Sacred and Secure: How India Foiled the Golden Temple Strike

In the early hours of May 7–8, Pakistan launched a coordinated aerial offensive targeting India’s Golden Temple in Amritsar, deploying kamikaze drones and long-range missiles. The strike, reportedly in retaliation to India’s recent Operation Sindoor—which dismantled nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—was intercepted before it could cause damage.According to military officials, Indian defence forces had anticipated a possible strike on high-profile civilian and religious landmarks in the wake of Operation Sindoor. In response, the Indian Army had bolstered air defence capabilities around key sites, including the Golden Temple, deploying a multi-layered security grid.As a result, all incoming aerial threats were neutralised before they could breach the perimeter. The Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine and a symbol of spiritual and national significance, remained unharmed under the protection of this advanced air defence shield.India’s Iron Shield Over AmritsarAt a live demonstration held in Amritsar, Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding, 15 Infantry Division, revealed that the Golden Temple was a deliberate target. “We anticipated Pakistan’s desperation. We enhanced our air defence systems around the shrine, deploying advanced equipment including L-70 Air Defence Guns and AKASH missile systems, creating a multi-layered air defence umbrella,” he said.When Pakistan’s unmanned Kamikaze drones and Turkish-origin microdrones—models like YIHA-III and Songar—invaded Indian airspace, Indian soldiers were already on full alert. “Every single drone and missile aimed at the Golden Temple was shot down with precision. Not even a scratch touched the shrine,” said the Major General.The Army displayed remnants of the intercepted drones and missiles—proof of how India’s Integrated Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid neutralised the threat. According to one Army soldier, only 10% of the ammunition was used, yet the enemy failed to breach India’s air defence wall. “They aimed at our cities and our faith, but we defended both,” he said.Faith Protected, Message DeliveredSoldiers from the Panther Division, who defended Amritsar, expressed their unwavering readiness. “There’s revenge in the mind, passion in the heart, and pride in the eyes,” one soldier said. “We are the shield—and the sword—of this nation.”Meanwhile, the sentiment on the ground resonated deeply. Kulwant Singh Mannan, Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, said, “The Darbar Sahib is where life is gifted. No one should even think of harming this sacred space.”From Awantipura to Bhuj, every Indian city braced for impact. But Amritsar’s heart beat unharmed, thanks to the bravery and foresight of India's defenders.