Golden Temple was primary target in Pakistan’s retaliation after Op Sindoor: Indian Army

In a startling revelation, the Indian Army has confirmed that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple in Amritsar using drones and long-range missiles in the early hours of May 8. The attack came as a retaliatory move following India’s military offensive — Operation Sindoor — against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Major General Kartik C Seshadri, who commands the 15th Infantry Division, stated that the Indian Army had anticipated Pakistan's possible retaliation on civilian or religious sites, given the absence of viable military targets across the border. “Knowing that the Pak Army does not have any legitimate targets, we anticipated that they would target Indian military installations, civilian targets including religious places,” he said, noting that the Golden Temple was identified as the most likely high-profile target.

To prevent any damage, the Indian military bolstered its air defence setup in and around Amritsar. Modern systems like the AKASH missile platform and L-70 Air Defence Guns were deployed to ensure full protection. These systems were able to detect, intercept, and destroy all incoming threats, ensuring that no damage came to the Golden Temple or nearby civilian areas.

The overnight assault included a wave of drones and long-range missiles launched under the cover of darkness. However, India’s air defence forces successfully intercepted every single one. “Our brave and alert air defence gunners thwarted Pakistan Army's nefarious designs… not allowing even a scratch on our holy Golden Temple,” Major General Seshadri stated.

The attacks came in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist strike in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor aimed at nine terror camps in Pakistan, drawing this failed aerial retaliation. Other Indian cities targeted during the same assault included Jammu, Srinagar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Bhuj — all of which were protected by India's Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.