In a recent revelation, the Indian Army has disclosed that it successfully thwarted a large-scale aerial assault by Pakistan aimed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This attempted attack, which occurred on the intervening night of May 7-8, 2025, was part of a broader strategy by Pakistan to ignite communal tensions within India, according to Indian officials.
The disclosure came shortly after India conducted precision strikes on terror hubs located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent people. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7th as a counter-offensive, targeting major terrorist infrastructures across the border.
According to military officials, the Golden Temple, the most revered shrine for Sikhs, was a primary target in Pakistan's failed air assault. Anticipating potential threats to civilian and religious sites, the Indian Army had preemptively mobilized and deployed advanced air defense systems, including upgraded L-70 guns and the Akash missile system, to create a robust defense shield around the Golden Temple.
Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, GOC, 15 Infantry Division, explained that the army had received credible intelligence suggesting that the Golden Temple was a prime target. As a result, additional modern air defense assets were deployed to provide a comprehensive air defense umbrella cover to the holy site, which he described as a symbol of the nation's syncretic faith.
On the early morning of May 8th, under the cover of darkness, Pakistan launched a massive air assault using unmanned aerial weapons, primarily drones and long-range missiles. However, the Indian Army's air defense gunners were fully prepared and successfully intercepted and neutralized all incoming threats, preventing any damage to the Golden Temple. The army officials stated that they used just 10% of their ammunition to neutralize the threat. Debris of the intercepted Pakistani missiles and drones were displayed as a testament to India's successful defense. Some of the drones were identified as Turkish-origin.
The Indian Army showcased a demonstration of its air defense capabilities, highlighting the effectiveness of the Akash missile system and the upgraded L70 air defense guns. These systems, operating with round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response capabilities, detected and neutralized all incoming threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and missile threats.
The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, with India accusing Pakistan of attempting to stoke interfaith discord and target innocent civilians and religious sites. India has emphasized that it remains committed to protecting its heritage and citizens and will respond with decisive force to any threats.
By successfully thwarting Pakistan's attempt to attack the Golden Temple, the Indian Army has not only safeguarded a significant religious site but also reinforced its readiness to defend the nation against cross-border aggression. The demonstration of India's air defense capabilities sends a strong message to its neighbor and the world, highlighting its commitment to peace and security in the region.
