India’s Operation Sindoor Strikes Terror Infrastructure in Pakistan Amid Tensions
Team Finance Saathi
07/May/2025

What's covered under the Article:
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India carried out Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan, signaling a shift in military strategy.
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Strikes in Pakistan's Punjab province highlight the expanding geographical scope of India's retaliation against terror outfits.
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India maintains strategic restraint, avoiding escalation by targeting only terror infrastructure and not military facilities.
On May 6, India’s military launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine locations across Pakistan that were linked to terror infrastructure. This operation was a direct response to the cold-blooded terror attack near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April, where 26 innocent civilians were killed. The Indian government made it clear that such attacks on its citizens would not go unanswered, marking a significant shift in how India is dealing with terror networks operating across the border. The operation, which was executed with precision, has raised new questions about the changing dynamics between India and Pakistan and how these countries are positioning themselves on the global stage.
Expanding the Scope of Retaliation
Historically, India's military responses to Pakistan-based terror groups have focused on locations near the Line of Control (LoC), a de facto boundary in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Operation Sindoor has expanded the scope of retaliation, reaching deep into Pakistan's Punjab province, a core region that is far from the LoC and a settled international border. Key locations like Bahawalpur, home to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, and Muridke, associated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba network, were targeted. This geographical shift is a clear message: No location in Pakistan is off-limits when it comes to targeting terror infrastructure.
The last major military strike on Pakistan's soil was in February 2019, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed a terror camp in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Operation Sindoor marked a significant escalation, as it was not limited to the Kashmir region and instead hit deep into Pakistan's heartland, where terror outfits operate with relative impunity. Indian military strategists have indicated that the geographical range of India’s military actions has now evolved, with no "safe zones" remaining in Pakistan.
Coordination Across India’s Armed Forces
One of the most notable aspects of Operation Sindoor was the collaboration between India’s three military arms: the Army, Air Force, and Navy. This integrated approach highlights India’s efforts to streamline its military capabilities under the long-term goal of integrated theatre commands. These commands are aimed at ensuring that the country's military forces operate in a cohesive and coordinated manner, optimizing the impact of their collective resources.
This cooperation mirrors the unity achieved during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which marked a significant victory for India. The success of Operation Sindoor not only underscores the importance of inter-service cooperation but also signals India’s growing military sophistication.
Strategic Restraint and Avoidance of Escalation
Despite the significant military action, India has maintained a path of strategic restraint. Unlike previous military operations, where large troop movements were seen as a sign of escalating conflict, there were no indications that India planned to escalate beyond the precision strikes. No Indian airstrikes targeted Pakistani military infrastructure, a decision aimed at minimizing potential escalation. The strikes focused exclusively on terrorist targets, demonstrating India’s desire to keep the situation under control while still sending a strong message to those responsible for the April terror attacks.
In contrast, Pakistan’s military response involved significant troop movements as they prepared for potential counteractions. However, the Indian military's targeted approach successfully limited the risk of further escalation, choosing to strike terror infrastructure without engaging with Pakistan's armed forces directly. India’s restraint, despite the justified retaliation, was a calculated decision that aimed to prevent a full-blown military confrontation.
International Support for India’s Actions
International reactions to Operation Sindoor have been mixed. Countries globally, while expressing concern over the potential for escalation, have largely supported India’s right to defend itself and retaliate against terror attacks. China, however, has not joined in this consensus, given its strategic partnership with Pakistan. Despite this, most major powers have echoed India’s stance that terrorism must not be tolerated and that Pakistan-based terror groups should be dealt with decisively.
The world community, already dealing with the complexities of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, is keen to see tensions between India and Pakistan de-escalate. Global powers have emphasized the importance of preventing escalation into a wider conflict, with the stakes already high in terms of regional and international stability.
The Economic Divide: A Key Factor in India-Pakistan Dynamics
While the military conflict continues to shape the bilateral relationship, economic factors are equally significant in understanding the long-term trajectory of India and Pakistan. Since India’s economic liberalization in 1991, the country has grown into the world’s fifth-largest economy, with its per capita GDP now significantly higher than Pakistan’s. According to World Bank data, India’s per capita GDP was $2,481 in 2023, while Pakistan's was $1,365. This economic disparity is critical when examining the future of both nations.
India’s economic growth has been accompanied by its increasing global stature. India recently concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, marking a significant diplomatic and economic achievement. In contrast, Pakistan continues to face deep economic crises, repeatedly seeking IMF bailouts and becoming increasingly dependent on China for economic support. As Pakistan struggles with its economic challenges, it faces growing concerns about its sovereignty and influence under Chinese patronage.
This economic divergence also shapes the strategic choices of both nations. India’s rising prosperity gives it greater leverage on the international stage, while Pakistan’s economic difficulties constrain its ability to engage in military confrontations. The ongoing dilution of sovereignty in Pakistan is a critical aspect for its leadership to consider, especially in light of the shifting global power dynamics.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for India-Pakistan Relations
Operation Sindoor represents a watershed moment in the ongoing India-Pakistan relationship. India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack and its strategic restraint in avoiding direct escalation underscore a significant shift in India’s approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism. With economic trajectories diverging sharply and military actions intensifying, it remains to be seen how this new phase of retaliation will shape the future of India-Pakistan relations.
India’s strategic restraint, coupled with its growing economic and military power, suggests that the future of this bilateral relationship will be defined not just by military confrontations but also by how each country navigates its economic future in the global arena.
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