In a decisive military operation, India launched "Operation Sindoor" against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir early on May 7, 2025. This action comes in direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The operation was executed by all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force — and has been declared 100% successful by official sources.
Reports indicate that the strikes targeted nine key locations associated with terrorist infrastructure, including madrasas linked to notorious figures such as Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. The precision strikes were carried out at 1:44 AM, employing advanced weaponry, including SCALP (Storm Shadow) cruise missiles, which are equipped with the Indian Air Force's Rafale fighters. The Indian government has emphasized that the operation was focused and measured, ensuring that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.
"Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution," an official stated. This operation is viewed as part of Phase 1 of India's response to the Pahalgam attack, with further actions contingent upon Pakistan's potential retaliation.
Pakistan has reacted strongly to the strikes, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserting that the country has every right to respond forcefully to what he described as an act of war imposed by India. He stated, "The cunning enemy has carried out cowardly attacks on five locations in Pakistan. Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given." Following the airstrikes, the Pakistan Army confirmed that India had launched a total of 24 missiles targeting six different locations.
In the wake of the operation, heavy firing has erupted across all sectors near the Line of Control (LoC), with the Indian Army responding aggressively to cross-border provocations. Reports indicate that Pakistani troops have resumed artillery shelling, resulting in the deaths of three Indian civilians, further escalating tensions in the region.
As a precautionary measure, several airports in Northern India, including Srinagar, have been closed to civilian flights due to heightened security concerns following the military operations. The Indian Air Force has confirmed that no civilian flights will operate from Srinagar Airport today, and Air India has canceled all flights to and from several key cities until noon.
In addition to the immediate military response, India has taken significant diplomatic measures against Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired multiple meetings with top military and security officials since the Pahalgam attack, including discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Hours before the strikes, Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are held accountable.
India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water sharing between the two nations, and revoked all visas granted to Pakistani nationals. Modi stated, "India's water will be used for India's interests," emphasizing a shift in policy regarding resource management. These measures have drawn a stern response from Pakistan, which has threatened to hold the 1972 Simla Agreement in abeyance, raising questions about the future of the LoC.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, reminiscent of previous military actions following terrorist attacks, such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The Indian government has consistently maintained that it will respond decisively to any threats posed by terrorist elements originating from Pakistan.
As tensions continue to mount, the Indian Armed Forces are preparing for further military drills along the international border, which are set to begin tonight. These exercises, described as necessary for effective civil defense in the event of a hostile attack, will take place in 244 districts across the country, marking the first such drill since the 1971 war between India and Pakistan.
In the international arena, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on India's military action, expressing that the U.S. was aware something was going to happen and hoped for a swift resolution to the escalating conflict. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has briefed U.S. officials about India's military operations, indicating a level of international concern regarding the situation.
As the situation develops, both nations remain on high alert, with military operations affecting civilian life and air travel in the region. The Indian government has reiterated its resolve to protect its citizens and respond to threats with appropriate force, while Pakistan continues to assert its right to defend itself against perceived aggression.
The Pahalgam attack has sparked outrage and calls for justice within India, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declaring on social media, "Justice is served. Jai Hind!" This sentiment resonates with many Indians who demand accountability for the violence that has plagued the region.
As both countries navigate this volatile landscape, the international community watches closely, understanding that the implications of these military actions could reverberate far beyond the borders of India and Pakistan.
