Operation Sindoor: India Strikes Back After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a bold and calibrated military maneuver, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025 (IST), targeting nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes mark a decisive response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians, including women and children, mostly Hindu pilgrims.

The coordinated operation—named after Sindoor, a sacred symbol of Indian resilience—was executed jointly by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, making it one of the most integrated military responses in recent years.

The Operation: Strategic Precision at Dawn

According to official sources from the Ministry of Defence, Operation Sindoor commenced at approximately 00:30 IST on May 7, with a series of precision strikes conducted using air-launched missiles and drones. Key targets included terror launchpads and training facilities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad in Muzaffarabad, Kotli (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), and Bahawalpur (Pakistan).

The strikes were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian areas and aimed exclusively at terrorist infrastructure. Defence officials confirmed no Pakistani military installations were targeted, underscoring India’s intent to remain within the bounds of measured counter-terrorism.

Aftermath: Tensions Soar, Global Concerns Rise

By morning, Pakistani authorities confirmed that at least eight civilians, including a child, had been killed in the strikes, and 35 others injured. The Pakistan Air Force claimed to have intercepted Indian jets, allegedly shooting down five aircraft and capturing personnel—a claim that India has neither confirmed nor denied at this time.

In response, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war” and promised a “firm response.” Emergency protocols were activated across hospitals in major cities, and airspace over large swathes of Pakistan was shut down. Schools and public offices in sensitive regions have also been closed.

In India, heightened alert was issued across border states, and air travel disruptions were reported in Delhi, Amritsar, and Srinagar due to rerouting of civilian flights.

Global Diplomatic Shockwave

The international community reacted swiftly. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint,” while the United States, United Kingdom, and France issued statements supporting India’s right to self-defence while encouraging de-escalation.

China, a strategic ally of Pakistan, called for “mutual dialogue and respect for sovereignty,” while also expressing concern over regional stability.

Strategic Significance

Operation Sindoor is the second cross-border military operation in less than a decade, following the 2019 Balakot strikes. Analysts see this as part of a new Indian doctrine: one that responds to acts of terrorism with direct and proportionate military retaliation. Defence experts have described the operation as “high-risk, high-precision,” aimed at deterrence without escalation.

Highlights:

• Operation Name: Sindoor
• Launched: May 7, 2025, 00:30 IST
• Reason: Retaliation to April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam
• Targets: 9 terror sites across PoK and Pakistan
• Casualties: 8 Pakistani civilians confirmed dead; no Indian confirmation of loss
• International Response: Calls for restraint, support for India’s anti-terror stance
• Airspace Disruption: Pakistan closed airspace; India rerouted civilian flights
• Next Steps: High alert, diplomatic escalation likely

Operation Sindoor: Timeline

April 22, 2025 – Pahalgam Terror Attack

• A terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to heightened tensions.

May 7, 2025 – Launch of Operation Sindoor

• 00:30 IST: India initiated “Operation Sindoor,” conducting precision strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting terrorist infrastructure linked to the Pahalgam attack.
• Targets: The operation focused on camps associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad in regions including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bahawalpur.
• Execution: The Indian Armed Forces employed a tri-service approach, utilizing the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Precision-guided munitions were used to minimize collateral damage.

May 7, 2025 – Immediate Aftermath

• Casualties: Pakistan reported at least eight civilian deaths, including a child, and 35 injuries due to the strikes. 
• Retaliation Claims: Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and captured Indian soldiers. India has not confirmed these claims.
• Diplomatic Responses:
  • Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war” and vowed retaliation.
  • India’s Ministry of Defence stated that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. 
• International Reactions:
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump urged both nations to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.

May 7, 2025 – Ongoing Developments

• Airspace and Travel Disruptions:
  • Pakistan closed its airspace, leading to flight cancellations and rerouting by international airlines such as Air France and Lufthansa.
  • India issued advisories for air travel disruptions in northern regions.
• Security Measures:
  • Pakistan declared emergencies in hospitals and closed schools in affected areas.
  • India conducted nationwide emergency drills in anticipation of potential retaliatory actions. 

Objectives and Execution of Operation Sindoor

• Primary Goal: To dismantle terrorist infrastructure responsible for the Pahalgam attack and deter future cross-border terrorism.
• Strategic Approach:
  • Emphasis on precision strikes to avoid civilian casualties and prevent escalation.
  • Coordination among India’s Air Force, Army, and Navy ensured a comprehensive and effective operation.
• Outcome:
  • India reported the successful neutralization of multiple terrorist camps.
  • The operation was hailed domestically as a demonstration of India’s commitment to combating terrorism.

International and Regional Implications

• India-Pakistan Relations:
  • The operation has significantly strained diplomatic ties, with both nations recalling envoys and suspending visa services.
  • Cross-border shelling and military posturing have intensified along the Line of Control.
• Global Concerns:
  • The international community remains apprehensive about the potential for further escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors.
  • Calls for dialogue and restraint have been echoed by global leaders and organizations.

By Indonomix Desk