High Alert: PM Modi Holds Emergency Security Meeting, 24 Indian Airports Closed Till May 15

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a high-level security meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s residence. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The current security situation was reviewed in detail.

In a significant move, the government has extended the closure of 24 airports across the country until May 15, which were earlier set to remain closed until May 10.

PM Modi Meets with Former Chiefs of Armed Forces

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also held a separate meeting with a group of senior veterans from the armed forces, including former Chiefs of the Air Force, Army, and Navy. The Prime Minister discussed the current security scenario and other key issues with the veterans, seeking their insights and strategic perspectives.

MEA Briefing: Pakistan Used 300–400 Drones, Turkey-Made UAVs Suspected

At a press briefing organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Colonel Sophia Qureshi disclosed that Pakistan had attempted to target 36 locations in border areas such as Tangdhar, Uri, and Udhampur using 300–400 drones. Initial investigations suggest the use of Turkey-manufactured drones in the attacks.

She added that the Indian Air Force swiftly retaliated, launching a drone counter-attack that destroyed Pakistan's surveillance radar systems. Colonel Qureshi emphasized that the Indian military exercised utmost restraint during the operation to avoid civilian casualties.

Colonel Qureshi also alleged that Pakistan carried out military attacks by hiding behind civilian aircraft, rather than closing its airspace—an act that violates international aviation safety norms. At the time of the drone attacks, passenger planes were flying over major cities like Karachi and Lahore, putting countless innocent lives at risk.

Foreign Secretary Calls Pakistan’s Move a “Provocative Military Strategy”

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s actions as a “provocative military strategy.” He confirmed that shelling in areas like Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur caused some damage to Indian forces. However, he stated that India’s retaliatory strikes inflicted significant military losses on Pakistan.

Misri further criticized Pakistan’s refusal to close its airspace despite the failed drone offensives, calling it reckless and dangerous for international aviation. He accused Pakistan of using civilian flights as a shield for military operations, a clear violation of international norms.