Operation Sindoor: India’s Precision Strike on Terror Camps in Pakistan
Operation Sindoor was a precision military operation conducted by India on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was in direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Hindu pilgrims were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir, an attack attributed to Pakistan-based militants.
Objectives & Execution
- Primary Goal: To dismantle operational bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the groups India held responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
- Duration: The operation lasted 23 minutes, involving 14 coordinated strikes.
- Targets: Nine locations were targeted, including:
- Bahawalpur
- Muridke
- Gulpur
- Bhimber
- Chak Amru
- Bagh
- Kotli
- Sialkot
- Muzaffarabad
- Weaponry Used:
- Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs.
- BrahMos cruise missiles.
- Indo-Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions.
- Outcome: India reported the elimination of over 100 militants, including close aides and family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar.
🕉️ Significance of the Name
The operation was named “Sindoor”, referencing the red vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women. This symbolic choice highlighted the fact that the Pahalgam attack predominantly targeted Hindu men, leaving many women widowed.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Response
- Official Stance: Pakistan condemned the strikes as a “cowardly attack” on civilians and vowed retaliation.
- Military Action: Pakistan claimed to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft and initiated Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, launching missile and drone strikes on 25 Indian targets
- Casualties: Reports indicated civilian casualties on both sides, with at least 13 civilians killed in Pakistani-administered Kashmir and five in Indian-administered Jammu.
🛡️ India’s Defensive Measures
In anticipation of retaliatory strikes, India deployed the Sudarshan Chakra air defense system, which successfully neutralized over 80% of incoming threats targeting 15 urban centers, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Bhuj.
🌐 International Reaction
The escalation prompted global concern, with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Gulf nations urging restraint. Diplomatic efforts led to a ceasefire agreement effective from May 10, 2025, with both nations engaging in talks to de-escalate tensions.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a precision air and missile strike conducted by India on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
Why was it called “Sindoor”?
The name “Sindoor” symbolizes the red powder worn by Hindu married women. It was chosen to honor the widows of the 26 Hindu men killed in the Pahalgam attack, turning their grief into a national mission.
What triggered the operation?
The operation was a direct response to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 Hindu pilgrims were killed. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
How did India defend against Pakistan's retaliation?
India deployed the Sudarshan Chakra air defense system, which intercepted over 80% of incoming threats, protecting key cities like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Bhuj.
