In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calculated military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. This operation involved strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), marking a shift in India's counterterrorism approach.
India successfully destroyed nine terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These locations were key training and operational hubs for attacks against India. Operation Sindoor broke norms by targeting locations deep within Pakistan's mainland, including Punjab province and Bahawalpur. India discarded the distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors, treating both as legitimate targets, signaling that no part of Pakistan would be considered safe if terror originated from its soil.
The operation signaled a shift in India's strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism would invite targeted retaliation. Indian forces, including Rafale jets with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, executed the strikes with precision. The 23-minute mission exposed gaps in Pakistan's air defense network. India also proved its air defense capabilities, with the Akashteer Air Defence System intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles.
Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan resorted to firing across the Line of Control (LOC), resulting in civilian casualties. Drone incursions were reported in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with India successfully intercepting them. In retaliation to Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks, India struck 11 Pakistani air bases, reportedly destroying 20 percent of Pakistan's air force infrastructure.
Pakistan confirmed 11 military personnel deaths and 78 injuries from Operation Sindoor. India targeted nine terror launchpads, leading to retaliatory drone incursions from Pakistan. Despite a ceasefire agreement, violations led to further Indian strikes on Pakistani military infrastructure, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and the Rahim Yar Khan airbase.
Videos released by India showed damage to Pakistani military air bases. Air Marshal AK Bharti showed the Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi on fire and damage to the runway of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Punjab. India hit radar installations, command and control centers, and ammunition depots in Rafiqui, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Sialkot.
Operation Sindoor represents the evolution of India's counter-terrorism doctrine. It targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, aiming to neutralize groups responsible for cross-border terrorism. The operation was intended to deter cross-border terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government attributed the attack to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India described its actions as "focused, measured and non-escalatory."
The operation was conducted with missiles launched from Indian territory, using SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. India also used SkyStriker suicide drones. This was the most expansive military operation since the 1971 War. Unlike previous operations, Operation Sindoor was a multi-domain, high-precision offensive.
The Indian Air Force responded with strikes targeting alleged terror camps. The operation marked an escalation and reopened old wounds between the two countries. India’s military operation may be providing the first combat test for China’s defence modernization, with Pakistan deploying Chinese fighter jets.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai said that strikes across nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoJK killed over 100 terrorists. He added that the LoC was violated soon after the strikes. The DGMO said he spoke to his Pakistani counterpart, who proposed cessation of hostilities, resulting in cessation of cross-border firing and air intrusions. However, Pakistan violated these arrangements, leading to further responses.
