In a forceful televised speech to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unreserved in his criticism of Pakistan and its strategies for fostering terrorism. He also emphasized that the country’s anti-terror policy is known as “Operation Sindoor,” emphasizing that trade and terror, as well as water and blood, cannot coexist.

The Indian Armed Forces‘ successful ‘Operation Sindoor‘, which targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 innocent civilians, was almost immediately followed by the Prime Minister’s stern speech.

He warned that the Pakistani military and government could be overthrown if they continue to support terrorists.He also emphasized that Pakistan’s continued involvement in terrorism cannot be seen in a vacuum, nor can the Kashmir issue be seen in a vacuum. Alos made it clear that India will not hold discussions with Pakistan until they are either terrorism or the PoK.

Three terrorists were identified as Pakistani nationals, and the Resistance Front, which is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the recent Pahalgam attack, which was investigated and found to have Pakistani participation.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and the PoK, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India insists that Kashmir is a bilateral matter, despite Pakistan’s repeated attempts to seek international mediation. India firmly maintained that genuine conversation could only take place if Pakistan stopped supporting terrorism, even after former US President Donald Trump volunteered to step in.

India maintains its stance that dialogue and terror cannot coexist, notwithstanding sporadic diplomatic attempts. Our solidarity against terrorism in all its manifestations is our greatest asset. While this is undoubtedly not the time of conflict, it is also not the time of terrorism. A better world is guaranteed when there is zero tolerance for terrorism.

He stated in his speech, “Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace. The path of peace also goes through power. Humanity should move towards peace and prosperity. Every Indian should be able to live in peace, and can fulfill the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Once again, I salute the Indian Army and Armed forces. I bow to the courage of every Indian, to the oath and resolve of unity of the people of India. Thank you, Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!!”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated Monday that he (PM Modi) has drawn a line for Bharat’s adversaries in his initial response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech to the nation on Operation Sindoor.

“PM Shri @narendramodi Ji today demarcated the boundary for Bharat’s enemies through the example of #OperationSindoor, in which our armed forces razed the very edifice of terrorism in Pakistan’s backyard,” the Union Minister wrote on X.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Following reports that Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention before to the five-match Test series against England next month, the decision was made.

The squad would be without its two most seasoned batters if Kohli were to go, as Rohit Sharma had just announced his retirement from Test cricket. This presents significant questions regarding depth and leadership as India gets ready for a demanding English summer. However, pointing to the crucial upcoming assignments in the format, like as the England tour, the BCCI had encouraged Kohli to change his mind.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have withdrawn from the game’s longest format in less than a week, leaving the Indian squad lacking in batting experience.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off,” he added.

Over the past ten years, India’s red-ball comeback has been mostly attributed to Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011. At home and abroad, his aggressive leadership, prolific batting, and unparalleled intensity have made India a competitive Test team.

With 9230 runs at an outstanding average of 46.85 in 123 games, 30 hundreds, and 51 half-centuries, Kohli will say goodbye to his Test career. He retires as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, trailing only Steve Waugh (41 victories), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Graeme Smith (53 wins).

After Rahul Dravid (36), Sunil Gavaskar (34), and Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Kohli is the fourth-most successful Indian batsman with 30 Test hundreds. Additionally, Kohli achieved the most Test double hundreds of any Indian with seven. Gavaskar (11 centuries) is well behind his 20 tons, making him the Indian skipper with the most Test hundreds.

Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup last year, the right-handed batsman had earlier declared his retirement from the T20I format. The 36-year-old will now only play for India in One-Day Internationals.

In a public appeal, Former West Indies legend Brian Lara has urged Indian batting great Virat Kohli to change his rumored plan to retire from Test cricket.

Brian Lara posted on social, “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”

Ambati Rayudu, a former cricket player for India, has previously begged Virat Kohli to change his rumored plan to retire from Test cricket.

“Virat Kohli, please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India…Please reconsider,” posted Rayudu.

After India won the Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados last year, both Rohit and Kohli had retired from Twenty20 Internationals. Only ODI cricket will be available for the seasoned pair to play for India if Kohli decides to retire from Test matches.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over suspected missile strikes, the G7 countries called for an immediate de-escalation.

“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan,” the statement read.

“The stability of the region is seriously threatened by further military escalation. We have serious concerns about both sides’ civilian safety.

“We demand an immediate de-escalation and urge direct communication between the two nations in order to reach a peaceful conclusion. We are still keeping a careful eye on the situation and are in favor of a prompt and amicable diplomatic solution,” it continued.

