In the wake of "Operation Sindoor," India's targeted strikes against terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has asserted that the "world must show zero tolerance for terrorism". This statement comes after Indian forces launched precision strikes on nine terror sites in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Operation Sindoor was initiated as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Army conducted precision strikes targeting terror groups that have found safe havens in Pakistan and PoK. The operation's name, "Sindoor," carries symbolic weight, referencing the Hindu tradition where married women apply sindoor to signify their husbands' well-being, a poignant message following an attack that predominantly targeted men.
The strikes were described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," with Indian authorities communicating to the international community that the operation aimed solely to eliminate terror infrastructure and had no intention of escalating hostilities with Pakistan. A senior defense official emphasized that these strikes send "a clear and unambiguous message" that India will not tolerate acts of terror against its citizens. It was also stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted during the operation, demonstrating India's restraint in target selection and execution.
Following the strikes, Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh spoke with the three military chiefs, congratulating them on the operation's success and discussing the increased state of alertness.
The action has triggered a range of reactions. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi hailed the armed forces, while the Congress party affirmed that India's commitment to eliminating terrorism must be uncompromising and anchored in national interest.
The strikes have led to heightened security measures in India. Schools in the bordering districts of Punjab, including Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar, were ordered to remain closed. Flight operations at some Indian airports, particularly those near the India-Pakistan border or key Air Force bases, experienced disruptions. Srinagar airport temporarily suspended civil flights.
Operation Sindoor has also elicited reactions internationally. India has communicated to the global community that the strikes were aimed at terror infrastructure, with no intention to escalate the situation with Pakistan. Jaishankar's statement underscores India's call for a united global front against terrorism.
The targeted sites included locations in Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan Punjab, as well as Muzaffarabad and Kotli in PoK, all known to house terror camps. These strikes reflect India's proactive approach to national security and its commitment to counter-terrorism in the region.