SBI Assures Customers All ATMs, Digital Systems Are Up Amid Cross-Border Turmoil
SBI Status: As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan following a major military escalation, the State Bank of India (SBI) has stepped forward to reassure citizens that its services remain unaffected. Contrary to speculative messages doing the rounds online, the bank has confirmed that its digital and ATM networks are fully operational.
SBI Dispels Rumours, Urges Public to Trust Verified Sources
In an official statement released on Thursday, SBI declared, "All our ATMs, CDMs/ADWMs and digital services are fully operational and available for public use." The country's largest lender also took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge customers not to fall prey to unverified claims, stating, "Please do not rely on unverified information. For any queries, kindly reach out to your nearest branch or contact us on our toll free numbers 1800 1234, 1800 2100, 1800 11 2211, 1800 425 3800."
This public assurance comes in the wake of unprecedented developments along the Indo-Pak border, prompting a flurry of misinformation regarding banking operations and service disruptions.
Other major banks like HDFC and ICICI are operating normally but have not issued official statements yet.
Pakistan’s Drone-Missile Offensive Triggers Strategic Response
On Thursday night, the Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that Pakistan had launched drones and missiles targeting military infrastructure across northern and western India. Strategic locations such as Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Bhuj were reportedly in the crosshairs, with Indian defence units swiftly intercepting the threats. A total of eight missiles were launched at sites including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia — all successfully neutralised.
India responded in kind, deploying kamikaze drones to disable Pakistan’s air defence mechanisms. A key system in Lahore was reportedly taken out. As per a Defence Ministry statement, “Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an air defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.”
Government Mobilises High-Level Security Meetings
Amid the mounting tension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on India's retaliatory action. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring developments closely, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A Defence Ministry spokesperson reiterated India's preparedness, stating, “The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). No casualties or material losses were reported. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people.”
As the situation evolves, major private banks like HDFC and ICICI continue operations without interruption, although they have yet to release public statements akin to SBI’s. The central bank and key financial institutions are reportedly on alert, but functional, amid concerns of cyber interference or panic-induced disruptions.
In a moment charged with uncertainty, SBI’s proactive communication stands out, offering a measure of calm amid the broader geopolitical storm.
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