In a significant development, the Indian media has reported on an alleged Indian military operation against Pakistan known as ‘Operation Badla’ following the Pahalgam incident.
“The armed forces have been allowed to conduct strikes at any place in Pakistan,” says a report run by the Indian news outlet.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian government and military have climbed the escalation ladder with Pakistan following back-to-back meetings of the cabinet.
The meetings are, says the report, contemplating strategic strikes against Pakistan under “Operation Badla,” and the Indian Air Force and Navy have also been put on alert.
The Indian media has claimed that the Indian Army has already launched the so-called ‘Operation Badla’ to punish Pakistan.
The reports also suggested that the Indian military seeks to repeat strikes similar to the 2019 Balakot incident.
The 2019 Balakot incident occurred when Indian jets entered Pakistan airspace and dropped a payload in a forest while claiming to hit alleged militant camps.
Satellite imagery and international media visits to the point of incident proved that Indian jets had merely dropped a payload in a remote forest.
Read more: Pakistan army conducts major military exercises near LoC amid tensions
The Pakistan Army carried out large-scale military exercises near the Line of Control (LoC) on May 1, 2025, to demonstrate its preparedness and strength amid rising tensions with India. The exercises showcased the army’s combat skills, modern weaponry, and coordination among various units.
According to military sources, the drills included live-fire exercises and battlefield simulations involving troops, tanks, artillery, and air defense systems. The Pakistan Army highlighted that the exercises were aimed at ensuring operational readiness in case of any external aggression.
These exercises come a day after Pakistan retaliated to what it described as “unprovoked” small-arms fire from the Indian side. In response, the Pakistan Army destroyed an Indian checkpost in the Kiani and Mandal sectors. The Chakputra post in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir was reportedly targeted and neutralized.
