In a dramatic turn of events following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India mounted a massive military response under the codename Operation Sindoor, directly targeting terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This response unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions, international diplomacy, and firm Indian resolve to eliminate terrorism at its roots.

The Spark: Pahalgam Attack That Killed 26 Civilians

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam was one of the worst in recent memory, killing 26 innocent civilians and triggering national outrage. The Indian government promptly blamed Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen, citing credible intelligence inputs. These accusations were, as expected, denied by Islamabad.

Jaishankar’s Stern Warning to the US

Before the operation began, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issued a clear and unambiguous warning to the United States during a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 1. According to sources cited by NDTV, Jaishankar stated:

“There should be no doubt – India will strike terrorists inside Pakistan.”

This conversation, intended to signal India’s stance to key international stakeholders, came just six days before Operation Sindoor was officially launched.

Launch of Operation Sindoor

On May 7, Indian armed forces initiated Operation Sindoor, a series of surgical strikes across nine terror hubs located in Pakistan and PoK. These included training camps, logistics hubs, and command centers used by LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation focused on minimizing civilian casualties while crippling terror infrastructure.

Pakistan Retaliates With Drone and Munition Strikes

In response, Pakistan launched a counterattack using drones and munitions, targeting Indian forward posts and civilian areas. However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully repelled the attack, issuing what the Ministry of Defence described as a "befitting reply".

This retaliation marked a sharp escalation in hostilities, with both countries entering a high alert military state. Global leaders expressed concerns over a potential full-blown conflict between two nuclear-armed nations.

Precision Airstrikes on Pakistani Military Bases

The most significant escalation came on May 9 and 10, when India carried out precision airstrikes on key Pakistani military installations. The targeted facilities included:

• Nur Khan Rafiqui Airbase

• Murid and Chaklala Airbases

• Radar and surveillance centers at Pasrur and Sialkot

• Rahim Yar Khan and Sukkur depots

• Military command installations at Chunian

Advanced air-launched munitions and smart bombs were deployed in what Indian defence officials described as “hellfire assaults” – a tactic designed to cripple Pakistan’s retaliation capability without crossing into unnecessary civilian zones.

US Involvement and Diplomacy

As military escalation reached its peak, the US initiated high-level diplomatic interventions. According to a Moneycontrol report, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with both EAM Jaishankar and Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on May 10, urging both sides to de-escalate.

Simultaneously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a tense late-night call with US Vice President JD Vance, where he reportedly refused to back down, reinforcing that India’s retaliation was against terror, not Pakistan’s citizens.

The Ceasefire and Its Real Cause

On the morning of May 10, Secretary Rubio communicated that Islamabad was willing to halt hostilities, provided India did the same. This information was passed on after Rubio’s conversation with General Munir.

Later that evening, US President Donald Trump announced on X (formerly Twitter) that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, claiming US diplomacy played a vital role. However, top Indian officials disagreed, emphasizing that:

It was not diplomacy but India’s assertive military action that forced Pakistan to reconsider escalation.

Jaishankar Confirms Ceasefire With a Strong Message

Following the US announcement, EAM S Jaishankar confirmed on social media that India and Pakistan had reached an understanding to cease hostilities, stating:

“India remains unwavering in its stand against terrorism and will continue to act decisively against it in all its forms.”

This statement reaffirmed India’s policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border terrorism and made it clear that the ceasefire was not a compromise, but a strategic pause.

India's New Military Doctrine Against Terror

The events surrounding Operation Sindoor have revealed a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism and national security doctrine. The key elements of this approach include:

• Pre-emptive and surgical military operations across borders targeting non-state actors.

• Direct communication of intentions to global powers before execution to avoid diplomatic backlash.

• Selective escalation backed by technology and intelligence, allowing India to maintain the upper hand without triggering full-scale war.

• Refusal to negotiate under duress, as shown by Modi’s stand during the late-night call with the US Vice President.

The Geopolitical Message to Pakistan and the World

Operation Sindoor also served as a strong message to Pakistan and the international community that India will not tolerate terror safe havens on foreign soil. The strikes, while carefully measured, demonstrated India’s improved military readiness, superior intelligence network, and international confidence.

Moreover, the role of the United States in brokering the final ceasefire underlines the importance of India’s diplomatic weight on the global stage, especially as a strategic counterbalance to China in South Asia.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor is a turning point in India’s counterterrorism strategy and foreign policy assertiveness. It shows the synchronization of military readiness, diplomatic engagement, and political will, sending a strong message to terrorist groups and their state sponsors.

India’s stand is clear: Any act of terror against Indian civilians will be met with uncompromising military action, regardless of where the perpetrators are based. The bold execution of Operation Sindoor, and the global response that followed, has reinforced India’s image as a sovereign power unwilling to compromise on national security.

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