In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched a significant military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This decisive action was a direct response to the brutal terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation commenced at 1:44 AM and involved the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, employing advanced weaponry including SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer precision bombs. The strikes were meticulously planned to target terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), while deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations to minimize the risk of escalating conflict.
Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who briefed the media on the operation, emphasized that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” Colonel Qureshi highlighted that credible intelligence confirmed the use of the targeted sites for orchestrating cross-border terrorism. The operation lasted approximately 25 minutes, during which over 70 terrorists were reportedly killed and more than 60 wounded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally chose the codename “Sindoor,” symbolizing the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, as a poignant tribute to the widows created by the Pahalgam attack. The operation was framed as a necessary step to break the backbone of terrorism, with Colonel Qureshi stating, “We aim to destroy terrorist infrastructure.”
As news of the operation spread, emergency measures were enacted in Pakistan's Punjab province, where local authorities reported at least 26 fatalities and numerous injuries from the strikes. The Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, declared a state of emergency and closed all educational institutions in the province. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has placed its forces on high alert, signaling a potential escalation in tensions.
The operation has drawn mixed reactions within India. While many political leaders, including members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Shiromani Akali Dal, expressed support for the government’s actions, there were calls for de-escalation and diplomacy to avoid further conflict. CPI's statement highlighted the need for continued pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray questioned the effectiveness of military action, suggesting that a combing operation within India might be more prudent.
In contrast, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh praised the operation as a demonstration of strength, calling Modi the “unbreakable shield” of India. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the precision of the strikes, stating that they showcased the strength of the Indian military without causing civilian casualties.
Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar confirmed that ten members of his family, including close relatives, were killed during the strikes on their headquarters in Bahawalpur. Reports also identified Sheikh Sajjad Gul, head of the Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF), as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack, further complicating the narrative surrounding the military response.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has engaged in diplomatic outreach, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval communicating with various foreign counterparts to discuss the situation. The operation has also prompted a series of emergency measures within India, including the cancellation of over 200 flights and the closure of at least 18 airports, including those in Jammu and Kashmir.
As tensions rise, the Indian government is preparing for a high-level meeting to discuss the implications of Operation Sindoor and potential future actions. Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a meeting with Chief Ministers and senior officials from border states to ensure preparedness in the face of any retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s prominent roles in the operation briefing underscore the increasing visibility and importance of women in India's military leadership. Colonel Qureshi, a decorated officer from the Army’s Corps of Signals, made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational exercise. Wing Commander Singh, a helicopter pilot with extensive flying experience, also represents the growing contributions of women in the armed forces.
As the situation evolves, the Indian government remains committed to addressing the underlying issues of cross-border terrorism while navigating the delicate balance of regional security. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for restraint and dialogue from various nations.
Operation Sindoor marks a significant moment in India’s military history, reflecting the complexities of national security, regional stability, and the ongoing struggle against terrorism. As the government prepares for the next steps, the focus will likely remain on both military readiness and diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.
