India’s initial act of aggression occurred on May 5 when it halted the flow of water to Pakistan’s rivers from two of its major dams.
After more than 24 hours, on May 6, as water pressure increased, India reopened the dam gates with the intention of flooding Pakistan’s rivers. Simultaneously—in the late hours of the same day—India attempted to further divert Pakistan’s defense attention by announcing a ‘so-called’ large-scale air exercise on its southern border with Pakistan.
“The exercise will commence at 3:30 pm on May 7 and continue until 9:30 pm. On May 8, the airspace in the region will be restricted to ensure safety and operational integrity.” It is important to note that India’s Operation Sindoor took place between 1:05 am and 1:30 am (IST) (12:35 am to 1:00 am PST) on May 7.
Crucially, India announced that it would deploy Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets in this air exercise. These were the same types of aircraft that Pakistan claimed to have shot down during India’s Operation Sindhoor.
A defense source informed The News: “India deliberately employed water flooding and air exercise tactics to distract Pakistan while simultaneously launching missile attacks on us on May 7.”
The defense expert also suggested the possibility that India might have also attacked Pakistan using the fighter jets that were supposedly part of the announced air exercise. The area where India announced this air exercise is located on the border adjacent to Umerkot, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Ghotki, Sadiqabad, and Rahim Yar Khan.
On May 5, India closed the gates of two of its major dams, Salal and Baghlihar, which supply water to Pakistan’s rivers. The Economist (Indian News Agency) reported that India had intensified its response to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack by obstructing water flow under the Indus Waters Treaty.
The gates of the Salal and Baghlihar dams on the Chenab River were closed. This action represents a significant move to stop river flow into Pakistan, affecting the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
Subsequently, after more than 24 hours, on May 6, India reopened the gates of these dams, hoping to flood Pakistan’s rivers with a high-pressure water flow. India reported that multiple gates of the Salal and Baghlihar Dam were being opened, causing Chenab waters to surge into Pakistani territory.
“The release of water could potentially lead to flooding in Pakistan, impacting their agriculture during the sowing season. An expert stated that India has decided to weaponize water as part of strategic warfare,” reported The Economist.
India did not stop there. On May 6, the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced a large-scale air exercise to be conducted along the India-Pakistan border, commencing on May 7 and continuing until May 8.
According to Indian media reports, this exercise involved all frontline aircraft, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi-30s.
“The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct intensive aerial operations in Rajasthan as part of its routine operational readiness efforts. The exercise will begin at 3:30 pm on May 7 and continue until 9:30 pm on May 8, during which the airspace in the region will be restricted to ensure safety and operational integrity,” stated a report published in Desh Sewak.