As part of its 2025 G7 Presidency, Canada will host the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit from June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Drones have been spotted at 26 points along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, including suspected armed drones, according to a press statement released by India’s Ministry of Defence on Saturday.

The places are Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet, Lakhi Nala, Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Lakhi Nala.

“Unfortunately, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family,” a Ministry spokesperson stated. Security personnel have cleaned the area and given medical attention to the injured.

“The Indian military is keeping a close eye on any airborne threats, and counter-drone systems are being used to track and neutralize them. Everywhere appropriate, swift action is being taken, and the situation is being closely and continuously monitored.”

There is no need to panic, but increased awareness and care are crucial, the Ministry of Defense added, urging people to stay indoors, avoid needless movement, and closely adhere to safety recommendations given by local authorities, particularly in border areas.

A high-level meeting involving NSA Ajit Doval, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and the chiefs of all armed forces was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

The White House stated on Friday that US President Donald Trump wants the conflict between India and Pakistan to “de-escalate as quickly as possible.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as the president’s temporary national security adviser, has sent that message to all sides.

During a White House briefing, White House spokesman Karoline Levitt stated, “The president has stated he wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible.”

He is aware that these two nations have been at conflict for many years, even before President Trump joined the White House. Nonetheless, he enjoys cordial ties with both nations’ governments.

In an emergency meeting on Friday, the BCCI agreed to permanently halt the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season due to the growing military confrontation between India and Pakistan.

Following the cancellation of Thursday’s IPL 2025 match between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala after 10.1 overs of play due to Pakistani air and drone strikes that caused blackouts in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur—all of which are close to Dharamshala—the tournament’s future appeared uncertain, and the BCCI called an emergency meeting to determine the course of action.

“The BCCI sources informed on Friday that the IPL would be suspended and that they would provide comprehensive information shortly.” “Yes, just now the meeting ended. This conclusion was reached following discussions with the relevant authorities. The BCCI will provide more information,” it continued.

“BCCI suspends IPL 2025 with immediate effect since it wishes to support the country at this time. Currently, it is infinite (with a planned IPL 2025 restart window). Only if there is time later in the year will it take place. However, nothing as of yet,” told by IPL sources.

A number of Australian league players allegedly voiced concerns about their safety after the Dharamshala match was called off.

Players and support staff from the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, as well as match officials, commentators, TV crews, and other important IPL 2025 people, will be evacuated to a secure location by a special train.

Pakistan tried to attack several military targets in Northern and Western India on May 7-8 after India launched precision strikes against nine high-value terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok) in retaliation for the horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.

India attacked Pakistani Air Defense Radars and systems at many sites on Thursday morning, neutralizing the one in Lahore in the process. Later, India’s air defense systems successfully thwarted Pakistan’s aerial attacks on Jammu and a number of military installations close to the western border.

Virender Sehwag, the legendary batsman and former captain of India, accused Pakistan of choosing war when it had the “opportunity to keep quiet.” He Wrote on X, “They have escalated to save their terrorist assets, which speaks so much about them.Our forces will reply most appropriately, a manner Pakistan will never forget.”

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad also took to social media, calling Pakistan a “rogue state. “What a complete rogue state Pakistan is. India will sc**w them like how,” said the former cricketer from Karnataka.

P.V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic winner, praised the valiant men and women of the Indian military for their bravery. “To the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces – your courage, discipline, and sacrifice are the soul of our nation. In moments like #OperationSindoor, we’re reminded of the silent strength and selfless service that keep our tricolour flying high. India stands with you. Jai Hind,” Sindhu wrote in her social media post”.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, has declared his sudden retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately, but he will still play in One-Day Internationals. Due to Rohit’s decision, the Indian team will have a new captain when they begin their five-match Test series trip of England on June 20.

While Rohit stated that he would continue to play ODIs, he announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. Rohit amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 67 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and a career-high 212.

In a Wednesday night Instagram story, Rohit displayed his Test cap number 280 and added, “Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. Wearing white to represent my country has been an amazing honor. I appreciate all of your love and support throughout the years. I’ll keep playing for India in the One-Day International format”.

India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1, and Rohit had a difficult time. In addition to dropping himself for the last Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he only averaged 6.20 in five innings. Prior to it, Rohit averaged a dismal 15.16 during India’s 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand.

After making his Test debut against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2013, Rohit finished his career with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 from 67 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and 18 fifties. In 24 Test matches, Rohit captained India, winning 12 and losing 9.

