Following the deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, India launched "Operation Sindoor," a counterstrike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Sources within the Indian government have made it clear that this operation signifies a shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism, demonstrating a willingness to strike at the "head of the snake" within Pakistani territory.

The Indian Armed Forces executed coordinated precision missile strikes on nine terrorist facilities, including four in Pakistan (Bahawalpur and Muridke) and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Muzaffarabad and Kotli). These facilities were identified as key command centers for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), groups responsible for numerous attacks against India, including the Pulwama attack.

A source told NDTV that the message being conveyed is that no location within Pakistan is beyond India's reach when it comes to addressing terrorism emanating from its soil. This operation showcased India's approach of "ghar me ghus ke marenge" (kill them within their home). The strikes extended hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan, beyond Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, signaling that neither the Line of Control (LoC) nor the international border would act as a deterrent.

According to sources, Operation Sindoor has drawn a red line that Pakistan can no longer ignore: terrorism as a state policy will trigger targeted and visible consequences. The operation resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, including those on India's most wanted list, and the wiping out of the leadership of multiple terror modules in a single night. One source stated that India has shown the world that it will not wait for permission to defend its people and that terrorists and their masterminds have no place to hide.

Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that India informed Pakistan's DGMO on May 7 about the strikes on terror infrastructure, but received no response. Following strikes on Pakistani air bases, Pakistan proposed a ceasefire. India's counter military actions on the nights of May 9 and 10 marked the first instance of a country damaging air force camps of a nuclear power. Eleven bases were attacked within three hours, including Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, Sukkur, Sialkot, Pasrur, Chunian, Sargodha, Skaru, Bholari and Jacobabad. Additionally, ammunition depots and bases housing F-16s and JF-17 fighter jets were hit, resulting in the destruction of 20 percent of Pakistan's Air Force infrastructure.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as not just a military action, but a symbol of India's political, social, and strategic willpower. He stated that the operation was launched to destroy terrorist infrastructure, with no targeting of innocent civilians. He further asserted that the operation demonstrates that even land across the border is not safe for terrorists and their masters when India acts against terrorism.

The strikes were conducted in retaliation for the terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, claiming the lives of twenty-five Indian tourists and one Nepali tourist. JeM initially claimed responsibility for the attack.

Experts have debated the effectiveness and strategic implications of Operation Sindoor, particularly its deterrent effect on Pakistan's use of terrorism. The operation's abrupt end after 3 days and its potential deterrent effect on Pakistan's use of terrorism are key points of contention.

Following four days of intense confrontations, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on halting military actions on Saturday, May 10, 2025. However, cross-border firing from Pakistan was reported at several locations along the Jammu border soon after the announced cessation of firing.

China expressed regret over India's military actions and called on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability. France called on both countries to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and protect civilians. Israel expressed support for India's right to self-defense.