Operation Sindoor is India’s latest military operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. This operation involved precision airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Operation Sindoor was initiated following credible intelligence inputs linking Pakistan-based terrorist groups to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, authorized the strikes to dismantle terrorist launchpads and camps used for cross-border attacks.
The operation was designed to be focused, measured, and non-escalatory, ensuring that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. The primary goal was to eliminate terror infrastructure while maintaining strategic restraint.
Execution of the Operation
Strike Time and Duration
– The operation commenced at 1:44 AM on May 7, 2025, lasting approximately 20 minutes.
– Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets carried out precision strikes using SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs.
Key Targets
India struck nine terrorist infrastructure sites, including:
1. Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur – Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke – Principal training facility of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
3. Sialkot and Kotli Camps – Training centers for Hizbul Mujahideen.
4. Muzaffarabad Camps – Used for suicide bomber training.
Weaponry Used
– Loitering munitions (Kamikaze drones) for precision targeting.
– SCALP cruise missiles for deep penetration strikes.
– Hammer bombs for bunker-busting capabilities.
Immediate Aftermath
Military and Civilian Impact
– Pakistan responded with artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to civilian casualties.
– Indian airports in north and western India were closed, affecting over 300 flights.
– Pakistan declared a state of emergency in Punjab province, shutting down educational institutions.
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
– Prime Minister Modi briefed President Droupadi Murmu on the operation.
– National Security Advisor Ajit Doval informed U.S. officials about India’s actions.
– Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) authorized its armed forces to retaliate.
Significance of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor marks a major escalation in India’s counter-terror strategy, demonstrating its resolve to combat terrorism. Unlike previous strikes, India ensured no Pakistani military installations were targeted, maintaining a calibrated and non-escalatory approach.
The operation also showcased India’s advanced military capabilities, reinforcing its strategic deterrence against cross-border terrorism.
Future Plans and Strategic Outlook
While India has not officially announced further military actions, heightened military activity in Kashmir suggests continued surveillance and operational readiness. The Indian government has emphasized its commitment to national security, indicating that future responses will be swift and decisive if terrorist activities persist.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in India’s defense strategy, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. As global reactions unfold, India’s strategic precision and restraint will shape its future military engagements.
