In a development that has raised serious security concerns, multiple drone sightings were reported on Monday evening over key military and civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab—just moments after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation regarding Operation Sindoor and India’s ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
According to official sources, around 15 drones were observed hovering over the Northern Command and Air Force Station in Udhampur, while nearly five were seen near the holy town of Katra. Similar sightings were reported in Samba (Jammu region) and Jalandhar in Punjab, near sensitive military installations.
The situation prompted an immediate security response. Blackouts were swiftly imposed across vulnerable zones, including parts of Pathankot, the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, and the Yatra track to prevent visibility for aerial threats. Visuals from Samba showed red flashes across the night sky accompanied by loud explosions, suggesting possible interceptions by Indian air defence systems.
In Jalandhar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal confirmed receiving reports of drone activity near the Suranassi area, which houses important army units. "As a precaution, lights have been switched off in several locations. While there is no full-scale blackout, vigilance is at its highest. The Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation," he said in a late-night statement.
Explosions were also heard in the Dasuya area of Hoshiarpur district. Aashika Jain, the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, confirmed the reports and said, “We are in constant touch with defence forces, who have assured that the drones are being tracked. Based on their advice, a blackout has been enforced in Dasuya and Mukerian for security reasons.”
These coordinated sightings unfolded shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong statement in his nationwide address, condemning cross-border terrorism and warning Pakistan of the consequences of hostility.
“Terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot coexist. Blood and water can never flow together,” PM Modi declared, referencing the recent escalation under Operation Sindoor.
Authorities have yet to confirm the origin of the drones, but their timing and proximity to sensitive installations have triggered heightened alert across northern India. The Ministry of Defence and the Home Ministry are expected to issue detailed updates following further investigations.
Security forces remain on high alert as air surveillance continues in the region.
#WATCH | J&K: Red streaks seen and explosions heard as India's air defence intercepts Pakistani drones amid blackout in Samba.
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2025
(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/EyiBfKg6hs