New Delhi: In a bold and calculated response to the devastating April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, the largest cross-border military strike on terrorist infrastructure since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Executed on May 7, 2025, this operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), demonstrating India’s unwavering commitment to countering cross-border terrorism while adhering to a measured, non-escalatory approach.
The Genesis of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched as a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the life of Navy officer Vinay Narwal along with several other innocent victims. The attack, attributed to terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, prompted India to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. This article permits nations to respond to armed attacks while requiring immediate reporting to the UN Security Council to maintain international peace and security.
The operation targeted nine terror camps—four in Pakistan, including its Punjab province, and five in PoJK—marking the first Indian strike in Pakistan’s Punjab since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Conducted between 01:05 AM and 01:30 AM on May 7, the strikes were described by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.” India emphasized that no military, civilian, or economic targets were hit, focusing solely on dismantling terrorist infrastructure linked to attacks like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Pathankot, Uri, and Pahalgam. While India reported no collateral damage, Pakistan claimed civilian casualties, including women and children, though no evidence was provided.
India’s Advanced Precision Strike Arsenal
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s technological prowess through the deployment of state-of-the-art precision strike weapons, ensuring accuracy and minimal unintended damage:
- SCALP (Storm Shadow) Missile: A long-range (450 km), air-launched cruise missile designed for deep-strike operations against high-value targets.
- HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range): A precision-guided munition with a 50-70 km range, ideal for targeting fortified structures.
- Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones): Manufactured in Bengaluru through a joint venture with an Israel-based company, these drones hover over designated areas, autonomously or remotely identifying and neutralizing threats.
- METEOR: A Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) effective in dense electronic warfare environments, ensuring air superiority.
- BRAHMOS: A supersonic cruise missile operating on a “fire and forget” principle, capable of varied flight paths to strike targets with precision.
The use of Bengaluru-developed loitering munitions highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, reinforcing its ability to conduct precise, high-impact operations.
Pakistan’s Retaliation and Escalation
Pakistan condemned the strikes as a “violation of sovereignty” and invoked its right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The Pakistan National Security Committee (NSC), in a meeting on May 7, authorized its armed forces to take “corresponding actions.” The DG ISPR claimed that all Pakistan Air Force planes were airborne during the strikes, which India conducted from its own airspace, and vowed a response “at a time and place of its choosing.”
On May 8, Pakistan escalated tensions by resorting to cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara and Poonch districts. The shelling killed 12 civilians, including three women and three children, and injured 51 others, damaging homes and vehicles in Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, and Baramulla. An Indian Army jawan, L/Nk Dinesh Kumar, lost his life in Poonch due to “unprovoked shelling” by Pakistani forces.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed Parliament, claiming that the Pakistan Army was prepared for India’s attack and had destroyed five Indian jets, including Rafales, and two drones. These claims lacked substantiation, casting doubt on their validity. On May 9, Pakistan further escalated by launching drone and missile attacks on Indian bases in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. India’s air defenses neutralized these attacks, with debris at the sites revealing Pakistan’s intent to provoke a broader conflict.
Domestic Impact and Unity in India
Operation Sindoor had a significant impact on India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. In the Kashmir Valley, a tense calm prevailed on May 7, with educational institutions along the border and Srinagar airport closed as a precautionary measure. Hospitals in Srinagar marked their buildings with red crosses, and traffic was sparse despite it being a weekday. Most parents kept their children home, and authorities established control rooms across Kashmir’s 10 districts to monitor developments and ensure interdepartmental coordination.
In Punjab, all border districts were placed on high alert, with public events canceled. Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora praised the Indian Armed Forces, stating that “three crore Punjabis” stood united with the army. Amritsar resumed blackout measures as part of a nationwide civil defense drill to enhance public safety and preparedness.
Indian political leaders across the spectrum rallied behind the operation. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared, “We are together in the war on terror,” urging national unity. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Bihar Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav also commended the armed forces for their precision strikes. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the operation, stating that it delivered a clear message: “No matter where terrorists hide, our brave armed forces will find and punish them.”
