'Pakistan moves troops to forward areas, escalates without provocation': Key points from govt briefing on Operation Sindoor

India on Saturday provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing tensions at the India-Pakistan border, outlining the latest developments regarding " Operation Sindoor ." The briefing, delivered by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri , Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, highlighted Pakistan's provocative actions and India's response.

The situation at the border escalated with Pakistan's military reportedly moving troops to forward positions, signalling the possibility of an offensive. "Pakistan Army has been observed to be moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded proportionately. Indian armed forces reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates," said Wing Commander Singh during the briefing.

In a direct response to escalating hostilities, India conducted a precision strike on identified military targets in Pakistan. Singh also addressed the malicious misinformation campaign being spread by Pakistan, including false claims about the destruction of India's S-400 defense system and the airfields in Suratgarh and Sirsa. "India unequivocally rejects these false claims being spread by Pakistan," Singh stated.

The foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, condemned Pakistan's actions over the last few days, noting an increase in provocations. "Pakistani activities have continued to escalate with provocation over the past two to three days. In response, India has defended and reacted in a measured fashion to these provocations and escalations by the Pakistani side. Earlier this morning, we saw a repeat of these escalatory and provocative factors," Misri commented.

Misri also firmly dismissed Pakistan's baseless allegations regarding damage to India's military infrastructure. He rejected claims of attacks on Indian airbases in Sirsa and Surat, emphasizing that these were lies. "The claims that they have made about attacking various military installations are completely false. The claim about the air station in Sirsa being destroyed completely false. The claim about the air station in Surat—completely false.... These are lies about critical infrastructure, power systems and cyberstructures," Misri said, urging the public not to be misled by Pakistan's false narrative.

Addressing additional claims, Misri rebuffed Pakistan's accusations regarding India's actions in Afghanistan, labeling them "completely ludicrous." He also reminded the audience that it was Pakistan, not India, that had repeatedly targeted civilians in Afghanistan in recent times. "Afghan people don't need to be reminded about which country it is that has on multiple occasions in just the last one and a half years targeted civilian populations and civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan," he pointed out.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi elaborated on Pakistan's persistent attacks on India's western border, highlighting the use of drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets. These attacks targeted multiple Indian military installations, including air bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda. "Pakistani army is continuously attacking the western borders; it has used drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions and fighter jets to attack India's military sites. India neutralised many dangers, but Pakistan tried to infiltrate via Air at more than 26 places, and they damaged our equipment and personnel at air force bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, Bathinda. They used high-speed missiles at 1:40 am to target Punjab's air base. They even attacked health facilities and schools," Qureshi reported.

The situation at the border remains tense, with both nations closely monitoring the developments, as Pakistan's provocations continue to fuel tensions in the region. India's military forces have reiterated their stance of proportional retaliation, reaffirming their commitment to defending the nation while urging Pakistan to exercise restraint.