On the intervening night of May 7–8, 2025, Pakistan launched a significant aerial assault targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, using drones and missiles, according to Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15th Infantry Division. The Indian Army successfully thwarted the attack, leveraging advanced air defense systems to protect one of Sikhism’s holiest sites. This article explores the details of the incident, the Indian Army’s response, and the context of Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan’s Attempted Attack on the Golden Temple
The Indian Army revealed that Pakistan’s attack was a retaliatory move following India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision strike conducted on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, including civilians and a foreign national.
According to Major General Seshadri, Pakistan had no legitimate military targets and instead aimed at civilian and religious sites, with the Golden Temple being a primary focus. On May 8, early in the morning, Pakistan deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including kamikaze drones, and long-range missiles in a “massive air assault.” The attack was intercepted and neutralized by India’s robust air defense systems, ensuring no damage to the Golden Temple or other civilian areas in Punjab.
Indian Army’s Air Defense Triumph
The Indian Army’s air defense systems, including the indigenous Akash missile system and upgraded L-70 Air Defence Guns, played a pivotal role in countering the threat. Major General Seshadri emphasized the Army’s preparedness, stating, “We were fully prepared since we had anticipated this, and our braveheart and alert army air defense gunners thwarted Pakistan Army’s nefarious designs and shot down all drones and missiles targeted at the Golden Temple.”
The Army showcased debris from intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles, including Turkish-origin micro-drones like YIHA-III and Songar, during a demonstration in Amritsar on May 19, 2025. The deployment of advanced air defense assets provided a “holistic air defense umbrella” over the Golden Temple, ensuring its safety. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of India’s modernized air defense capabilities, with only 10% of available ammunition used to neutralize the threat.
Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of Army Air Defence, revealed that the Golden Temple’s management, including the Head Granthi, allowed the deployment of air defense guns within the shrine’s premises after being briefed on the severity of the threat. This unprecedented cooperation facilitated clear visualization and engagement of incoming drones, with the temple’s lights switched off to enhance detection.
Operation Sindoor: Context and Impact
Operation Sindoor was a decisive response to Pakistan-backed terrorism, targeting key terrorist hubs such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) base in Bahawalpur. The operation resulted in over 100 terrorist casualties and the destruction of critical terror infrastructure.
The Indian Army’s actions underscored its commitment to national security and its ability to counter cross-border threats. The successful defense of the Golden Temple and other civilian areas in Punjab further demonstrated India’s advancements in air defense technology and strategic preparedness. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that Pakistan’s targeting of religious sites, including gurdwaras, convents, and temples, was an attempt to provoke communal violence and sway international perception.
Public and Official Reactions
The Indian Army’s demonstration in Amritsar on May 19, 2025, garnered significant attention, with visuals of intercepted drone and missile debris shared widely. Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with users expressing shock and admiration for the Army’s swift response. One user noted, “The Indian Army’s confirmation of drone and missile attacks targeting the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is both shocking and deeply disturbing.”
Amritsar MP Gurjit Aujla thanked the Army for its vigilance, while the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) refrained from commenting on the issue. The incident has sparked discussions on India’s defense capabilities and the ongoing tensions with Pakistan, with the Indian Army’s response being hailed as a testament to its readiness and modernization efforts.
Why This Matters
The attempted attack on the Golden Temple, a symbol of peace and spirituality, highlights the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian Army’s successful defense not only protected a sacred site but also reinforced India’s strategic posture against external threats. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, India’s investment in indigenous defense systems like the Akash missile and upgraded L-70 guns underscores its commitment to self-reliance and national security.
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