In response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the death of 26 people, including one Nepalese citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor" targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation, executed in the early hours of May 7, 2025, focused on nine sites identified as being involved in planning and directing terror attacks against India.

The Indian Army emphasized that the strikes were precise, measured, and non-escalatory, with no Pakistani military facilities targeted. The intent was to target terrorist leadership and infrastructure while minimizing the risk of broader conflict. According to reports, standoff cruise missiles and beyond-visual-range weapons were used.

While India has not officially named the specific locations targeted, Pakistani authorities have stated that the strikes hit areas in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bagh in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan's Punjab province. Muridke is known to be the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Bahawalpur is the base of Jaish-e-Mohammad, led by Masood Azhar.

The Indian Army, shortly after the strikes, posted "Justice is served. Jai Hind!" on X. However, Pakistan has condemned the strikes, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling it an "act of war" and asserting Pakistan's right to respond. Pakistan's military has stated that it will retaliate at a "time and place of its own choosing". Following the strikes, Pakistan reportedly opened artillery fire along the Line of Control in the Bhimber Gali area, which Indian troops responded to appropriately. Pakistan has also closed its airspace for all air traffic for 48 hours. Flightradar24 indicated that many flights were diverting out of Pakistani airspace.

Tensions have been escalating between India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack, which India blames on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied any involvement. The naming of the operation, "Sindoor," is a reference to the Pahalgam attack, where assailants killed 26 people. Sindoor is the Hindi word for vermillion, a powder traditionally used by married Hindu women.

Amidst the heightened tensions, the Indian Air Force is conducting a two-day mega military exercise along the border with Pakistan, involving frontline fighter jets. Furthermore, India's civil aviation authorities have issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a major air exercise along the Indo-Pakistan border.