India takes out terror nests

Security drills conducted across the country, surveillance raised; Market unfazed, economy chugs along

- Rhik Kundu & Subhash Narayan

After smashing multiple terror targets in Pakistan overnight, India held civil defence drills, raised security at power plants and refineries, shut sensitive airports and girded up for potential cyberattacks, even as experts said the economy will weather any shock from the conflict unless there is a broader escalation.

The previous night, India conducted Operation Sindoor, a series of military strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the 22 April Pahalgam attack, symbolizing justice for the victims' widows. Pakistan has termed the strikes an 'act of war'.

Key petroleum installations under enhanced protection include Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refineries, Nayara's Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, HPCL Mittal Ltd's Bathinda refinery in Punjab, and Vedanta Ltd's Barmer oil fields in Rajasthan.

"All security protocols are active, and both security agencies and refinery managements are prepared to thwart any attempt by hostile entities," a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.

A second official said refineries in Jamnagar and Panipat, secured by CISF, are under particularly stringent surveillance given their proximity to the border. "The Vadinar facility is especially sensitive as it is just kilometers away from the sea border. All emergency response protocols are in place," the official said.

The Indian markets shrugged off the conflict, which included the first attacks on Pakistan's populous Punjab province since the 1971 war. The Nifty opened only slightly lower, and clawed back most losses to close in the green. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE Ltd have temporarily restricted access to their websites for overseas users.