Operation Sindoor
A Planned Approach to Countering Terrorism
Introduction :
On May 6, 2025, India launched a military operation codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. This was done in response to the terrorist attack that took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It killed 26 people, including 25 Hindu tourists and one Nepalese citizen. India holds Pakistan-based militant groups responsible for the attack, a claim that Pakistan denies.
Operation Sindoor's Goals
The primary objectives of Operation Sindoor were :
- Neutralization of Terrorist Infrastructure: To dismantle the operational capabilities of groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which are allegedly involved in cross-border terrorism.
- Deterrence: To send a clear message that India will not tolerate attacks on its citizens and will take decisive action against those responsible.
- Minimization of Civilian Casualties: To conduct precise strikes that target only terrorist facilities, thereby reducing the risk to civilian lives.
Execution of the Operation
Operation Sindoor commenced on the night of May 6 and lasted approximately 23 minutes. The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs to carry out the strikes. The targets included nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, such as Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bhimber, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The operation was executed without Indian aircraft entering Pakistani airspace, as confirmed by a Pakistani general. According to Indian officials, the strikes resulted in the elimination of at least 100 militants. Notably, Abdul Rauf Azhar, the commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed and a key figure behind the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2002 Daniel Pearl murder, was reportedly killed during the operation.
Strategic and Tactical Considerations
The selection of targets was strategic, focusing on known hubs of terrorist activity. Bahawalpur, for instance, is associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, while Muridke is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The use of advanced weaponry, such as the SCALP missiles and AASM bombs, allowed for precise strikes, minimizing collateral damage. Additionally, the deployment of the Sudarshan Chakra air defense system, India's variant of the Russian S-400, played a crucial role in intercepting hostile missiles and drones, thereby protecting Indian cities from potential retaliatory attacks.
International Reactions
- Pakistan : Pakistan condemned the strikes as a "cowardly attack" on civilians and vowed retaliation. In response to the airstrikes, protests broke out in a number of cities, including Islamabad and Karachi. Humayun Saeed and Hadiqa Kiani, two well-known Pakistani celebrities, called for dialogue and peace.
- India : The Indian government maintained that the operation was a necessary response to terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his planned trip to Europe to monitor the situation. An all-party meeting expressed unanimous support for the operation, emphasizing the need to combat terrorism.
- International Community : World leaders, including those from the United States, China, and Russia, called for de-escalation and dialogue between the two nuclear-armed nations. Additionally, the United Nations urged both nations to refrain from further military confrontations.
India's domestic reactions !!!
The operation received widespread support across India. The government's efforts to combat terrorism were supported by political parties, including opposition ones. Bollywood celebrities, such as Akshay Kumar, Hema Malini, and Sidharth Malhotra, praised the Indian Armed Forces for their bravery and dedication. However, the naming of the operation as "Sindoor" sparked controversy. The term "Sindoor" refers to the red powder worn by married Hindu women, symbolizing marital status. Critics argued that the name was insensitive, as it could be seen as exploiting the tragedy for symbolic purposes. In response to public backlash, Reliance Industries withdrew its trademark application for the term "Operation Sindoor," clarifying that it was filed without proper authorization.
Conclusion :
A significant development in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict is Operation Sindoor. The operation was successful in its goal of destroying terrorist infrastructure, but it also brought to light the complexity of military operations in a region with a long history of tensions. The international community's calls for dialogue underscore the need for sustained efforts toward peace and stability. As both nations navigate this volatile situation, the hope remains that diplomacy will prevail over further escalation.
About the Creator
Bishal Chakraborty
From haunted forests to high-tech frontiers, I dive into the eerie, the urgent, and the untamed. 🧟♂️🌐🐅
I don’t just tell stories—I dissect them, expose them.
🖤 Welcome to the crossroads of fear, fact, and fascination.

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