n a display of its advanced air defense capabilities, the Indian Navy’s latest destroyer, INS Surat (D69), successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) against a sea-skimming target in the Arabian Sea today. The successful firing of the MRSAM underscores the destroyer’s ability to effectively counter modern aerial threats, including those that approach at low altitudes to evade radar detection.This comes as amid heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan is planning to conduct a surface-to-surface missile test near its Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone on April 24-25.
Indian defence agencies are closely monitoring all developments related to this situation, according to defence sources, especially in light of the current security scenario.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
At least 26 people, the majority of them tourists, were killed in a brutal terror attack in the picturesque Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir when heavily armed militants opened fire indiscriminately on picnicking visitors.   The horrific incident saw at least four terrorists descend upon the popular tourist spot, wielding sophisticated M4 carbines and AK-47 assault rifles, as per eyewitness accounts.
The attack drew widespread condemnation internationally. The United Nations Secretary-General, the US President, and leaders from several European and Asian nations denounced the act of terror.
In a strong response, the Indian government has summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat and declared its military diplomats persona non grata. Further punitive measures include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari border crossing, and a ban on travel to India for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
