Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India on 7 May 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Named after the vermilion powder symbolizing marital status in Hindu culture, the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April 2025, which killed 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists. The strikes escalated into a brief armed conflict involving aerial engagements, drone attacks, and artillery exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC). The conflict concluded with a ceasefire on 10 May 2025, mediated primarily by the United States. It marked the deepest Indian military penetration into Pakistan since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and highlighted evolving strategies in asymmetric warfare under nuclear shadows. Analysts viewed it as a calibrated demonstration of force, establishing a new threshold for Indian deterrence against cross-border terrorism.

Background

The roots of Operation Sindoor lie in the longstanding Kashmir conflict, which has fueled multiple wars and insurgencies since 1947. Tensions escalated following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which altered Jammu and Kashmir's status, prompting increased militant activities. Pakistan has consistently denied supporting terrorism, while India accuses it of harboring groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM). Prior incidents, such as the 2016 Uri attack and 2019 Pulwama bombing, led to limited Indian responses like surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike. These set precedents for proactive retaliation but were confined to Kashmir or shallow penetrations.

In the lead-up to 2025, India enhanced its military posture, redeploying Rafale jets and S-400 systems. On 29 April, an aborted Indian mission highlighted Pakistani electronic warfare capabilities. By late April, both nations closed airspaces and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, exacerbating the crisis. Pakistan warned of imminent strikes, while India mobilized 400 aircraft and conducted over 500 transport sorties.

Pahalgam Attack

On 22 April 2025, five militants attacked a group of tourists near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 26 men, including one Nepali national, in the deadliest civilian-targeted assault since 2019. Witnesses reported the gunmen selectively targeting Hindus, shouting slogans and verifying victims' identities. The Resistance Front (TRF), a LeT proxy, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted, alleging Indian hacking. Pakistan labeled it a false flag operation orchestrated by India to justify aggression.

The attack prompted global condemnation from leaders like US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. India linked it to Pakistan-based groups, vowing retaliation. Diplomatic fallout included expulsions and treaty suspensions, setting the stage for military action.

Operation Details

Operation Sindoor commenced at 01:05 IST on 7 May 2025, lasting 25 minutes with strikes on nine sites: five in Azad Kashmir (Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bhimber) and four in Punjab (Muridke, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Shakargarh). Targets included LeT's Markaz Taiba in Muridke, JeM's Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, and camps like Shawai Nala and Syedna Bilal in Muzaffarabad, described as training hubs for attacks including Mumbai 2008 and Pulwama 2019.

India employed precision weapons: M982 Excalibur artillery rounds, SkyStriker loitering munitions, Rafale jets with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, and possibly BrahMos cruises. The Indian Army handled seven sites with air defense support, while the IAF targeted Punjab. Satellite imagery released later showed damage, with India claiming over 100 terrorists eliminated. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the strikes as "focused and non-escalatory," aimed at dismantling terrorist ecosystems without hitting military or civilian assets.

Pakistani Response

Pakistan condemned the strikes as an act of war, reporting 24 hits on six locations, including mosques, causing civilian deaths. It denied targeting claims, asserting hits on residential areas. In retaliation, Pakistan intensified LoC shelling in Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara, killing 11 Indians and damaging infrastructure like schools and a temple.

On 8 May, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Amritsar and other sites, intercepted by India's S-400—its first combat use. India conducted suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) near Lahore. Pakistan downed 25 Harop munitions and struck back with cyberattacks on Indian satellites, websites, and surveillance systems.

On 10 May, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, targeting 26 Indian sites including airbases and S-400 units with JF-17 jets, CM-400 missiles, and drones. It claimed destruction of facilities but satellite analysis showed minimal damage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif authorized responses after consulting the army chief.

Aerial Engagements

The strikes sparked a 52-minute aerial battle on 7 May involving 114 aircraft—72 Indian and 42 Pakistani—without border crossings. Pakistan's J-10C jets with PL-15 missiles downed at least three Indian planes (Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30MKI), confirmed by US and French intelligence. India admitted losses but dismissed higher claims. Crashes occurred in Bathinda, Pampore, and Akhnoor.

Subsequent days saw drone wars: Pakistan launched 300-400 drones; India countered with layered defenses, downing over 600 using Akash, Spyder, and upgraded legacy guns. On 10 May, India struck Pakistani airbases like Nur Khan and Rafiqui with BrahMos and Harop munitions, degrading defenses.

Ceasefire and Aftermath

A ceasefire took effect at 17:00 IST on 10 May, brokered by US officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio. Trump announced it on social media, later nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Pakistan. Both sides swapped detainees on 14 May and extended airspace closures until June.

Aftermath included economic rallies—India's Sensex surged 3,000 points, Pakistan's KSE 9%—and disruptions like IPL postponements. India honored participants with gallantry awards; Pakistan claimed victory in resilience. Analysts noted no clear winner, with mutual strategic gains and losses.

International Reactions

The UN urged restraint; the EU committed to counter-terrorism. China regretted the strikes; Russia supported the ceasefire. Israel backed India's self-defense; France confirmed Rafale losses. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran mediated. Trump hailed his role, while India rejected mediation claims. Global media analyzed it as the worst clash in 20 years.

Casualties

India reported 29 deaths: 21 civilians and 8 military from shelling and drones. Pakistan cited 53: 40 civilians and 13 military, including from mosque strikes. No radiation leaks occurred despite rumors.

Military Lessons

The operation normalized air power in limited conflicts, emphasizing precision and ISR. India's BrahMos and jointness proved effective; emergency procurements filled gaps. Restraint under strict rules prevented escalation, shifting deterrence to punitive norms. Comparisons to Balakot showed advancements in beyond-visual-range combat. Future implications include Pakistan's arms race with China, urging India to streamline acquisitions. It underscored managing nuclear risks through clear objectives and communication.