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In response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, India initiated Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The Indian government's briefing regarding the operation was conducted by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was a coordinated precision assault operation that was initiated by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

It was executed from Indian territory through the coordinated efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This operation's name was selected as a personal tribute to the victims, particularly the widows of the Pahalgam attack, in contrast to previous operations that were given aggressive names to convey fortitude.

Objectives: The Indian Armed Forces conducted 'Operation Sindoor,' which involved the targeting of terror facilities in Pakistan and PoJK that were associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Method: The strikes were conducted from within Indian territory using sophisticated precision-guided weapon systems.
Operation Sindoor Nature: The mission was described as focused, calibrated, and non-escalatory, with a specific emphasis on avoiding any engagement with Pakistani military infrastructure.

India justified the operation as a component of its dedication to ensuring culpability for the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

Weapons used in Operation Sindoor

Weapon System	Description	Manufacturer	Launch Platform/Features	Combat Use/Advantages
SCALP Cruise Missile	SCALP (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée), also called Storm Shadow in the UK, is a long-range, air-launched stealth cruise missile for deep precision strikes against fortified targets and critical infrastructure.	MBDA (European defense firm)	Deployed from Rafale fighter jets; range up to 450 km; features terrain-hugging flight for stealth; equipped with INS, GPS, and terrain-referencing systems for bunker-busting accuracy.	Used in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and supplied to Ukraine for precision strikes. Minimizes collateral damage; ensures deep penetration in enemy territory. Used by IAF in Operation Sindoor for high-value target strikes.
HAMMER Precision-Guided Bomb	HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range) is a French-origin air-to-ground smart munition designed for precision strikes against dynamic or mobile targets like terrorist sites and tactical positions.	Safran Electronics & Defense (France)	Integrated with Rafale; range up to 70 km; modular guidance with GPS, infrared imaging, and laser targeting; all-weather precision; autonomous guidance; resistant to jamming; effective at low altitudes and rough terrains.	High versatility and precision; effective against a wide range of targets; recently acquired by India for deep strike capabilities; used by IAF in Operation Sindoor for engaging tactical and mobile enemy targets with accuracy and minimal collateral damage.
METEOR BVRAAM	Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), next-generation missile built for long-range air combat with superior kill probability, even in electronic warfare environments.	MBDA (European defense firm)	Launched from Rafale and other fighter aircraft; powered by solid-fuel ramjet engine; extended No-Escape Zone; highly maneuverable; effective in hostile electronic environments.	Enhances air superiority with long-range strike capability; ensures target destruction at maximum range; maintains effectiveness even in heavy jamming and countermeasure environments.
BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile	Supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, capable of delivering high-speed precision strikes against land and sea targets with minimal warning.	BrahMos Aerospace (DRDO India & NPOM Russia joint venture)	Air, land, and sea platforms; speed Mach 2.8–3.0; range ~450–500 km (upgraded post-MTCR); 200–300 kg warhead; Fire-and-Forget principle; terminal altitude as low as 10 metres; adaptable to multiple launch platforms.	Proven in multiple combat trials; key strategic asset for India’s deterrence and deep-strike capabilities; extremely hard to intercept due to high speed; versatile use across military branches.
Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones)	Drones capable of hovering over enemy territory for extended periods, gathering surveillance, and executing precision strikes autonomously or semi-autonomously when targets are identified.	Various global manufacturers	Can loiter for long durations; real-time intelligence gathering; autonomous/semi-autonomous engagement capability; highly flexible and adaptable to dynamic battlefield conditions; integrated across Army, Navy, and Air Force.	Reduces risk to human operators; provides precision targeting of mobile or time-sensitive targets; increasingly used by Indian forces, including in Operation Sindoor, for high-accuracy, low-collateral strikes; useful in surveillance and offensive missions alike.

Significance of Operation Sindoor

Impact on Pakistan

Strategic Deterrence Recalibrated: Pakistan's long-held conviction in India's unwillingness to cross boundaries militarily has been undermined.
This is the deepest penetration (up to 150 km) since 1971, surpassing both Balakot (2019) and the 2016 surgical strikes.
Terror Infrastructure Degraded: India dismantled important terrorist camps that trained militants responsible for previous assaults such as 26/11 Mumbai and Pulwama.
Strikes were carried out on extensive intelligence inputs, including HUMINT and technical surveillance, which confirmed activities at the Sawai Nala, Markaz Taiba, and Subhanallah mosque camps.
Psychological and military pressure: The operation put a strain on Pakistan's armed forces and public confidence.
Pakistan's Prime Minister pledged vengeance, but contradicting indications from the Defence Minister suggested internal disarray.
Diplomatic Isolation: Following the strikes, Pakistan failed to receive significant international support.
The United Nations Security Council rejected Islamabad's proposal to reprimand India; global powers, including the United States, indicated implicit approval of India's right to self-defence.
Internal Political and Social Discontent: The Pakistani military's domination in governance is causing growing civilian dissatisfaction.
With Imran Khan imprisoned and democracy weakened, the army's role is being questioned amid economic collapse and mismanagement of internal insurgencies.
Civilian Vulnerability: Civilian casualties (alleged by Pakistan) demonstrate internal insecurity and the dangers of harbouring terrorist camps in densely populated regions.
India maintained its claim of not targeting civilian or military targets, but Pakistan's own narrative confirms the use of dual-use facilities.
Economic and infrastructure strain: Strikes, combined with the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, have strained Pakistan's frail economy.
Water is a deeply emotional and strategic issue in Pakistan; previous claims of a "water war" have been revived.

