In a recent address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke extensively about Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation undertaken by India in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed. Modi lauded the bravery and resolve of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and scientists involved in the operation.
Operation Sindoor, executed on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) with the aim of neutralizing the operational capabilities of groups responsible for cross-border terrorism. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam attack, which India attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
PM Modi emphasized that Pakistan had been planning war at the borders, but India struck at its heart. He stated that the world witnessed India's resolve turn into action on May 7, highlighting the precision strikes launched by Indian forces. He praised the armed forces for their unparalleled valor in achieving the objectives of Operation Sindoor and dedicated their courage and heroism to the nation.
The Prime Minister condemned the Pahalgam attack, describing it as a cruel and heinous act where innocent tourists were killed in front of their families after being asked about their religion. He affirmed that when the nation is the priority, firm decisions are taken.
Operation Sindoor involved coordinated strikes on nine locations linked to anti-India terrorist groups such as LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These locations included Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal. The operation was intelligence-driven, utilizing satellite surveillance, drone technology, and human intelligence. Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets employed radar blackouts and NOTAM to mask their movement and maximize surprise. The operation involved the use of stand-off weapons, including SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs, and SkyStriker suicide drones.
The strikes were described as focused, measured, and non-escalatory, deliberately avoiding targeting Pakistani military installations to minimize the risk of escalation. However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor was an ongoing operation.
Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said that the strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, who were involved in the IC814 hijacking and the Pulwama blast.
PM Modi highlighted that India has given full freedom to the Indian army to wipe out terrorists. He stated that Operation Sindoor is not just a name but India's emotion. He further added that India's missiles and drones not only destroyed terror sites in Pakistan but also demolished their spirit.
The Indian military also displayed debris believed to be from a PL-15 air-to-air missile of Chinese origin and wreckage of YIHA and Songar drones of Turkish origin, allegedly used by Pakistan.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan, violations of the Line of Control (LoC) occurred. DGMO Ghai stated that any further violations would be responded to fiercely and punitively, with full authority granted to army commanders for counteraction.
Operation Sindoor is considered the most expansive military operation conducted by the Indian armed forces since the 1971 War. Unlike previous operations, it was a multi-domain, high-precision offensive signaling a strategic evolution in India's approach to cross-border terrorism.
