In response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, India launched "Operation Sindoor," a coordinated military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, executed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, involved precision strikes on nine key terror hubs linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The Pahalgam Attack and India's Response
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, saw terrorists targeting tourists in Kashmir, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The victims were shot in the head in front of their family members, with the intention of traumatizing families and undermining the returning normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri identified the terrorists as belonging to LeT and Pakistan.
In response to the attack, India undertook "Operation Sindoor," with the aim of dismantling terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists likely to be sent across the border. The operation was described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory", with strikes carefully planned to avoid civilian areas or military facilities.
The Operation
"Operation Sindoor" involved precision strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The targets, selected by Indian intelligence agencies, included: * Lashkar's base in Muridke * Jaish's camp in Kotli * Hizbul's facility in Sialkot * Bahawalpur, a stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammad, where Masud Azar runs training and radicalization camps
The operation lasted approximately 25 minutes, with the Indian Air Force executing the strikes from within Indian airspace, ensuring that no aircraft crossed the Line of Control. Visuals of each target being hit were released by the government.
India's Objectives and Global Reactions
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, accompanied by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Air Force, emphasized that Indian forces exercised restraint and that the targets were selected with care. The operation was designed to punish Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack, with Misri confirming that the Resistance Front, a front for the UN-prescribed Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was behind the attack.
Prior to the strike, key global allies were briefed. Reactions from the international community varied, with the US President Donald Trump stating he was not surprised by India's move. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed key global counterparts, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Israel called the operation an act of self-defense, while China urged restraint, and the UAE and UN called for de-escalation.
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan has responded to "Operation Sindoor" with threats and disinformation. The Pakistani military claims to have retaliated, shooting down multiple Indian military planes. They allege that the Indian strikes were an "unprovoked attack, targeting innocent people," resulting in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and injuries to 46 others. Pakistan claims that mosques and residential areas were targeted.
India's Stance
India has asserted that it is well prepared to retaliate if Pakistan escalates the situation. The Indian Defence Ministry stated that India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution. Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister, affirmed that the targets were destroyed with precision and that India exercised its "right to respond" to the attack on its soil. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that "Operation Sindoor" was a befitting reply to those who dare to challenge India's borders, military, and citizens, and a testament to the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
