New Delhi: In a decisive move, the Indian government has announced its right to respond to acts of terror emanating from neighboring Pakistan. This statement comes on May 7, 2025, after the Indian armed forces successfully executed airstrikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sophia and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, held a press conference to detail the operation, emphasizing that India’s response to the recent Pahalgam attacks was measured and non-escalatory.
During the press briefing, Misri stated that the Indian strikes were aimed at dismantling the terror infrastructure across the border, ensuring no collateral damage occurred in the precision operations. He described Pakistan as a "haven for terrorists," highlighting that the nation continues to harbor such elements despite international condemnation.
Misri pointed to the case of Sajid Mir, a notorious terrorist who had been declared dead but was later arrested in Pakistan after significant international pressure. He noted, "This is the most glaring example of Pakistan’s support and nurturing of terror elements on its soil." The Foreign Secretary further asserted that the Pahalgam massacre was a deliberate act orchestrated by Pakistan-based groups to disrupt the flourishing economy of Jammu and Kashmir, which saw over 23 million tourists last year.
"Fearful of losing their clout and seeing separatism being replaced by tourism, they carried out the dastardly attack in the Valley," Misri stated, expressing the deep anger that the Pahalgam terror attacks ignited among residents across India. Initially, the Indian government sought diplomatic measures to rein in Pakistan before resorting to military action.
Operation Sindoor specifically targeted nine identified sites used for planning and coordinating cross-border terrorist attacks. According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India’s actions were characterized as "focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature," with no Pakistani military facilities being targeted.
In light of the operation, India reached out to several key global players, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, to brief them on the military strikes. Reports indicate that senior Indian officials communicated with their counterparts in these nations early on Wednesday.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation, noting, "We just heard about it as we were walking in the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past." He expressed hope for a swift resolution to the longstanding conflict.
As a precautionary measure, Indian airlines have canceled flights to and from several cities, including Jammu and Srinagar, due to airspace restrictions following the missile strikes. Air India announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until noon on May 7. Additionally, airports in northern India, such as Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, and Amritsar, have been closed until further notice.
The operation, which was executed two weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, has been described as a 23-minute precision strike that effectively wiped out key terror camps in Pakistan. The strikes specifically targeted strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke.
In the aftermath of the strikes, Pakistani troops reportedly engaged in heavy cross-border shelling along the Line of Control. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with the chiefs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy following Operation Sindoor, ensuring that the Indian military is responding appropriately.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously granted the armed forces full freedom to respond to the Pahalgam attack, which had resulted in significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of several husbands in front of their wives, one of whom was an Indian Navy officer.
In response to the heightened tensions, a red alert has been issued in Uttar Pradesh, where all police field formations have been instructed to coordinate with defense units to bolster the security of vital installations. The UP Director General of Police posted on social media, emphasizing their preparedness to ensure the safety of citizens.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir stated that while India has targeted terror bases, Pakistan is retaliating by attacking civilian populations. Reports indicate that 10 family members of Masood Azhar, a prominent figure in the Jaish-e-Mohammad organization, were killed during Operation Sindoor.
In a show of political unity, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised the government and armed forces, stating, "I applaud the government and stand solidly with our armed forces. At the same time, we have behaved in a manner that would not justify further expansion of the conflict." He emphasized the need for wisdom in preventing uncontrolled escalation.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, asserting India’s unwavering national policy against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and PoK. He commended the armed forces for their courage and resolve in striking terror camps, while calling for national unity in the face of such threats.
As the situation unfolds, schools in several regions, including Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar, have been closed for safety reasons. Additionally, traffic towards Uri has been halted from North Kashmir's Sheeri, reflecting the heightened state of alert across the region.
China has expressed its disapproval of India’s Operation Sindoor, calling it "regrettable," as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
In summary, Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in India’s military response to terrorism emanating from Pakistan, with the government emphasizing the need for measured action while addressing the threat posed by cross-border terrorism. As the world watches closely, the situation remains fluid, with implications for regional security and international relations.