NEW DELHI:
In a powerful response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-precision military strike deep into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7. The operation, hailed as a strategic success, targeted and neutralised nine high-value terror launchpads operated by groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
A tactical victory
These terror camps were reportedly central to the training and coordination of anti-India attacks. By striking them, India not only avenged the killing of civilians in Pahalgam but also showcased its ability to respond with precision and force. The strikes marked a doctrinal shift in India’s counter-terror approach — from defensive restraint to proactive deterrence.
Deep strikes inside Pakistan
Unlike previous operations confined to the Line of Control (LoC), Operation Sindoor penetrated deep into Pakistan’s Punjab province, including Bahawalpur — a region considered a sensitive military stronghold. By doing so, India sent a clear signal: geography is no longer a shield for terror infrastructure.
Air defence exposed
Pakistan’s air defence network was reportedly bypassed or jammed during the strike. Indian Air Force Rafale jets, equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, executed the operation within a swift 23-minute window — without any losses. The precision and stealth of the mission raised questions about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s air surveillance systems.
Coordinated armed forces action
Operation Sindoor saw joint coordination between India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force; further highlighting the country’s evolving joint warfare capabilities. Between May 9 and 10, India reportedly struck 11 Pakistani air force bases, including Sargodha, Sukkur, Bholari, and Jacobabad. Sources suggest this caused damage to nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure, with several military personnel killed.
Zero tolerance, no escalation
India maintained a strict focus on terror infrastructure, ensuring no civilian or unrelated military targets were hit. The operation, while bold, was measured and calculated, avoiding broader escalation — in line with India’s Zero Tolerance Doctrine.
Global support and changing perceptions
What stood out this time was the international response. Unlike previous escalations, multiple global powers expressed support for India’s right to self-defence. The world, for the first time, viewed the India-Pakistan tension primarily through the lens of terrorism, decoupling it from the Kashmir issue.
A new red line
India’s actions have effectively redrawn the red lines in the region. By targeting both terrorists and their enablers, India has challenged the long-held belief that state-backed terror actors could act with impunity. Operation Sindoor reflects a strategic evolution — bold, precise, and unapologetic.
As India continues to face threats across its borders, this operation serves as a clear message: those who orchestrate terror will be held accountable — swiftly and decisively.
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