In a high-level Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded "Operation Sindoor" as a moment of pride for the entire nation, according to senior government sources. The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian Armed Forces for the successful execution of the operation, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Operation Sindoor was a coordinated counter-terrorism offensive conducted by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, utilizing precision strikes against nine key terror infrastructure sites across the border. The operation was reportedly launched in retaliation for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed.
During the Cabinet meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared details about Operation Sindoor. Sources indicated that PM Modi praised the armed forces for their precision in hitting the targets within a short timeframe. He emphasized that the operation was necessary as the entire country was looking for a strong response to the Pahalgam attack. The decision to carry out the strikes was reportedly welcomed by all members of the cabinet.
PM Modi also instructed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit the border areas and be with the forces as soon as possible. This directive underscores the government's commitment to standing firmly behind the armed forces during times of both peace and conflict.
The Prime Minister's commendation of Operation Sindoor reflects the government's strong stance against terrorism and its resolve to protect the nation's interests. The operation is seen as a clear message to terrorist groups and their backers that India will not tolerate acts of terror and will take decisive action to safeguard its citizens.
According to reports, the targeted terror camps were linked to various banned outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have been implicated in numerous terrorist attacks in India. The Indian Army stated that the strikes targeted the terror infrastructure from where attacks against India have been planned and directed.
The operation involved precision missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur and Muridke, which are strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, respectively. Initial reports suggest that over 70 terrorists were killed and more than 60 wounded in the strikes, significantly degrading the operational capabilities of these groups.
The Indian government has emphasized that the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. The army also stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, demonstrating India's restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution.
The operation's name, "Sindoor," is a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and a symbol of the pain and loss suffered by their families. It serves to humanize the victims and ensure that their sacrifices are remembered. Following the operation, the Indian Army posted on X: "#PahalgamTerrorAttack Justice is Served. Jai Hind!".
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi has reportedly postponed his planned visit to Europe. He is also expected to chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the evolving situation.
