On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted military strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation, executed in the early hours of Wednesday, was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. The strikes targeted nine key terrorist sites, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) stronghold in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters in Muridke, marking one of the most significant military actions between the nuclear-armed neighbors in over two decades.
Background and Rationale
The Pahalgam attack, described as a “barbaric” act by India’s Ministry of Defence, prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant the armed forces full autonomy to retaliate. The Indian government identified the targeted sites as command centers for terrorist activities, including the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah complex in Bahawalpur, a hub for JeM’s recruitment and indoctrination, and Muridke, known as Pakistan’s “terror nursery” for LeT. The Indian Armed Forces emphasized that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” explicitly avoiding Pakistani military facilities to prevent broader conflict.
India’s Ministry of Defence stated that Operation Sindoor aimed to neutralize infrastructure used to plan and execute cross-border attacks. The operation involved missile strikes and air raids, with the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy coordinating in a historic tri-services effort. A government release noted that PM Modi monitored the operation closely throughout the night, with sources confirming the successful neutralization of all nine targets.
Execution and Immediate Impact
The strikes began around 1:30 AM IST, targeting seven cities in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad in PoJK. Visuals from the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and undisclosed locations in Jammu and Kashmir showed heightened military activity, with locals chanting “Indian Army Zindabad” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” in support. The Indian Army posted a video on X hours before the strikes, captioned “Ready to strike, trained to win,” showcasing arms, ammunition, and tanks.
Pakistan reported significant casualties, with at least eight people killed and over 35 injured, including a child, in six locations. A mosque in Muzaffarabad and a building in Muridke were among the damaged sites. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed the military shot down two Indian jets and a drone, though India has not confirmed these losses. Debris from an unknown jet was reported in Wuyan, Pampore, in Pulwama district, indicating possible aerial engagements.
Regional and International Reactions
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” vowing a robust response. The Pakistani military resorted to artillery shelling along the LoC, resulting in six deaths and over 30 injuries in Jammu and Kashmir. Three civilians were killed in indiscriminate firing, escalating tensions further.
Internationally, reactions were mixed. The U.S. State Department, while acknowledging the strikes, offered no immediate assessment, noting the situation’s evolving nature. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, briefed by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, echoing President Donald Trump’s sentiment that the escalation “ends quickly.” Israel backed India’s “right to self-defense,” while the UN warned that the world “cannot afford an India-Pakistan confrontation.” Qatar supported India’s actions to bring attackers to justice.
Domestic Response and Disruptions
In India, Operation Sindoor received widespread support. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress, praised the armed forces’ precision. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Kiren Rijiju expressed national pride, with Goyal posting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” on X. Families of Pahalgam victims, including the daughter of a victim named Santosh, hailed the operation as a “true tribute.”
The operation disrupted air travel, with airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, and other northern cities closing temporarily. Air India and IndiGo canceled flights to multiple destinations until noon on May 7, citing security concerns. Delhi conducted a security drill at 4 PM, involving sirens and power cuts, amid heightened tensions.
Strategic Significance and Risks
Operation Sindoor underscores India’s shift toward proactive counterterrorism, with Muridke’s targeting symbolizing a direct challenge to LeT’s operational core. Analysts note the operation’s codename, evoking vermillion as a symbol of resolve, reflects India’s firm stance. However, the risk of escalation remains high, given Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling and claims of downed Indian assets. A 2019 study predicting a potential nuclear conflict in 2025 has resurfaced, adding to global concerns.
As the Indian Army prepares to address the media at 10 AM on May 7, the world watches closely. Operation Sindoor has delivered a strong message, but its long-term implications for India-Pakistan relations remain uncertain.
