The earthquake epicentred in the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan struck at around 2.40 PM, sending ripples across several states like Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), Punjab, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
People frantically rushed out of their houses and offices as the ground shook. In the national capital, metro sevrices were briefly halted.
There were no immediate reports of loss of life or property.
In Srinagar, residents said they saw the buildings "swinging", remindig them of the devastating quake in 2005.
The earthquake occured at the depth of 190 kms.