In the early hours of May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a meticulously coordinated military strike targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation marked a historic moment as it was the first time since the 1971 war that all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force—joined forces in a precision strike against terror infrastructure.
The operation was a direct and resolute response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, mostly tourists. The strikes were executed with surgical precision, focusing solely on terror camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, sending a clear message that India will not tolerate terrorism emanating from across its borders.
Table of contents
- Operation Sindoor: A Calculated and Unified Military Response
- Targeting Terror: The Nine Sites of Operation Sindoor
- Regional and International Reactions: Rising Tensions and Calls for Restraint
- Civilian Impact and Precautionary Measures
- Operation Sindoor – Targeted Terror Camps and Their Affiliations
- The Road Ahead: Operation Sindoor’s Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Operation Sindoor: A Calculated and Unified Military Response
The Pahalgam terror attack was a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Pakistan and PoK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who monitored the operation throughout the night, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that the strikes were carried out at 1:44 am using advanced missile systems and loitering munitions—suicide drones capable of hovering over targets before striking with pinpoint accuracy.
The operation was not just a military strike but a demonstration of India’s enhanced defense capabilities and intelligence coordination. The tri-service operation involved the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force working in unison to hit terror camps that have long been responsible for planning and executing attacks on Indian soil. The strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and military installations, emphasizing India’s commitment to a responsible and measured response.
Targeting Terror: The Nine Sites of Operation Sindoor
The nine terror camps targeted in Operation Sindoor were strategically selected based on intelligence inputs and their historical links to terror activities against India. These included the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Muridke, both notorious for harboring terrorists responsible for multiple attacks.
Other targets included camps in Gulpur, Sawai, Bilal, Kotli, Barnala, Sarjal, and Mehmoona, spread across Pakistan and PoK. These camps serve as training grounds, logistical hubs, and planning centers for terrorist groups. The operation’s precision in striking these locations underscores India’s intent to dismantle the terror infrastructure at its roots.
Regional and International Reactions: Rising Tensions and Calls for Restraint
The strikes have significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the operation as an “act of war” and vowed a forceful response. The Pakistani military reported casualties following retaliatory artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC), which also resulted in civilian casualties on the Indian side. In response, the Indian Army maintained a posture of measured retaliation.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum military restraint” from both countries, highlighting the global community’s concern over the potential for escalation. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urged both India and Pakistan to keep communication channels open and avoid further escalation. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed Rubio shortly after the operation, emphasizing India’s focused and non-escalatory approach.
Civilian Impact and Precautionary Measures
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, several precautionary measures were implemented across northern India. Key airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala were temporarily closed to civilian flights due to security concerns. Educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir’s sensitive districts, including Baramulla, Kupwara, and Gurez, were closed to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Local communities in border areas, such as Kupwara, began migrating to safer locations amid fears of cross-border shelling. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses due to evolving airspace restrictions.
Operation Sindoor – Targeted Terror Camps and Their Affiliations
Terror Camp Location | Distance Inside Pakistan/PoK | Terror Group Affiliation | Strategic Importance |
---|---|---|---|
Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur | 100 km inside Pakistan | Jaish-e-Mohammed | Headquarters of JeM |
Muridke | 30 km inside Pakistan | Lashkar-e-Taiba | Lashkar’s main training base |
Gulpur | Inside PoK | Hizbul Mujahideen | Terror training camp |
Sawai | Inside Pakistan | Lashkar-e-Taiba | Terrorist logistics hub |
Bilal | Inside PoK | Jaish-e-Mohammed | Launchpad for terror activities |
Kotli | Inside PoK | Lashkar-e-Taiba | Terrorist operations base |
Barnala | Inside PoK | Hizbul Mujahideen | Terrorist training |
Sarjal | Inside PoK | Jaish-e-Mohammed | Terrorist training |
Mehmoona | Near Sialkot, PoK | Hizbul Mujahideen | Terrorist training |
The Road Ahead: Operation Sindoor’s Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
Operation Sindoor represents a significant shift in India’s defense posture, showcasing the capability and willingness to conduct integrated tri-service operations with precision and restraint. While the operation has heightened tensions with Pakistan, it also sends a strong deterrent message to terror groups and their state sponsors.
The coming days will be critical as both nations navigate the delicate balance between military readiness and diplomatic engagement. The international community’s calls for restraint underscore the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, India’s armed forces remain vigilant, ready to defend the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Historic Tri-Service Strike on Terror Bases in Pakistan and PoK
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Operation Sindoor aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir responsible for planning and executing attacks on Indian soil, particularly in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
India targeted only known terror camps, avoiding civilian, economic, or military installations. The strikes were carried out using precision missile systems and loitering munitions to minimize collateral damage and prevent escalation.