In a strong message amid rising hostilities, India has declared that any future act of terrorism targeting its territory will be considered an act of war and will draw a commensurate response. The warning, issued by top government officials, underscores a major escalation in India’s security posture following a series of cross-border attacks and retaliatory strikes.

The statement comes just days after India’s armed forces carried out precision strikes on multiple terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The attack was traced back to terror groups operating across the border.

In a retaliatory move, Pakistan launched a widespread drone offensive on Friday night, targeting 26 locations across India — including strategic sites in Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that multiple drones were intercepted and neutralised by the country’s advanced air defence systems.

On Thursday evening, Indian forces also successfully intercepted at least eight missiles launched from across the border, some aimed at critical infrastructure including the Jammu airport, defence officials reported.

With both nations now on high alert, the Indian government has signalled a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, making it clear that further provocations will lead to swift and decisive retaliation.