements in Pakistan as well as participating as members of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) board to put Pakistan put under the task force's gray list,' he said. He admitted that the delegation was asked questions on the treatment of minorities in India and the country's stance on the Palestine issue and relations with Israel. He said that the make up of the delegation, representing different languages, regions, political parties and five different religions was a statement in itself. On Palestine, he said, the delegation spoke of India's consistent support for the two state solution, and the fact that India's budget has provisions of tens of millions of dollars for relief for Gaza and West Bank, for the Palestinian people. 'One of our delegation members was Ghulan Nabi Azad, very senior politician, who has had a particular role to play from the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) days, when he used to interface with people like late Palestininan Liberation Organisation (PLO) chief Yassar Arafat. That carries a huge credibility,' he added. Mr Panda termed as 'bizarre' but not surprising, the appointment of Pakistan as vice chair of the committee on counter terror, announced recently by the United Nations (UN). 'I'm not terribly surprised because the UN has lost its way over the decades. In any case, the institutions that were formed in the 1940s, they represented a post World War II era when the world was a very different place. India is the world's largest democracy that has ever existed in human history and now the fourth largest economy, for that not to be a permanent member of the security council, shows you how outdated the UN is,' he said.
United News of India
42 minutes ago
- United News of India
Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor meets US Deputy Secy of State Christopher Landau, other officials
Washington/New Delhi, June 7 (UNI) The all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The delegation also met with members of the US Congress, the US Government, think-tanks and intelligentsia. They also met Senator Chris Van Hollen, member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and briefed him. The Indian Embassy in the US said in posts on X: 'The All Party Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a warm and candid conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State @DeputySecState today. 'The Indian Delegation briefed him on the atrocities of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.' The US State Department said in a readout: 'US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with an Indian parliamentary delegation in Washington. 'The Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries. 'The Deputy and delegation discussed the importance of advancing key areas of the bilateral relationship, including expanding trade and commercial ties to foster economic growth and prosperity in both countries.' The Indian Embassy said in other posts on X: 'The All Party Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor engaged in candid conversations with members of the U.S. Congress, U.S. Government, think-tank and intelligentsia as well as members of the American press corps at a reception hosted by the Ambassador.' 'The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Dr. @ShashiTharoor had a productive meeting with Senator @ChrisVanHollen, member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 'The delegation briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, discussed India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, and put forth India's firm resolve to counter cross-border terrorism in all its forms. 'The Senator sympathized with the victims of repeated terror attacks in India, said that the US stands with India in the fight against terrorism, and expressed support for India's right to defend itself.' UNI RN
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Operation Sindoor And The Collapse Of Pakistani Air Power
Last Updated: The destruction of Pakistan's AEW&C fleet, frontline jets, and ISR drones within 88 hours, without IAF losses, marked a new benchmark for regional power assertion In the wake of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 Indians dead, India responded with a calculated and overwhelming military retaliation: Operation Sindoor. Launched on May 7, this four-day campaign crippled Pakistan's aerial capabilities, decimated key command centres, and sent a clear signal to both adversaries and observers—the Indian Air Force is no longer reactive; it is doctrinally offensive and technologically precise. The Pahalgam attack was not just another act of cross-border terrorism; it was a blatant provocation aimed at destabilising the region. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Indian defence establishment, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, initiated Operation Sindoor. The objective was clear: dismantle the terror infrastructure and deliver a crippling blow to Pakistan's military capabilities. The initial phase of the operation witnessed a tactical recalibration. Facing unexpected resistance, the IAF swiftly adapted its strategy, emphasising electronic warfare and precision targeting. This adaptability was evident as the IAF jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defense systems within 23 minutes, paving the way for unhindered aerial assaults. Decimation of Pakistani Air Assets 1. Fighter Jets Shot Down Six Pakistani fighter jets were destroyed: three JF-17 Thunders, two Mirage III/V variants, and one F-16 Block 52. These were eliminated via BVR missile engagements and stand-off munitions strikes near Jacobabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sargodha. This loss devastated Pakistan's QRA network. Two airborne surveillance aircraft—Saab 2000 Erieye and ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle—were destroyed. The former was downed from 314 km using India's S-400 system, while the latter was destroyed in a strike on Bholari Airbase. These kills blinded the PAF during the operation's peak. 3. C-130 Hercules and Special Forces Hit A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, with elite personnel on board, was destroyed at Nur Khan Airbase via a BrahMos NG missile strike. The kill disrupted logistics and morale. 