Blog

Operation Sindoor: India’s Strategic Strike on Pakistan Explained

May 7, 202523

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor (also known as Operation Sindhoor, Sindur, or Mission Sindoor) is a recent covert Indian military operation targeting terror launch pads and strategic assets located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), specifically in Bahawalpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Muridke. Launched on May 7, the operation has stunned the geopolitical world and reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.

The operation aimed to neutralize Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) assets believed to be plotting attacks in Indian territory, including Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab.

Locations of Strikes in Operation Sindoor

The Indian Air Force (IAF), backed by Rafale jets, SCALP cruise missiles, and loitering munitions, targeted:

Bahawalpur, believed to be the headquarters of JeM
Muridke, known for Lashkar-e-Taiba operations
Muzaffarabad – a major terror hub in PoK
Kotli – suspected launchpad for cross-border infiltration

Live news updates from multiple sources including BBC, CNN, NDTV, and Al Jazeera confirmed that missile attacks were precise and lasted approximately 45 minutes.

India Strikes Back: Why Now?

The operation was triggered by the recent terror plot foiled in Pampore, where security agencies uncovered a cache of explosives linked to Pakistan-based handlers.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, Operation Sindoor is “a targeted response to persistent provocations and escalated terror threats from across the border.”

India’s NSA Ajit Doval, in coordination with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave final clearance after intelligence inputs from RAW and satellite imagery from ISRO confirmed terrorist movement.

India Attack on Pakistan: Timeline of Events

Time (IST)	Event
03:00 AM	Indian Rafale jets scramble from Pathankot
03:40 AM	SCALP cruise missiles launched over PoK
04:00 AM	Multiple targets hit in Bahawalpur
04:10 AM	Loitering drones deployed in Kotli
05:00 AM	Indian jets return safely
06:00 AM	Pakistan activates air-defense protocols
07:00 AM	Official press release by Indian Army

Casualties and Damage: How Many People Died in Operation Sindoor?

Although exact numbers remain classified, unverified reports from Pakistani media and Dawn News suggest:

Over 80 militants neutralized
4 major terror camps destroyed
3 key JeM leaders possibly killed

Indian sources emphasize zero civilian casualties due to precision targeting.

Global and Domestic Reactions

BBC News and Al Jazeera Live confirm growing tensions in South Asia
The New York Times reported a spike in global oil prices following the news
Donald Trump, former U.S. President, posted on X: “India has every right to defend itself. Justice is served.”
Russia and Israel expressed support for India’s anti-terror stance

Domestically, #OperationSindoor and #JaiHind trended on X (formerly Twitter) with over 1 million posts within 6 hours.

Indian Army: Operation Sindoor is Not War, It’s Justice

The Indian Army’s official Twitter handle emphasized:

“This is not a declaration of war. Operation Sindoor is a decisive, pre-emptive strike against terrorism. We target those who threaten peace—not the people of Pakistan.”

Pakistan’s Response: Denial, Retaliation, or Silence?

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held an emergency meeting with military leadership.
While Geo News and ARY News denied any such attack, sources from Pakistani Air Force revealed attempts to intercept Indian jets using JF-17 fighters, which were reportedly shot down.

No formal retaliation has been confirmed as of now, but war rhetoric is heating up on both sides of the India-Pakistan border.

Operation Sindoor Press Release: What the Indian Government Said

The Ministry of Defence released a formal statement:

“India remains committed to peace, but will not tolerate terror. Operation Sindoor is a precision military action aimed at eradicating threats emanating from across the border.”

India-Pakistan War 2025? What’s Next?

Analysts from Times of India, The Hindu, and Global Times speculate that Operation Sindoor might escalate into a full-scale India-Pakistan war if diplomatic channels fail.

USA, France, and the UN have called for restraint, while Israel and Japan have expressed “solidarity with India’s anti-terror efforts.”

The situation remains tense, with airspace restrictions across Punjab, Rajasthan, and J&K.

Jai Hind: A Nation United

From PM Modi’s address, to public celebrations across Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, India has rallied behind its forces.
“Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Hind” echoed across the nation as the news of the successful strike spread.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor marks a strategic shift in India’s military posture. It reflects a no-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and sets a new precedent after Surgical Strike 2016 and Balakot 2019.

Whether this leads to peace through strength or spirals into war, only time will tell.