India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist hubs in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. Discover how the airstrikes unfolded, their strategic intent, and global reactions.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliatory Strike After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a bold military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Hindu tourists, India executed Operation Sindoor—a series of precision airstrikes targeting terrorist strongholds across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Why Operation Sindoor Was Launched

The Indian government blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed for orchestrating the deadly attack. In response, the Indian Air Force launched coordinated airstrikes on May 7, 2025, to dismantle terrorist infrastructure believed to be operating from Pakistani soil.

Inside the Airstrikes – Operation Details

Duration and Execution

• Start Time: 1:04 AM IST

• End Time: 1:30 AM IST

• Duration: 26 minutes

Targeted Locations

Nine key sites were hit, including:

• Bahawalpur

• Muridke

• Sialkot

• Muzaffarabad

• Kotli

• Bhimber

• Chak Amru

These locations were identified as operational bases for terrorist groups linked to anti-India activities.

Military Arsenal Used

• Rafale fighter jets

• SCALP missile

• AASM Hammer bomb

India emphasized that the operation was focused, measured, and non-escalatory, deliberately avoiding Pakistani military assets.

Symbolism Behind ‘Operation Sindoor’

The name “Sindoor,” referencing the red powder worn by married Hindu women, was chosen to symbolize the personal and national grief following the Pahalgam attack. The operation was intended as a targeted retaliation, not a declaration of war.

Official Communication and Oversight

Leadership Briefing

The press briefing was conducted by:

• Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force)

• Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army)

Their presence highlighted the growing role of women in the Indian Armed Forces.

Government Action

• Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, personally oversaw the operation.

• Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, led a high-level security review with border-state officials to assess the situation and coordinate further action.

Pakistan’s Response and Civilian Casualties

Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” claiming:

• 26 civilian deaths

• 46 injuries

• Damage to mosques and residential structures

Pakistan also alleged the downing of multiple Indian aircraft—claims that remain unverified by Indian officials.

Global Reactions to the Airstrikes

Global powers including the United Nations, United States, China, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom urged diplomatic restraint and immediate efforts to avoid escalation in the region.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As India-Pakistan tensions rise, both countries remain on high alert. Operation Sindoor represents a pivotal moment in the subcontinent’s complex security landscape, with the global community watching closely.