Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that the impact of India's armed forces during "Operation Sindoor" was felt as far as Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where the Pakistani army headquarters is located. Singh made these remarks while inaugurating the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in Lucknow. He emphasized that Operation Sindoor was not just a military action but a demonstration of India's political, social, and strategic resolve.
Singh asserted that India delivered a strong message to Islamabad by striking multiple Pakistani military positions. He highlighted that the Indian Army displayed valor, courage, and restraint in responding effectively. Singh also reiterated the government's position that no civilian infrastructure was targeted during Operation Sindoor, with the aim being to destroy terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. He contrasted this with Pakistan's actions, alleging that they targeted civilian areas and places of worship in India.
The overnight developments marked the fiercest exchange between the two militaries since India launched Operation Sindoor. These strikes were reportedly in response to Pakistan's attacks on Indian military infrastructure and civilian areas using fighter jets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and missiles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly targeted military facilities in areas including Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur and Sialkot. Pakistan sustained significant damage on May 10, when the IAF struck eight military sites using air-launched precision weapons.
Following days of escalating military exchanges, including precision missile strikes, drone incursions, and artillery battles across the Line of Control (LoC), India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, effective from the evening of May 10. However, reports indicated that Pakistan violated the ceasefire just hours after the understanding was reached. Explosions were heard across parts of Indian-administered Kashmir, and Pakistani drones were sighted and intercepted in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Gujarat. India accused Pakistan of ceasefire violations and stated that its armed forces were giving an "adequate and appropriate response".
Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions remained high, and the situation along the LoC was described as stable but with western border states on high alert. Prime Minister Modi convened a security meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS Anil Chauhan, and military chiefs.
According to government sources, Indian Air Force aircraft launched BrahMos-A (air-launched) cruise missiles targeting key Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases at dawn on May 10. Initial confirmed impacts were at Chaklala near Rawalpindi and Sargodha in Punjab province, both strategically important for the Pakistani military. Indian intelligence agencies reportedly detected high alert messages across Pakistani defense networks, suggesting a concern that India might target Pakistan's nuclear command and control infrastructure.
The United States played a role in de-escalating the situation, with reports suggesting that the US "practically ordered" Pakistan to activate its direct line to the Indian Army. Major General Kashif Abdullah, Pakistan's DGMO, contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, proposing a ceasefire, which India accepted.
Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as a symbol of India's strong will against terrorism and the capability and determination of its military power. He emphasized that India has demonstrated its ability to strike deep inside enemy territory to combat terrorism, vowing effective action against terrorism both within and across its borders.
