In a chilling reminder of the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Indian Army successfully intercepted a major aerial attack aimed at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, reported news agency ANI, quoting an official from the Indian Army. The strike, orchestrated using drones and missile systems launched from Pakistani territory, was thwarted just in time, preventing what could have been an unprecedented assault on one of India’s most sacred and iconic religious sites.
A Coordinated Attack Thwarted
The attempted attack on the Golden Temple took place on May 8, 2025, amid heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory air and ground strike on terror camps in Pakistan after a deadly attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. Indian intelligence had already flagged high-profile religious and cultural landmarks as potential targets in the event of Pakistani retaliation. Among them, the Golden Temple was identified as a probable focal point, owing to its religious significance and symbolic value.
According to Major General Karthik C. Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15th Infantry Division, Indian radar and surveillance assets detected multiple airborne threats entering Indian airspace near the Punjab border. These included both high-speed missiles and armed drones, launched with the apparent intent to cause large-scale damage and civilian panic.
Layers of Defence Save the Day
In response, Indian forces deployed a multi-layered air defence strategy. The indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile systems, known for their rapid response capabilities, were activated alongside mobile L-70 anti-aircraft guns and short-range radar-guided missile systems. The aerial defence network, a combination of Army Air Defence and Indian Air Force assets, tracked, engaged, and neutralised the incoming threats within moments of detection.
The drones were intercepted at a relatively lower altitude using counter-drone jamming and kinetic systems. Meanwhile, the missile threat was neutralised at a safer distance from civilian zones, thanks to advance warning and preparedness by the forces stationed in and around Amritsar.
The Golden Temple complex remained unharmed, and no casualties were reported among either military personnel or civilians. However, debris from destroyed drones was recovered on the outskirts of the Amritsar district, confirming the hostile intent of the mission.
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is not just the spiritual centre of Sikhism but also a symbol of Indian cultural heritage and unity. Targeting such a site was seen by Indian authorities as an attempt to inflame religious sentiment and provoke communal unrest, potentially destabilising the region.
Pakistan’s Denial and India’s Response
Predictably, Pakistan’s foreign office issued a denial, calling the reports of a failed strike “Indian propaganda aimed at maligning Pakistan internationally.” However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs rejected the claim and issued a strong statement accusing Pakistan of reckless adventurism and state-sponsored terrorism.
The Indian Army has since released surveillance footage and intercept evidence to support its version of events. Defence spokespersons confirmed that debris analysis showed the use of modified Shaheen-class missile technology and weaponised UAVs of Chinese origin, a worrying sign of foreign technology being used in asymmetric warfare.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The attempted attack has drawn sharp condemnation from several international observers. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France issued statements expressing solidarity with India and warning against targeting religious institutions. The United Nations called for restraint but acknowledged that targeting civilian or cultural landmarks constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
Indian officials are reportedly lobbying for international sanctions on entities linked to the transfer of drone and missile technology to Pakistan. A dossier is expected to be submitted to the UN Security Council and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) outlining the chain of procurement and operational intent behind the attack.
Preparedness Going Forward
Following the incident, India has further fortified its western border with additional air defence units and surveillance systems. The Ministry of Defence has also begun consultations on fast-tracking counter-drone initiatives and upgrading civil defence mechanisms around religious and historical sites.
Civil aviation authorities have restricted drone usage within a 10-kilometre radius of sensitive installations across Punjab. Meanwhile, religious and civic leaders have called for calm, urging communities to remain united and avoid giving in to provocations.
A Near Miss with Far-Reaching Implications
The foiled attack on the Golden Temple represents not just a near miss in military terms, but a stark warning of the escalatory potential of modern asymmetric warfare. It also underscores the critical importance of India’s integrated defence preparedness, and increasingly against unconventional, symbolic strikes aimed at creating a psychological impact.
While the immediate threat has been neutralised, the message from India is clear: sacred sites will be protected with the full force of national power, and any future attempts to target them will be met with an overwhelming and decisive response.
