⌨The nationwide civil defense drills scheduled for May 7 dominated media coverage, with preparations occurring across 244 districts. These are the first such exercises since the 1971 war, involving air raid sirens, evacuation procedures, and blackouts. The Indian Air Force announced large-scale exercises near the Pakistan border, featuring Rafale, Sukhoi, and Mirage fighter jets.
Prime Minister Modi made his first direct statement on suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring "India's water will now be used only in India's interests," escalating economic pressure that began with dam closures on May 4.
Pakistan's isolation continued at the UN Security Council, where its attempt to raise the Pahalgam attack backfired as members questioned Lashkar-e-Taiba connections and Pakistan's missile tests.
In a significant diplomatic development, India finalized a free trade agreement with the UK after three years of negotiations, expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040.