In a dramatic escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Armed Forces executed "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation is a direct response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, primarily tourists.
The operation commenced around 2:30 a.m. local time, with residents near the border reporting the sound of fighter jets overhead. The Indian Army signaled the commencement of the operation with a terse message on X (formerly Twitter): "Justice is served. Jai Hind!" This was accompanied by a video showcasing military drills, hinting at a significant military response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi closely monitored the operation throughout the night, emphasizing the need for decisive action against terrorism. "We will identify, track, and punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack," he stated, underscoring the government's commitment to national security.
India's military targets included known strongholds of terrorist organizations, such as the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and a Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke. Other locations struck included Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad. The operation utilized advanced Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer bombs, designed for deep-penetration strikes.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Pakistan's military responded vehemently, labeling India's actions as an "act of war." Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated, "This cowardly and shameful attack was carried out from within India’s airspace. Pakistan will respond to this at a time and place of its own choosing." He warned that India's "temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief," indicating a potential for further escalation.
Casualty reports from Pakistan indicated that the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and injuries to 46 others across six locations. Among the casualties were civilians, including a child who was killed during an attack on a mosque in Bahawalpur.
In response to the military action, Pakistan declared a state of emergency in its Punjab province and summoned the Indian Chargé d'Affaires to lodge a formal protest. The Pakistani government asserted that the strikes constituted a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law.
On the Indian side, the government took precautionary measures, suspending flight operations at several airports, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar. Schools and colleges across various regions of Kashmir were also closed to ensure the safety of students amid rising tensions.
International reactions to the strikes have varied. The United States expressed concern over the escalating conflict, with President Donald Trump calling the attack "a shame" and suggesting he had prior knowledge of impending military actions. Meanwhile, Israel extended its support to India, reinforcing its right to self-defense against terrorist threats.
As tensions continue to mount, both nations are bracing for potential repercussions. The Indian government has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation further, while security measures have been heightened across northern India.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, various political leaders in India have voiced their support for the military's actions. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge convened party leaders for discussions, while Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani hailed the operation as "historic revenge" for the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
Former defense minister AK Antony commended the operation, stating, "This action is the need of the hour. Pakistan-sponsored terrorists mercilessly killed tourists in Pahalgam. This is the natural reaction to those actions." He emphasized the importance of unity behind the military in these times of crisis.
As the situation unfolds, experts and former military officials have noted that the Indian Armed Forces are well-prepared for any potential retaliation from Pakistan. Lt. Gen. (Retd) Devendra Pratap Pandey remarked, "For Indian armed forces, it is not a high-pressure scenario; we are trained for this." This sentiment reflects a broader confidence in India's military capabilities and resolve.
On the ground, the impact of Operation Sindoor is palpable. Families of the Pahalgam attack victims have expressed gratitude for the military's decisive action, with some calling for further measures against Pakistan to prevent future attacks. One victim's wife stated, "The whole of Pakistan needs to be eliminated; otherwise, similar incidents will happen again."
As both nations navigate this precarious landscape, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability in the region. The unfolding events underscore the complexities of Indo-Pak relations and the challenges posed by persistent terrorism.
In summary, Operation Sindoor marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, reflecting deep-seated tensions and the urgent need for effective counter-terrorism measures. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of this volatile situation.
