New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – In a bold and decisive response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ early Wednesday, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The meticulously planned tri-services operation, involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, struck terror camps linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, delivering a strong message to those orchestrating cross-border terrorism.
The strikes, executed at 1:44 AM IST, targeted locations including Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muridke, which Indian authorities identified as hubs for planning attacks against India. The operation was named ‘Sindoor,’ a symbolic reference to the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, reflecting the April attack’s targeting of Hindu male tourists, leaving their wives widowed. “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the Ministry of Defence stated, emphasizing the operation’s focus on terrorist infrastructure while avoiding civilian or military targets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who monitored the operation from a war room, had earlier granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to determine the timing, targets, and mode of retaliation. The Cabinet Committee on Security is set to meet today, followed by an all-party briefing to discuss the operation’s outcomes and next steps. Sources indicate that ‘Operation Sindoor’ is the first phase of India’s response, with further actions under consideration.
Pakistan condemned the strikes, calling them a “blatant act of war,” and reported eight civilian deaths and dozens injured. Islamabad claimed to have shot down two Indian planes and a drone, though the Indian Air Force refuted this, stating all pilots and assets were accounted for. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting, and heavy cross-border shelling was reported along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhimber Gali sector, signaling heightened tensions.
The Pahalgam attack, which killed 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali citizen in a brutal execution-style assault, had sparked nationwide outrage and calls for retaliation. India accused Pakistan of supporting the militants, a charge Islamabad denied. The strikes come after weeks of escalating tensions, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a ban on Pakistani goods, and airspace restrictions for Pakistani airlines.
Defence experts hailed the operation as a precise and proportionate response. “This is a clear signal that India will not tolerate terrorism,” said retired Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, noting that around 80 terrorists were reportedly killed. In Jammu and Kashmir, locals raised slogans of ‘Indian Army Zindabad’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai,’ reflecting public support.
The international community urged restraint. The U.S., while supporting India’s right to defend itself, called for de-escalation, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefing his U.S. counterpart post-strikes. The United Nations expressed concern over rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
As India prepares for a detailed briefing on ‘Operation Sindoor’ later today, the subcontinent remains on edge. With Pakistan vowing retaliation and both nations on high alert, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this marks the end of India’s response or the beginning of a broader confrontation.