The family of Pahalgam victim Vinay Narwal expressed approval of the operation’s name, with his father, Rajesh Narwal, stating that the Modi government’s decisive action would deter future attacks, making terrorists “think 100 times” before striking again.
Global Support and Diplomatic Outreach
Operation Sindoor garnered widespread international support, reflecting India’s responsible approach to counter-terrorism. On May 7, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed envoys of 13 UN Security Council members (excluding Pakistan and Sierra Leone, which lacks an envoy in India) at South Block, clarifying that the strikes were a response to the Pahalgam attack, not an escalation. India’s Permanent Mission in New York also engaged UNSC members to reinforce this message.
Key global reactions included:
- United Kingdom: Foreign Minister David Lammy and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed outrage at cross-border terrorism, endorsing India’s actions.
- United States: President Donald Trump affirmed India’s right to combat terrorism, offering mediation if needed, while urging restraint. Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the conflict was a regional matter, not America’s to control.
- Russia: Condemned terrorism but called for restraint from both sides.
- Israel: Stood firmly with India, with its ambassador stating that “terrorists have no sanctuary.”
- European Union: All 27 member states, along with France, Netherlands, and Japan, issued a unified statement supporting India’s right to self-defense.
- Islamic Nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, and Bangladesh backed India while urging de-escalation. Panama, a UNSC member, recognized India’s legitimate efforts to counter terrorism.
Global powers, including Qatar, Spain, Iran, Israel, Japan, France, Germany, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, called for de-escalation to prevent further civilian harm. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, conveyed “deep concern” in a call with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Strategic Implications and India’s Resolve
Operation Sindoor was not an act of revenge but a strategic move to defend and deter. India’s precision strikes, executed with advanced weaponry, avoided civilian or military targets, earning praise for their restraint. On May 8, Vikram Misri warned that further attacks from Pakistan would be treated as escalation, reiterating that India’s actions caused no civilian harm. The Indian Army’s official post on X on May 9 reaffirmed its commitment to defending borders and responding robustly to threats.
By targeting terror camps linked to decades of attacks, India sent a clear message: terrorism will face consequences, and perpetrators will have no sanctuary. The operation’s use of indigenous technology, such as Bengaluru-manufactured loitering munitions, underscored India’s growing defense capabilities.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s resolve to protect its citizens from terrorism while upholding global responsibility. The operation’s precision, backed by advanced weaponry and widespread international support, highlights India’s strategic maturity. As tensions with Pakistan persist, India remains committed to peace but will not compromise on security. The global community’s backing reinforces that responsible nations recognize India’s right to self-defense in the face of terror. Operation Sindoor is a powerful reminder that India will act decisively when needed, but always with care and restraint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a major military offensive launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). It was a response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, aimed at dismantling terror camps linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, using precision strike weapons.
2.Why did India launch Operation Sindoor?
India launched Operation Sindoor to counter cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam attack, which killed Navy officer Vinay Narwal and others. Citing its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, India aimed to preempt and deter further attacks by targeting terror infrastructure responsible for attacks like 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, and Pahalgam.
3.What weapons were used in Operation Sindoor?
The operation utilized advanced precision strike weapons, including SCALP (Storm Shadow) missiles, HAMMER munitions, Bengaluru-manufactured loitering munitions (kamikaze drones), METEOR air-to-air missiles, and BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles. These ensured accurate strikes with minimal collateral damage.
4.How did Pakistan respond to Operation Sindoor?
Pakistan condemned the strikes as a “violation of sovereignty” and authorized its armed forces to take “corresponding actions.” It resorted to cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 12 civilians and one Indian soldier, and launched drone and missile attacks on Indian bases. Pakistan’s claims of destroying Indian jets and drones lacked evidence.
5.What was the international reaction to Operation Sindoor?
The operation garnered widespread support from countries like the UK, US, Israel, EU, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Bangladesh, and Panama, who recognized India’s right to counter terrorism. Global powers, including Qatar, Spain, and France, called for de-escalation to prevent further escalation, while India briefed 13 UN Security Council members to clarify its actions.
