Wed May 07 02:17:52 UTC 2025: **India Launches Airstrikes in Pakistan, Following Terror Attack; FTA with UK Concluded**
NEW DELHI, May 7, 2025 – India launched “Operation Sindoor,” carrying out airstrikes against nine terror infrastructure targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early Wednesday morning. The Defence Ministry stated the strikes targeted locations from where terror attacks against India were planned. Pakistan’s military spokesperson confirmed strikes in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. Following the attacks, several northern Indian airports were temporarily closed, including Srinagar airport.
The strikes come in the wake of a deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. National-wide mock drills were conducted on Wednesday following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CRPF has also requested an explanation from the officer who first responded to the Pahalgam attack scene.
On a more positive note, India and the United Kingdom announced the finalization of a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday. The agreement will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK.
Domestically, a CBI court in Hyderabad sentenced four individuals, including BJP MLA Gali Janardan Reddy, to seven years imprisonment for illegal mining. The case, dating back 16 years, involved the Obulapuram Mining Corporation. The government also announced plans to revise guidelines for online platforms to combat the spread of “fake news,” potentially revisiting “safe harbor” provisions.
Further, the Indian government is actively engaging with West Asia amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi spoke with the Qatari Emir, and the External Affairs Minister is set to meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister in Delhi.
Finally, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts an early onset of the southwest monsoon, around May 13th, nearly a week ahead of schedule.
First Piper 