On May 6, 2025, India initiated “Operation Sindoor,” a coordinated military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, and accused Pakistan of harboring the perpetrators.
Objectives and Execution
The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure responsible for orchestrating attacks against India. The Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, executed precision strikes on nine identified sites, including training camps, weapons depots, and logistical hubs located in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur. The operation utilized advanced weaponry such as the SCALP cruise missile, HAMMER precision bombs, and loitering munitions to ensure accuracy and minimize collateral damage.
Casualties and Damage
According to Indian sources, the operation resulted in the elimination of over 70 militants and injuries to more than 60 others. India reported the loss of one fighter jet and an injured pilot. Pakistan, however, claimed that the strikes led to the deaths of at least eight civilians, including a child, and injuries to 35 individuals. Additionally, Pakistan asserted that its air defenses shot down five Indian aircraft, a claim India has not confirmed.
Domestic and International Reactions
Domestically, Operation Sindoor garnered widespread support across the political spectrum in India. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party, expressed solidarity with the armed forces, emphasizing national unity in the face of terrorism.
Internationally, the operation elicited calls for restraint. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and avoid further military confrontation.
Escalation and Current Status
In retaliation, Pakistan conducted artillery shelling across the Line of Control, resulting in the deaths of three Indian civilians. Both nations have since suspended visa services and closed airspace in affected regions, leading to significant disruptions in air travel and heightened military alertness along the border.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor represents one of India’s most significant military actions within Pakistani territory in over five decades. While it underscores India’s commitment to combating terrorism, the operation has also intensified tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
Sources:
- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-scalp-and-hammer-the-weapons-used-in-operation-sindoor-to-hit-terror-sites-8349826?utm_
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/newsblogs/india-pakistan-war-live-updates-operation-sindoor-indian-army-airforce-pahalgam-terror-attack-mock-drill-blackout-india-news-today/liveblog/120943152.cms?utm_
- https://www.the-sun.com/news/14180429/india-pakistan-airstrikes-war/?utm_
- https://nypost.com/2025/05/06/world-news/india-confirms-it-attacked-nine-sites-in-pakistan-pakistani-kashmir-targeting-terrorist-infrastructure/?utm_
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