4. Drones and UCAVs Neutralized Over 15 Pakistani UCAVs, including Chinese Wing Loong drones, were destroyed in airspace interceptions and base attacks. India's Akashteer and SAMAR systems achieved 100 per cent success rate during the campaign. Precision Strikes on Pakistan's Strategic Airbases 1. Nur Khan Airbase (Chaklala) This airbase, located near Rawalpindi and used frequently for both strategic airlift and VIP movement, is one of Pakistan's most high-profile installations. It houses C-130 Hercules aircraft, the PAF's Special Services Wing (SSW), and at times, acts as a backup command center for Air Headquarters. The IAF targeted Nur Khan with a mix of loitering munitions and BrahMos NG missiles. One C-130 Hercules was destroyed during active loading operations. The aircraft was reportedly preparing for a special forces' deployment. The strike also resulted in the death of 12 personnel, including elite aircrew and logistics officers. Adjacent hangars were engulfed in flames, with satellite images revealing significant structural damage and debris fields. Strategic Impact: Loss of a heavy-lift transport aircraft during operational tempo drastically reduced Pakistan's ability to reposition personnel and emergency supplies. The symbolic value of striking Nur Khan—so close to Islamabad—was immense. 2. Bholari Airbase Located in Sindh, Bholari is relatively new but highly strategic. It houses AEW&C aircraft, such as the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle, and supports eastern sector radar coverage. India's strikes on Bholari were surgical. A ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft was destroyed in its hardened shelter. Loitering drones confirmed the aircraft's static status before destruction. A secondary blast caused the loss of a control container, believed to be the mobile command module for air surveillance. Strategic Impact: The destruction of an AWACS platform here meant Pakistan was flying blind in its southern and eastern air sectors for at least 72 hours. The psychological impact on sortie planning and interdiction response was severe. 3. Sargodha Airbase This base is the headquarters of PAF's Central Air Command and houses one of its primary F-16 squadrons. Indian missiles—likely Sudarshan-armed BrahMos variants—struck multiple hardened aircraft shelters. One F-16 was destroyed, and several others were damaged as hangars collapsed. The base's main runway was cratered, grounding air operations for nearly 48 hours. Communications from the base went offline temporarily, suggesting damage to underground fiberoptic nodes or satellite uplinks. Strategic Impact: Disabling the hub of PAF's air superiority capability mid-conflict represented a tactical masterstroke. It delayed all command-level decisions and turned the Sargodha-led air defence network into an observer, not a responder. 4. Jacobabad Airbase Used primarily for drone operations and hosting ground-attack aircraft, Jacobabad is a second-tier base that evolved into a critical UCAV hub. India employed swarm drones with AI-assisted target recognition. Destruction of at least 4 Shahpar-II drones and 2 ground control stations was confirmed. A mobile jamming vehicle was destroyed, which had been employed to counter Indian ISR drones. Strategic Impact: The loss of ground control and tactical ISR support disrupted Pakistan's ability to surveil Indian strike formations. It also nullified any plan for drone counterattacks or offensive launches from this region. 5. Sukkur Airbase Sukkur is not a front-line airbase but plays a pivotal logistical role, particularly in aircraft refueling, repair, and emergency landings. India's guided bomb attacks focused on aviation fuel farms and mechanical support infrastructure. Runways were not cratered—suggesting India wanted to retain it as a post-conflict emergency strip—but repair sheds and fuel trucks were wiped out. Strategic Impact: The intent was clear—deny Pakistan long-range operational sustainability by cutting off supply and recovery chains. Sukkur's loss pushed refueling cycles to Multan and Rahim Yar Khan, increasing turnaround times. 6. Rahim Yar Khan Airbase An older but still functional base, Rahim Yar Khan stored Mirage III/V aircraft and was suspected to be housing precision munitions. SPICE 2000 bombs were used to destroy two Mirage aircraft in shelters. An ammunition truck nearby exploded, creating a domino effect that damaged additional support infrastructure. The base was rendered non-functional for 48–60 hours due to runway damage and fires. Strategic Impact: This strike served dual purposes: eliminating a legacy strike asset (the Mirages) and targeting stored high-value munitions to prevent reprisal attacks. 