What Happened in the Early Hours of May 7 During Operation Sindoor?
At approximately 1:44 am IST on May 7, 2025, India executed a tri-services military operation targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The pre-dawn strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, were launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives on April 22. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force collaborated in this unprecedented mission, marking one of the most significant military offensives by India since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
The Indian government confirmed that the action was intended to neutralize terrorist launchpads and control centres actively involved in planning cross-border infiltrations. Officials emphasized that the operation was “measured and non-escalatory,” with strict orders not to target Pakistani military installations.
Which Locations Were Targeted by Indian Forces?
While Indian authorities did not publicly name the specific sites struck during the operation, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, disclosed that Indian forces targeted Kotli, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Chak Amru, Sialkot, Gulpur, Bhimber, and two areas in Muzaffarabad. Four of these locations lie across the international border in Pakistan, while the remainder are within PoK along the Line of Control (LoC).
Muridke, located near Lahore, is widely known as the headquarters of the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba, while Bahawalpur is associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Both groups are designated terrorist organisations and have been directly linked to past high-profile attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
What Sparked the Strikes? A Recap of the Pahalgam Attack
The trigger for Operation Sindoor was the brutal terrorist assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area on April 22, in which 26 civilians were gunned down by terrorists believed to have infiltrated from Pakistan. The attack, carried out in a popular tourist zone, drew widespread domestic outrage and prompted immediate calls for military retaliation.
The Pahalgam incident was the deadliest terror attack in India’s northern state since Pulwama in 2019. In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those behind the killings would be brought to justice. A series of high-level defence meetings were held between April 23 and May 6, leading to the eventual execution of the cross-border strikes.
What Was Pakistan’s Response to Operation Sindoor?
Following India’s announcement, Pakistan reacted sharply. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the strikes constituted “an act of war” and promised a “forceful response.” In the immediate aftermath, Pakistani forces began artillery shelling across the LoC, with shells landing in civilian areas in the Rajouri-Poonch sector. Three Indian civilians were reportedly killed due to the shelling, as confirmed by defence sources.
The Pakistan Army’s ISPR claimed that India’s strikes targeted locations “deep inside Pakistani territory,” further heightening cross-border tensions. In retaliation, Islamabad has hinted at suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, a key diplomatic framework that governs the LoC and bilateral conflict resolution mechanisms.
Which Military Assets Did India Deploy in the Strikes?
Indian Air Force assets played a central role in Operation Sindoor. Sources reported the use of SCALP (Storm Shadow) air-launched cruise missiles, deployed from Rafale fighter jets. These missiles—developed jointly by France and the United Kingdom—are designed for deep-penetration precision strikes. Hammer Smart Bombs were also reportedly used for short-range, high-impact operations.
The operation was carefully calibrated to target terror camps while avoiding escalation with the Pakistani military. Defence experts noted that India’s decision to employ high-precision, stand-off weapons indicated a deliberate strategy to avoid ground troop engagement while delivering a clear deterrent message.
How Has Civil Aviation and Ground Security Been Affected Post-Strikes?
The impact of Operation Sindoor extended to civilian infrastructure. Air India and IndiGo cancelled or delayed multiple flights operating in northern India, including routes to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. Two international flights destined for Amritsar were diverted to Delhi. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the Srinagar airport would remain closed to civilian traffic throughout May 7.
Simultaneously, the Indian Air Force commenced a scheduled two-day war game near the international border in Rajasthan. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued, halting all civilian flight operations over a wide section of the Thar desert. Officials clarified that the drills were planned in advance but now serve as a secondary deterrence posture amid rising tensions.
What Diplomatic Engagements Have Taken Place Since the Strikes?
Following the strikes, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed U.S. NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Indian Embassy in Washington confirmed that the U.S. had prior intelligence indicating potential Indian retaliation. President Donald Trump, in a statement, acknowledged India’s right to self-defence and urged all sides to de-escalate tensions swiftly.
Domestically, Prime Minister Modi addressed an ABP Network event just hours after the strikes. He reiterated India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, originally signed in 1960, and stressed that “India’s water will flow for India’s benefit.” The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to exert diplomatic pressure alongside military action.
What Is the Historical Context Behind Cross-Border Indian Military Strikes?
Operation Sindoor follows a series of historic military responses by India to cross-border terrorism. After the 2016 Uri attack, India conducted surgical strikes across the LoC targeting terror launchpads in PoK. Similarly, in response to the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—the first Indian incursion across the international border since the 1971 war.
The post-Pulwama retaliation led to a short-lived aerial skirmish between India and Pakistan, during which Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 before being captured and subsequently released. The current operation marks a continuation of India’s evolving doctrine of proactive deterrence, especially when civilian lives are targeted.
What Are India’s Next Steps Following Operation Sindoor?
According to government sources, Operation Sindoor is part of a phased strategy. Officials have indicated that subsequent actions may be taken depending on Pakistan’s military and diplomatic behaviour. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signalled the resolve with a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Shortly thereafter, the Indian Army posted, “Justice is served. Jai Hind.”
India is also continuing its civil defence preparations. On May 7, the country is conducting a national security mock drill in 244 districts—a scale not witnessed since the 1971 war. The exercise aims to assess readiness in the event of hostile attacks and is viewed as a direct response to the heightened threat environment following the Pahalgam massacre.
Discover more from Business-News-Today.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
