Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, by the Indian Armed Forces, was a direct and decisive response to the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. This retaliatory operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), marking a significant moment in India's fight against cross-border terrorism. The Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, triggered widespread outrage and a firm resolve from the Indian government to avenge the loss of innocent lives.
The operation's codename, "Sindoor," is a poignant reference to the Hindu tourists who were specifically targeted in the Pahalgam attack, many of whom were men killed in front of their wives, thus leaving them widowed. This detail underscores the barbaric nature of the attack and the intent to inflict not just death, but also deep emotional and cultural wounds.
In the early hours of May 7, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed precision missile strikes on nine identified terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and within Pakistan. These locations were carefully selected based on credible intelligence reports confirming their roles in fomenting terror activities against India. The targeted sites included strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), two UN-designated terrorist organizations. Specifically, the strikes hit:
Indian authorities asserted that the strikes were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," with the explicit aim of dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists. Col. Sofiya Qureshi stated that the operation aimed to destroy terror infrastructures such as recruitment centers, indoctrination facilities, and launch pads. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that the selection of targets prioritized avoiding damage to civilian infrastructure and minimizing civilian casualties.
Initial reports suggest that the strikes were successful in significantly degrading the operational capabilities of these terror outfits. Indian government sources claimed that over 70 terrorists were killed and more than 60 wounded in the strikes. JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar admitted that ten members of his family and four aides were killed in the strike on the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur.
Operation Sindoor has been widely viewed within India as a necessary and justified response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Home Minister Amit Shah declared that it demonstrated the government's "zero-tolerance policy against terrorism," while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that "the world must show zero tolerance for terrorism". The operation has also evoked strong reactions internationally. While some countries have expressed understanding of India's right to self-defense against terrorism, many have urged de-escalation and called for dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the Indian strikes, alleging that they targeted civilian areas and resulted in civilian casualties. They have also claimed to have retaliated by downing Indian jets, a claim that India denies. This exchange of fire has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, raising concerns about potential escalation. The Kartarpur corridor was temporarily shut down in the wake of the strikes. Commercial flights in northern India were also suspended, and several airports were shut down.
Operation Sindoor represents a significant development in India's approach to cross-border terrorism. It signals a willingness to take proactive and forceful measures to deter and disrupt terrorist activities emanating from Pakistani soil. However, the operation also carries the risk of escalating tensions with Pakistan and further destabilizing the already volatile region. The international community is closely watching the situation, urging restraint and a return to diplomatic channels to prevent further conflict.
