Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has shed light on the rationale behind conducting the initial strikes of Operation Sindoor between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM. Speaking at an event in Ranchi on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Gen Chauhan explained that the timing was deliberately chosen to minimize civilian casualties.

Operation Sindoor was a joint military operation executed on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of twenty-five Indian tourists and one Nepali tourist. The operation targeted nine terror beds across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes, which lasted for 25 minutes, were carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

According to CDS Chauhan, the initial plan was to conduct the strikes around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, when daylight would have provided better visibility for target acquisition and damage assessment. However, this timing coincided with the morning Azaan (call to prayer) and potential civilian movement in areas like Bahawalpur and Muridke. Concerned about the risk of inadvertently harming civilians, the decision was made to advance the operation to the darkest hours of the night.

Gen Chauhan emphasized that the armed forces were confident in their capabilities to conduct precision strikes even under the cover of darkness. He stated that India had "enhanced precision strike capabilities" developed after the Balakot operation. These capabilities included the ability to capture imagery and assess damage at night. By using precision-guided munitions, including laser-designated missiles and satellite-guided glide bombs, the forces aimed to ensure high strike accuracy and avoid collateral damage. Real-time monitoring via surveillance drones further aided in confirming target destruction while minimizing civilian casualties.

The CDS also highlighted the political objectives behind using air power in Operation Sindoor, stating that destroying terrorist camps in Bahawalpur and Muridke required it. This decision sent a strong message of India's zero tolerance against terrorism. He also mentioned that the political leadership provided clear direction and full operational freedom during the operation, including planning and target selection.

Operation Sindoor involved focused missile strikes on nine terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The targeted facilities were believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), terror groups responsible for multiple attacks in India.

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that Operation Sindoor was on hold but would resume with full force if another terrorist attack were launched from across the border. He also rejected any third-party intervention regarding the ceasefire, asserting India's autonomy in its internal matters.