Operation Sindoor

May 7, 2025
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Operation Sindoor is a military campaign launched by the Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. India on Wednesday carried out precision strikes on “terrorist infrastructure” at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians two weeks ago.The defence ministry announced early on Wednesday that the armed forces targeted sites “from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed” under the action codenamed “Operation Sindoor”.

The operation aimed to dismantle terrorist camps responsible for orchestrating attacks against India. Nine specific terror-linked sites were targeted, including:

  1. Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur – JeM camp

  2. LeT camp, Muridke

  3. Gulpur

  4. LeT Camp, Sawai

  5. Bilal Camp, JeM launchpad

  6. LeT camp, Kotli

  7. Barnala camp

  8. JeM camp, Sarjal

  9. Hizbul Mujahideen training camp, Mehmoona near Sialkot.                                                                                                                             The strikes were conducted using precision-guided munitions, ensuring minimal collateral damage. The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the operation was “measured, responsible, and designed to be non-escalatory,” focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure without targeting Pakistani civilian or military facilities .

     Symbolism Behind the Name

    The codename “Operation Sindoor” carries deep cultural significance. In Hindu tradition, ‘sindoor’ is a vermilion mark worn by married women, symbolizing marital status and the well-being of their spouses. The name serves as a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack, many of whom were newlyweds. It also conveys a message of national mourning and resolve, reflecting the nation’s commitment to protecting its citizens .

    Domestic and International Reactions

    • Indian Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi closely monitored the operation, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh coordinating with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force .

    • Public Sentiment: Families of the victims expressed gratitude for the swift action. Ashanya Dwivedi, wife of a victim, stated, “I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for avenging my husband’s death”

    • Opposition Support: The Congress party emphasized the need for unity and expressed full support for the government’s actions .

    • International Community: The U.S. called for calm, with President Donald Trump expressing hope for a swift resolution. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefed by Indian NSA Ajit Doval on the situation .

Indian statement

1 A statement issued by India’s defense ministry at 1:44am on Wednesday said the armed forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK “from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed”.

2. A total of nine sites were targeted under the action codenamed “Operation Sindoor” and India’s actions were “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature”, the statement said without giving details of the targets.

3. No Pakistani military facilities were targeted and India “demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution”, the statement said.

4. The strikes came in the wake of the “barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack” that killed 25 Indians and a Nepali citizen. “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement said.

5. Defence minister Rajnath Singh said in a social media post at 2.46 am: “Bharat Mata ki jai (Long live Mother India).”

6. Soon after, the Indian Army said in a social media post

Pakistani reports

1. The chief spokesman of the Pakistani military’s media arm – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – was cited by state-run PTV as saying that India had struck three locations – Bahawalpur in Punjab province and Kotli and Muzaffarabad in PoK – “from air”.

2. “All planes of Pakistan Air Force are airborne. All strikes were made by India from its own airspace,” PTV reported

that Pakistan had again violated the ceasefire agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch- Rajauri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner, it said.

3. “Pakistan will respond to it at a time and place of its own choosing. It will not go unanswered,” PTV reported.

4. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistani military’s chief spokesman, was quoted by Geo News as saying that India had fired missiles at Bahawalpur, Kotli and Muzaffarabad.

5. “They [India] were never allowed to intrude into Pakistan’s airspace,” Lt Gen Chaudhry was quoted as saying by Geo News.

 

Aftermath and Precautions

  • Air Travel Disruptions: Several airports in northern India, including those in Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar, faced closures. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo issued advisories due to evolving airspace restrictions .

  • Cross-Border Tensions: Pakistan responded with artillery fire across the Line of Control, resulting in civilian casualties. The Indian Army is responding proportionately to these provocations .

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