‘Operation Sindoor’: India hits back with missile strikes on nine terror camps after Pahalgam massacre

What Happened in Operation Sindoor?

In the early hours of May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, was launched in direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. According to India‘s Ministry of Defence, the targets were carefully selected to eliminate terror infrastructure without engaging Pakistani military installations.

A brief statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) at 1:44 AM IST confirmed that the strikes were conducted with restraint and were intended to be non-escalatory in nature. Senior officials emphasized that the action was proportionate and focused exclusively on neutralizing imminent threats posed by terrorist groups planning attacks on Indian soil.

Where Were the Strikes Carried Out?

According to early assessments and indirect briefings from Indian defence sources, the nine targeted sites included facilities in areas such as Muridke and Bahawalpur in Pakistan, along with terrorist launchpads in PoK. These regions are known to host infrastructure linked to terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Officials stated that all strikes were executed from Indian territory, avoiding direct incursion into Pakistani airspace. The method of execution reportedly involved long-range precision weaponry, potentially including cruise missiles and artillery systems designed to reduce collateral damage while achieving strategic objectives.

Why Was Operation Sindoor Launched?

The strike followed the Pahalgam attack on April 22, where heavily armed militants ambushed a civilian bus carrying pilgrims, leading to mass casualties. Indian security agencies had traced the coordination and planning of the attack to camps across the Line of Control in PoK and within Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Defence analysts and internal security officials attributed the attack to coordinated efforts by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. In the days that followed, pressure mounted within India for a decisive response. Operation Sindoor, named after the red powder symbolising sacrifice and valour in Indian tradition, was conceived as a measured yet assertive retaliation.

How Has the Indian Government Described the Operation?

A senior government source, speaking on background, said the operation was “limited in scope but unlimited in precision.” The official clarified that the objective was not to escalate tensions with Pakistan, but to eliminate specific threats.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs is expected to brief foreign envoys later today, reiterating that the strike was in line with India’s right to self-defence as per Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The Indian Air Force and other branches remain on alert, though officials have not indicated further imminent military action.

What Has Been Pakistan’s Response?

Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the strikes, claiming that Indian projectiles hit civilian structures and killed eight non-combatants, including a child. They alleged that religious sites were also damaged in the strikes and accused India of aggression. In a statement issued at 3:20 AM IST, Pakistan claimed that its air defence systems intercepted Indian missiles and that several Indian aerial platforms had been neutralised.

These claims have not been independently verified, and Indian officials have not responded to them directly. However, Indian defence experts believe that such statements are part of a narrative strategy to internationalise the issue and may lack operational credibility.

What Are the Potential Risks of Escalation?

While India insists the operation was non-escalatory, the situation along the Line of Control remains volatile. Military units in Jammu and Kashmir have been placed on elevated alert levels, and civilian authorities have advised residents in border districts to remain indoors.

International observers, including the United Nations, have urged both nations to exercise restraint. A statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “deep concern” and called for immediate de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged both nations to “step back from confrontation and pursue diplomatic resolution.”

The use of missile systems from Indian soil, rather than air strikes requiring incursion into foreign airspace, is being interpreted as a strategic choice to limit escalation while conveying serious deterrent intent.

What Is the International Reaction So Far?

India’s strike has drawn mixed responses globally. While countries like France and Israel have backed India’s right to defend itself from terrorism, others, including China and Turkey, have called for restraint. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the strike, echoing Pakistan’s concerns about civilian casualties.

Several foreign missions in New Delhi are seeking detailed briefings from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Diplomats from the European Union, United States, Japan, and the Gulf nations are expected to attend a high-level update later today.

What Precedents Exist for Indian Military Responses to Terror Attacks?

This is not the first time India has resorted to precision strikes in retaliation for cross-border terror attacks. In 2016, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the LoC after the Uri attack. In 2019, the Balakot air strike was launched in response to the Pulwama suicide bombing.

Each of these operations was executed with the dual goals of punishing perpetrators and deterring future attacks without escalating into full-blown war. Operation Sindoor is seen as a continuation of this doctrine—demonstrating a willingness to act decisively without inviting international censure or crossing the threshold into conventional warfare.

What Is Expected in the Hours Ahead?

The Ministry of Defence is scheduled to conduct a detailed press briefing later today. It is likely to include visual evidence of the targeted sites, including satellite imagery and before-after assessments. The government may also share intercepted communications to support its justification for the operation.

Security across Indian metros has been intensified as a precautionary measure, and intelligence agencies have been placed on high alert for possible retaliatory strikes by proxy groups. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have enhanced surveillance across key strategic corridors.

The situation remains fluid, with both countries now engaged in a delicate balance of strategic messaging, domestic political pressure, and international diplomacy. More updates are expected as new information becomes available.