7. Shahbaz Airbase Although not a major strategic target, Shahbaz was hit in a diversionary attack. Decoy drones and long-range artillery pinned down local SAM systems and distracted early warning systems from the real action happening across the other bases. Radar exposure patterns revealed Pakistani AD radars went into full-track mode here for almost 14 minutes. This diversion allowed the IAF to conduct cleaner, unchallenged strikes on Bholari and Sargodha. Strategic Impact: This was a classical suppression tactic—confuse, decoy, and overwhelm. Shahbaz's use as a bait zone amplified the success rates of other concurrent missions. A Doctrinal Shift India's airbase-focused strikes during Operation Sindoor weren't random retaliatory actions—they were high-order military planning in motion. Each base was selected based on: Operational role in Pakistan's air defense structure Proximity to command centers Potential to host high-value assets The timing of the strikes—across 10 bases in just over 22 minutes—was designed to paralyse PAF's capacity to assess, react, and recover. Three of these airbases—Nur Khan, Bholari, and Sargodha—held disproportionate value to Pakistan's combat air doctrine. Their temporary neutralisation essentially collapsed centralised coordination. What Operation Sindoor achieved in four days is what conventional airpower theory dreams of but rarely executes: pre-emptive degradation, strategic disorientation, and surgical decapitation—without crossing international lines of escalation. Neutralising Command and Control Centers Beyond the physical destruction of aircraft and airbases, Operation Sindoor strategically targeted Pakistan's command and control infrastructure. Precision strikes were carried out on key communication nodes and radar installations, effectively blinding the PAF and disrupting their operational coordination. This systematic dismantling of command structures ensured that Pakistani forces were unable to mount an effective response, further amplifying the impact of the operation. India's Ballistic Missile Defence: A Shield Against Retaliation Anticipating potential retaliatory strikes, India activated its multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system to safeguard its territory. The S-400 Triumf, known in India as the Sudarshan Chakra, played a pivotal role in this defense strategy. This advanced system, capable of detecting targets up to 600 km away and engaging them at ranges up to 400 km, successfully intercepted several incoming threats, including drones and missiles launched by Pakistan. Complementing the S-400, India's indigenous Akashteer system, an automated air defense control and reporting system, effectively neutralized low-altitude threats. During Operation Sindoor, the Akashteer system demonstrated a 100% kill rate against Pakistani drones, showcasing its efficacy in modern warfare scenarios. Additionally, the SAMAR air defence system was instrumental in intercepting low-altitude threats, preventing damage to military and civilian infrastructure. International Reactions and Trump's Comments In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, international reactions were swift. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, stating, 'It's a shame. We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. It's a shame. Hope it ends very quickly." Trump further offered to mediate between the two nations, saying, 'Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there." However, India firmly rejected any third-party mediation, emphasising that the ceasefire was a result of Pakistan's DGMO appeal on his knees and not due to international pressure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that any future provocations from Pakistan would be met with powerful retaliation, underscoring India's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. Psychological and Operational Impact The rapid and decisive nature of Operation Sindoor had a demoralising effect on the Pakistani military establishment. Within 88 hours, the scale of destruction compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, highlighting the operation's efficacy in achieving its strategic objectives. International Air Doctrine Comparison Operation Sindoor represents a shift in India's strategic posture—toward preemptive deterrence and precision warfare. In contrast, NATO doctrines emphasise layered suppression and network-centric warfare. Israel's doctrine of preemption (e.g., Operation Outside the Box) mirrors Sindoor's surprise precision strikes. China follows a doctrine of strategic depth and airspace denial, while the U.S. focuses on full-spectrum dominance leveraging stealth, satellite ISR, and multi-domain fusion. India's Sudarshan-led approach (S-400, Akashteer, and indigenous UAVs) now places it closer to the most sophisticated doctrines globally. Conclusion top videos View all The aerial attrition inflicted during Operation Sindoor wasn't merely a tactical victory—it was a doctrinal pivot. The destruction of Pakistan's AEW&C fleet, frontline jets, and ISR drones within 88 hours, without IAF losses, marked a new benchmark for regional power assertion. For Pakistan, the damage was deep; for India, the message was clear: preparedness has evolved into preeminence. The writer is a retired officer of the IRS and the former director-general of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (Retd) Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod tags : Operation Sindoor Pahalgam attack pakistan Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 07, 2025, 13:23 IST News opinion Opinion | Operation Sindoor And The Collapse Of Pakistani Air Power