After India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, Rohit declared his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals in June of that year. As the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee looks to add some fresh blood to the team, Shubman Gill is the front-runner to be the next Test skipper after Rohit announced his retirement from the format.

Given that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be available for all five Test matches in England, Gill, 25, who was the vice-captain in white-ball forms, is well-positioned to become India’s next Test captain. The Gujarat Titans (GT), who are leading the IPL 2025 points standings, are led by him at the moment.

In addition to congratulating Rohit Sharma on his incredible 11-year Test cricket career, BCCI President Roger Binny said that he leaves a legacy of selflessness and discipline that would encourage future generations to play the lengthier format.

Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, congratulated Rohit on having a great Test career. “Thank you @ImRo45 for your bold leadership in Test cricket, and the entertainment you provided to fans of the longest format over your career. Wishing you all the best for future innings on and off the field!” he wrote on ‘X’.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir too praised Rohit for his exploits in Tests. “A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma,” he said on ‘X’.

Yuvraj Singh, the former India all-rounder, wrote on ‘X’, “Test cricket asks a lot of you – grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well @ImRo45.”

India conducted ‘Operation Sindoor‘ in response to the terror incident in Pahalgam, hitting nine high-value targets deep into Pakistani territory. The operation focused on facilities connected to terrorist organizations that carried out the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali.

According to sources, the Prime Minister kept in close contact with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military commanders during the operation.

The nine strikes comprised camps and logistical facilities used by terrorist organizations that operate out of Pakistan and the PoK, according to official authorities.

The spokesperson for the Indian Army emphasized the specifics of the strike, stating, “Our actions have been focused and precise. We have only targeted terrorist camps from where attacks against India have been planned and executed.”

The Army went on to explain that the operation was non-escalatory in both intent and execution, with the only goal of destroying the infrastructure supporting terrorism while avoiding harm to Pakistan’s civic, military, and economic institutions. “Justice is served. Jai Hind,” the spokesperson added.

The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliate, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam incident, which Indian intelligence agencies had previously linked to Pakistani organizations. India had promised a forceful retaliation in response, combining military readiness with diplomatic pressure. One of India’s most important cross-border operations since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes is Operation Sindoor.

Throughout the night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials kept a careful eye on the operation’s development. According to sources, the prime minister kept in close contact with military leaders and national security advisors to make sure the operation went according to plan. The importance of the mission and the government’s resolve to combat terrorism were demonstrated by the PM’s active participation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Indian military on Wednesday for executing “Operation Sindoor,” claiming it was India’s retaliation for the horrific Pahalgam terror incident that killed 26 defenseless villagers on April 22. Additionally, he reiterated India’s resolve to eradicate terrorism at its source.

Taking to X, HM Shah posted, “Proud of our armed forces. Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam. The Modi government is resolved to give a befitting response to any attack on India and its people. Bharat remains firmly committed to eradicating terrorism from its roots.”

Kangana posted a video of the army successfully targeting the targets on her Instagram stories section, she wrote: “Unhone kaha tha Modi ko bata dena. Aur Modi ne inko bata diya #operationsindoor (they said, ‘tell Modi.’ Modi has now told them’).”

She wrote, “I hope the military is safe and successful.” “Jo hamaari rakhsha karte hain ishwar unki rakhsha kare (may God protect those who protect us). Wishing our forces safety and success #operationsindoor.”

Aarti, a mother of twins who saw the April 22 shooting death of her 68-year-old father Ramachandran by a terrorist in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressed her joy at Operation Sindoor.

“Even though our loss can never be compensated, we are happy about what has happened when India hit back at Pakistan.India has hit back at the correct time, and it was the moment we all waited. It’s good that the common man has not been affected in this attack,” said Aarti after hearing the news.

Shubham Dwivedi’s wife, Ashanya Dwivedi, reacted on the military response. “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who is connected to this operation, especially our personnel in the armed forces and especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally looked after the operation,” she said.

“The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ clearly shows they stand with us, those who lost their husbands. Whatever the Prime Minister said, he proved. Wherever terrorism exists, it will be eliminated.”

Fighting through her grief, she added, “Terrorists killed our husbands to make us vulnerable, but we will fight. PM Modi took revenge as he said, these terrorists will be ended.”

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reportedly called out Pakistan and posed pointed questions about the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, at its closed session amid growing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad,

The members criticized Islamabad and questioned whether Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba was involved in the 26-person Pahalgam attack.

