Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, marked a decisive response by the Indian government to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which took place on April 22, 2025, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives. The strike involved Indian missile strikes on nine terror targets located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) strongholds in Bahawalpur and Muridke.

A Strong Retaliatory Move

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a strong and necessary response by Bharat to the brutal killing of Indian civilians in Pahalgam, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister JP Nadda. Shah took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing his pride in the Indian Armed Forces, stating, "Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam."

Shah added that the Modi government was fully committed to delivering a strong and appropriate response to any attack on India, reinforcing India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from its roots.

In his post, JP Nadda emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s statement that those who attack India’s soul would face severe punishment. Nadda highlighted that India, with its military strength and determination, would uproot terrorism and never let those who strike at India’s unity and sovereignty go unpunished.

Targeted Sites and Precision Strikes

The targets selected for Operation Sindoor included terrorist headquarters and training camps operated by globally banned terror groups such as JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The locations targeted were not random but based on extensive intelligence gathering, which revealed that Pakistan had been shifting its terror operations and concealing camps in an attempt to bypass international sanctions and surveillance, especially from bodies like the FATF.

Key targets included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, a well-known Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold, and the Markaz Taiba in Muridke, which had historical connections to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and its mastermind Ajmal Kasab. Other camps targeted included Markaz Abbas in Kotli, Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad, Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala, and Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad, which were associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Additionally, camps of Hizbul Mujahideen, including Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli and Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot, were also struck.

The strikes were highly precise, utilizing missiles and airborne munitions, ensuring minimal collateral damage and demonstrating India’s technological and strategic superiority in counter-terrorism operations.

Response from Pakistan and Global Reactions

As expected, Pakistan’s response was swift. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the strikes as an “act of war”, asserting that Pakistan had every right to retaliate. Sharif emphasized that Pakistan’s military was prepared to deal with any escalation and would never allow its sovereignty to be compromised.

While Pakistan’s defense establishment vowed to respond, international bodies, including the United Nations, remained largely silent, urging both nations to exercise restraint. Experts believe the attack has the potential to alter diplomatic ties in the region, especially considering the international pressure on Pakistan regarding its support for terror groups operating within its borders.

Domestic Sentiments and Public Response

Domestically, Indians have largely supported the military strikes, with widespread praise for the government’s swift response. Social media platforms witnessed outpourings of support, with hashtags like #OperationSindoor, #PahalgamJustice, and #BharatRetaliates trending across platforms. Public sentiment has been overwhelmingly in favor of ensuring justice for the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam.

Security measures have been tightened across Indian borders, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir, with airbases and critical infrastructure under high alert. Civilian life, while cautious, continues as normal, with heightened vigilance on cross-border activities.

The Geopolitical Context

The operation also sends a strong message to terror groups operating in the region. India’s strategy of engaging in preemptive strikes based on accurate intelligence signifies a departure from past responses and aligns with India’s zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism. This is part of a broader geopolitical effort to isolate Pakistan on the international stage and press for stronger actions against entities supporting terrorism.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor is a defining moment in India’s efforts to safeguard its citizens and send a clear message to those who use terrorism to target the country. By attacking nine critical terror camps, India has taken a significant step in countering terrorism at its roots, showcasing its military strength, intelligence capabilities, and resolve. The operation serves as a reminder that India will continue to act decisively in the face of terror threats, maintaining the integrity of its sovereignty and the safety of its people.

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