On May 7, 2025, India launched "Operation Sindoor," a series of targeted airstrikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. India attributed the assault to Pakistan-based militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), both of which have been involved in previous attacks on Indian soil.
Objectives and Execution
The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to JeM and LeT. Indian officials emphasized that the strikes were "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," targeting facilities in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs in a 23-minute operation conducted in the early hours of May 7. According to Indian sources, the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injuries to many more. Notably, Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed that the Bahawalpur strike killed 10 members of its leader Masood Azhar's family, including five children .
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan condemned the airstrikes as an "act of war" and asserted that Indian forces had targeted civilian structures, including mosques, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians and injuries to over 46. The Pakistani military claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft in retaliation, though India confirmed the loss of only one fighter jet
. Intense artillery exchanges along the Line of Control ensued, leading to civilian casualties on both sides and raising concerns about further escalation.
International Reactions
The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum military restraint, while leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, and other nations urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate and engage in dialogue to prevent a broader conflict .
Significance of the Name "Sindoor"
The operation's codename, "Sindoor," refers to the red powder traditionally applied by Hindu women along the parting of their hair, symbolizing marital status. This choice of name carries cultural and symbolic weight, particularly in the context of the Pahalgam attack, which targeted Hindu tourists and resulted in several widows. The naming underscores India's resolve to protect its citizens and uphold national security.
Leadership and Public Communication
Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, played a pivotal role in communicating details of the operation to the public. She holds the distinction of being the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise and has a background in UN peacekeeping missions . Her involvement highlighted the growing role of women in India's military leadership.
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Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marks a significant development in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, reflecting India's commitment to countering terrorism and protecting its citizens. While the operation was framed as a targeted strike against terrorist infrastructure, the resulting civilian casualties and subsequent retaliatory actions have heightened tensions and underscored the fragile security situation in the region. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can mitigate the risk of further escalation and pave the way for renewed dialogue between the two nations.
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