Operation Sindoor: In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned and executed tri-services military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This unprecedented action came as a direct response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 innocent lives, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national. The operation marks a significant moment in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, reflecting a focused, measured, and non-escalatory approach while sending a clear message to terror groups and their sponsors.
Operation Sindoor- India’s Precision Strikes Against Terrorism
Background: The Pahalgam Terror Attack
The trigger for Operation Sindoor was the heinous attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Investigations pointed to the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), both of which have a long history of orchestrating attacks against India. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vowed swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable, culminating in the launch of Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor: The Execution
Operation Sindoor was carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, marking the first such coordinated operation since 1971[10]. At precisely 1:44 am, Indian forces struck nine key terrorist hubs across Pakistan and PoK. The operation was described by the Defence Ministry as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” with strict instructions to avoid Pakistani military facilities to prevent any unintended escalation.
Key Targets and Significance
- Bahawalpur: Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), founded by UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar. Bahawalpur has long served as the operational base for JeM, which has been linked to major attacks including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
- Muridke: Headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its front organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Muridke, near Lahore, is notorious as the "terror nursery" of Pakistan and was the planning ground for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Kotli and Muzaffarabad: Strategic locations in PoK known for housing terror training camps and launch pads for cross-border attacks.
The strikes were carefully calibrated to target only terrorist infrastructure, underscoring India’s intent to hold terror groups accountable without provoking a wider military confrontation.
Government and Military Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the operation throughout the night, having granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the scale and scope of the response[7]. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top military leadership coordinated closely, with air defence units along the border placed on high alert in anticipation of any retaliatory moves.
“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.” – Defence Ministry Statement
Impact on Civil Aviation and Public Life
The military action had immediate repercussions for civil aviation across northern India. As a precautionary measure, several airports including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala were temporarily shut down, and flights were either cancelled or diverted[8][11]. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet issued advisories to passengers, urging them to check flight status before heading to the airport. Two international flights en route to Amritsar were diverted to Delhi as part of these safety protocols.
- Air India: Cancelled all flights to and from affected northern cities till noon on May 7, pending further updates.
- IndiGo & SpiceJet: Issued advisories about disruptions and urged passengers to stay updated on flight statuses.
These disruptions highlight the broader regional impact of the operation and the government’s priority on civilian safety during periods of heightened security tensions.
International and Regional Reactions
Following the strikes, Pakistan responded by violating the ceasefire agreement and shelling the Bhimber Gali region in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded in a “calibrated manner,” emphasizing restraint and proportionality in line with the operation’s non-escalatory objectives[6][10]. Pakistan, meanwhile, asserted its “right to respond,” raising concerns about potential further escalation along the Line of Control.
“This operation underscores India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation.” – Defence Ministry Statement
Strategic and Political Significance
Operation Sindoor is notable for several reasons:
- Joint Forces Operation: The involvement of all three branches of the armed forces demonstrates a high level of coordination and operational readiness.
- Targeted Precision: By focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure and avoiding military installations, India signaled its intent to punish terror groups while minimizing the risk of a broader conflict.
- Shift in Counter-Terror Posture: The operation reflects a more assertive and proactive stance in dealing with cross-border terrorism, moving beyond diplomatic protests to direct action.
- International Message: India’s restraint and precision were intended to reassure the global community of its commitment to responsible statecraft, even while taking decisive action.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marks a watershed moment in India’s ongoing fight against terrorism. By executing a precise, joint-forces operation targeting the core infrastructure of notorious terror groups, India has demonstrated both its resolve and its capacity for calibrated military action. The operation’s aftermath-ranging from disruptions in civil aviation to heightened military alertness-reflects the complexities of modern counter-terrorism efforts. As the situation evolves, Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding national security, while maintaining a careful balance to avoid unnecessary escalation.