In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched "Operation Sindoor," a series of precision military strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POJK). This operation, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, was a direct response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including one Nepalese citizen. The Pahalgam attack, characterized by "extreme barbarity," involved victims being fatally shot at close range, often in front of their families.
The Indian Armed Forces meticulously targeted nine terror sites linked to Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. These sites included key headquarters and training facilities. According to reports, the strikes resulted in the neutralization of approximately 70 terrorists, including family members of Masood Azhar. Some of the targeted locations were JeM's Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, LeT's Markaz Taiba in Muridke, and HM's Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot. The Mahmoona Jaya camp, located near the international border, served as a control center for spreading terror in the Kathua-Jammu region. Other targets included the Sawai Nala camp in Muzaffarabad, a key LeT training facility, and the Syedna Belal camp, which provided training in weapons, explosives, and jungle survival techniques.
India's action was described as "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible," with a clear focus on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned and executed to avoid targeting Pakistani military facilities. Following the strikes, India briefed key global allies, including the US, UK, UAE, and Russia.
The operation aimed to achieve three specific objectives: to prevent further terrorist activity, to deter the use of cross-border proxies by Pakistan-based terror groups, and to pre-empt identified threats. By targeting a range of terror sites, India aimed to undercut Pakistan's attempts to disassociate itself from groups like The Resistance Front (TRF).
Operation Sindoor signals a shift in India's counter-terrorism posture, emphasizing intelligence-driven strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This approach seeks to impose costs on Pakistan while managing the risk of broader conflict. The strikes also served as a message to Pakistan that India will hold it accountable for cross-border terrorism.
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, security measures have been heightened across India. Border states have been directed to ensure the availability of essential goods and services and to maintain high alert levels. Additionally, approximately 25 air routes to Pakistan have been shut down, and several international airlines are avoiding Pakistani airspace. While Pakistan has responded with threats and disinformation, India has asserted its readiness to retaliate against any escalation from Islamabad.
