India accuses Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by keeping airspace open during 'strikes'

India today accused Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by keeping its airspace open during drone and missile attacks on multiple Indian cities, allegedly using commercial flights as a shield against counter-strikes.

At a special briefing, an Indian military spokesperson said Pakistan launched 300–400 Turkish drones on the nights of May 7–8, targeting Indian cities.

Addressing the media at a special briefing, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said Pakistan conducted an "unprovoked aerial assault" on May 7 at approximately 8:30pm, targeting the Indian territory with drones and missiles.

"Despite the aggression, Pakistan chose not to close its civilian airspace," she said and claimed this "was a deliberate tactic to use commercial flights as shields against a potential counterstrike," she said.

"They are using civil airliners as a shield, knowing fully well that their actions would elicit a swift air defence response from India," she said and added that India showed "considerable restraint".

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meanwhile said the attacks hit civilian infrastructure and some military sites, calling Pakistan's denial of involvement "an example of their duplicity."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman said that India's "jingoism and war hysteria" should be a source of serious concern for the world.