Impacts on India

Strengthening of Conventional Deterrence: India re-established its credibility by displaying readiness and ability to launch deep, precision attacks.
The strikes were more extensive than in Balakot 2019 and Uri 2016, indicating a shift in India's military doctrine.
Political and National Unity: The operation generated bipartisan political support and considerable public endorsement.
Operation Sindoor was regarded as “measured, non-escalatory, and responsible,” which helped unite domestic opinion.
Diplomatic Credibility and International Legitimacy: India's measured but resolute stance won silent international support.
The UNSC denied Pakistan's plea to constrain India, whereas most world powers recognised India's right to self-defence under UN Article 51.
Operational and intelligence validation: Showcased India's improved military capacity, intelligence integration, and precise targeting.
Use of BrahMos, SCALP, drones, and loitering munitions; target selection based on technical and human intelligence (HUMINT).
Increased Pressure on Defence Preparedness: Establishes a precedent for more swift, decisive reprisal, necessitating ongoing preparedness and modernisation.
India's goal is to establish overwhelming domination over Pakistan while keeping the northern border safe.
Social Fabric and Internal Security Challenges: To avoid polarisation, the risk of communal animosity and mistrust was carefully managed following the incident.
The Pahalgam incident was intended to disrupt normalcy in Kashmir and exacerbate communal tensions.

Response by Major World Powers

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) rejected Pakistan's request to punish India for the Operation Sindoor strikes.Implication: implicit recognition of India's right to self-defence under UN Article 51.Reflects rising world frustration with Pakistan's continuous attempts to achieve parity with India in global forums.United States: Actively communicating with both India and Pakistan, but not rushing into mediation as in previous crises.The strategic outlook is to avert escalation, particularly in light of the nuclear threat.Considers the Pakistan Army a useful counter-terror ally, but has expressed implicit support for India's counter-terror operations.Precedent: Iran's January 2024 strikes in Pakistan were cited as an acceptable form of cross-border retribution against terrorism.Europe (including the United Kingdom): Muted but supportive of India's defensive posture.Policy limitations include historical ties to Pakistan through aid and counter-terrorism efforts.Anti-terrorism clauses in Pakistani aid are frequently waived or only loosely enforced.Despite this, no major European country has officially criticised India.China continues to provide diplomatic support to Pakistan, particularly at the United Nations Security Council.The behaviour of this entity serves as a shield for Pakistan in international arenas.Ambiguity: While Pakistan receives political support, it is equally concerned about the instability caused by its terror proxies.

Past Military Operations by India against Pakistan

Operation Name	Conflict/Year	Description	Outcome/Impact
Operation Riddle	1965 Indo-Pak War	India’s response to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar and Grand Slam after Pakistan’s violation of the LoC and incursion into Jammu & Kashmir.	Helped repel Pakistani forces; part of the larger conflict that ended with the Tashkent Agreement in 1966.
Operation Ablaze	1965 Indo-Pak War	Pre-emptive mobilisation of Indian forces in April 1965 due to tensions along the India-Pakistan border, especially in the Rann of Kutch.	Demonstrated India’s military readiness; set the stage for the full-scale war that began in August 1965.
Operation Cactus Lily	1971 Indo-Pak War (Bangladesh Liberation)	Air assault crossing the Meghna River, bypassing strongholds at Ashuganj/Bhairab Bazar, advancing toward Dhaka.	Accelerated India’s victory in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Operations Trident & Python	1971 Indo-Pak War	Indian Navy’s attacks on Karachi port. Operation Trident marked the first use of anti-ship missiles in the region; Python followed up days later.	Severely damaged Pakistan’s naval strength and crippled its Karachi port, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s defeat.
Operation Meghdoot	1984	India’s operation to secure control of the Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge, including strategic passes like Bilafond La and Sia La.	Established Indian control over Siachen, which continues today, maintaining a strategic advantage in the region.
Operation Vijay	1999 Kargil War	Military operation to reclaim territory occupied by Pakistani forces during the Kargil intrusion.	Successfully forced Pakistani withdrawal and re-established Indian control over Kargil heights.
Operation Safed Sagar	1999 Kargil conflict	Indian Air Force operation involving air strikes to dislodge Pakistani intruders from Indian positions along the LoC.	Marked the first large-scale use of air power since 1971; played a critical role in India’s success in the Kargil conflict.
2016 Surgical Strikes	Post-Uri Attack (2016)	Indian special forces crossed the LoC to strike terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in response to the Uri attack.	Demonstrated India’s new proactive military doctrine; received global attention for its precision and execution.
Operation Bandar	2019 (Balakot air strikes)	In retaliation for the Pulwama attack, the IAF carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan.	First air strike across the LoC since 1971; resulted in brief aerial skirmishes; showcased India’s resolve to counter cross-border terrorism.

Operation Sindoor