Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation, which saw intense clashes over four days, culminated in a ceasefire agreement on May 10. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, revealed that fewer than 50 weapons were used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to strike targeted Pakistani military locations, which compelled Islamabad to request a cessation of hostilities.
According to Air Marshal Tiwari, the IAF achieved "complete domination" over the Pakistan military through these strikes, which followed Pakistan's initial attack. He highlighted that some of the targets hit during Operation Sindoor were untouched even during the 1971 war, demonstrating the precision and effectiveness of the operation. "We made every weapon count and that is a tacit acknowledgement of the capability of our planners and people who executed the missions," he added.
The operation was initiated after multi-agency intelligence confirmed the existence of nine major terror camps across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. India maintained that the strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid escalation, focusing solely on military targets and terrorist infrastructure. Following the strikes, India communicated its desire not to escalate the situation further, but responded strongly when Pakistan initiated military retaliation.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, admitted that Pakistan requested the ceasefire after suffering losses during the Indian offensive. Dar clarified that Islamabad did not request mediation from the United States or any other third party. This statement contradicts claims made by former US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly asserted that Washington brokered peace between India and Pakistan. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar refuted Trump's claims, stating that the truce was negotiated directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two armies.
The conflict saw Pakistan launch retaliatory drone and UCAV attacks targeting key Indian airbases and logistics infrastructure, which were effectively neutralized by India's comprehensive air defense architecture. The Indian Army's air defense units worked in coordination with the Air Force, deploying a range of systems to counter the drone and loitering munition attacks. The Indian Navy also played a crucial role in asserting maritime dominance during the operation.
Air Marshal Tiwari emphasized the importance of minimizing collateral damage during the operation. He noted that the success of the strikes was a result of the efforts of a large team, not just the pilots. He also highlighted that the IAF's objective was achieved, and the operation validated the effectiveness of India's weapon systems. Following the operation, Pakistan threatened to suspend its participation in the Simla Agreement. Both countries also scaled back diplomatic ties and expelled each other's citizens.