Reports indicated that the meeting failed terribly, despite Pakistan’s assertion that it mostly served and accomplished the UNSC’s goals.

Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, called the conference and asserted that his nation had nothing to do with the terror incident.

The UNSC members called for communication and restraint to resolve the concerns, despite the fact that the session was a closed meeting with no official recordings.

“The Security Council is always helpful in such efforts” to de-escalate, UNSC President Evangelos Sekeris told reporters following the meeting on Monday. The Council is in charge of that. The conference was beneficial and productive. The meeting’s activities are confidential and lack official documentation because it was a closed session.

Everyone wants de-escalation, according to Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who briefed the meeting. “We hope for de-escalation,” stated Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative, who was present at the meeting.

The situation is reaching a “boiling point,” according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged the two nations to “step back from the brink.”

“It is also essential — especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” he stated.

“I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack,” he remarked, condemning “strongly” the terrorist massacre that killed 26 people in Pahalgam last month.

Notably, the terrorist incident, which claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepalese national, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a branch of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Despite the global concerns, the Indian economy is still growing at a rapid rate, according to Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran.

Speaking at a gathering at Ashoka University, Nageswaran stated, “In spite of the difficult international climate, India’s economy is doing well. The ultimate FY25 number won’t be known until May, but based on current data, we appear to be making good progress.

Priority areas for the nation, according to the Chief Economic Advisor, are energy affordability and the creation of jobs during the energy transition due to the growth of manufacturing and small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, he said, the nation’s workforce’s education, skill development, and artificial intelligence would propel growth.

As the nation progresses, he emphasized the necessity to pursue inclusive growth while preserving macroeconomic stability, which includes controlling inflation. In his speech, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery emphasized India’s long-term goal of becoming a high-income, developed nation by 2047.

“I think it’s an amazing accomplishment that India has maintained a steady yearly growth rate of 6.5% for the past thirty years. It demonstrates India’s institutional maturity as well as its institutional agility,” he remarked.

According to Bery, the unrest throughout the world may present India with chances. He emphasized how India might use its demographic dividend, technological advancements, and changing geopolitics to boost its economy. According to an IMF assessment published last month, India’s economy is still expanding at the quickest rate in the world and is the only nation predicted to grow by more than 6% over the next two years.

“Our April 2025 World Economic Outlook projects significantly weaker global growth at 2.8% for 2025 with growth downgrades for 127 countries making up 86% of world GDP,” stated Gita Gopinath, chief economist at the IMF.

Nonetheless, the outlook report predicted that the Indian economy will expand by 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026, more than two percentage points faster than the second-ranked China’s economic growth projection of 4.2% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026.

According to an IMF report, the US, which started the global tariff crisis, is predicted to see its GDP growth slow to 1.8% this year and then drop even further to 1.7% in 2026.

India’s steadfast determination to take tough action against terrorism and its supporters was reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Following the horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), which claimed the lives of over 26 innocent civilians, tensions between India and Pakistan increased, prompting his comments.

“We are firmly united in our stance against terrorism,” Prime Minister Modi said at a joint news conference with Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, the president of Angola. I conveyed my appreciation to President Lourenco and the Angolan populace for their condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam terror tragedy.

“We’re determined to act decisively and firmly against terrorists and their supporters. “We express our gratitude to Angola for its assistance in our counterterrorism efforts,” the Prime Minister continued.

Four heavily armed terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a branch of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out the heinous attack.

It was established that two of the attackers were citizens of Pakistan. One of the bloodiest terror attacks in recent memory occurred when terrorists emerged from the thick woodlands that surrounded the location and opened fire on a party of visitors.

The Indian government promptly called a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on April 23 in reaction to the terror assault on April 22, which was presided over by Prime Minister Modi. Following the tragedy, Pakistan was the target of several important decisions.

India ordered the Attari border to be closed and declared the Indus Waters Treaty to be suspended.

In addition, it deteriorated diplomatic relations by ordering a further decrease in High Commission staff, thereby sending several diplomats back to Islamabad, revoked all visas granted to Pakistani nationals, and launched a broad crackdown on Pakistani YouTube channels and X accounts.

PM Modi had said that India would do everything in its power to secure justice in a harsh statement sent out after the CCS meeting.

“We will track down, apprehend, and punish all terrorists and those who support them. He emphasized the nation’s tough approach to combating terrorism by saying, “We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.”

India’s response signifies a no-compromise approach on national security and terror threats coming from across the border, marking a significant escalation in its counter-terror strategy.