Operation Sindoor: India's Precision Strikes Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

 Operation Sindoor: India's Precision Strikes Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions 

On May 6, 2025, India initiated "Operation Sindoor," a campaign of targeted precision bombing of nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.  It was a clear retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack at Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 Indian Hindu pilgrims.  India had chosen the targeted locations as terrorist networks associated with militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Background: The Pahalgam Attack

The spark that was needed for Operation Sindoor was provided by the savage Pahalgam attack, when armed militants opened fire on a party of Indian tourists and picked out Hindu men for target, leaving their wives unharmed.  The attackers were said to have yelled Islamic slogans during the onslaught.   This put greater pressure within India to take strong action against cross-border terror.

  

On that fateful day, five heavily armed militants, equipped with M4 carbines and AK-47s, infiltrated the Baisaran Valley—a popular tourist destination accessible only by foot or horseback. Dressed in military-style uniforms, the assailants singled out male tourists, demanding they recite Islamic declarations to identify non-Muslims. Those unable to comply, including Hindu and Christian individuals, were executed at close range. Unfortunately, a local Muslim pony driver, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, was also murdered while trying to defend the tourists.

Perpetrators and Motive

The Resistance Front (TRF), a splinter of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed credit, stating opposition to Indian government policies that are encouraging non-local settlement in Kashmir. They later withdrew their claim. Investigations identified the assailants as having assistance from both Pakistani and local Kashmiri handlers, with direct real-time instructions from Pakistani-occupied Kashmir handlers.

Aftermath and Response

The attack elicited immediate national and international responses:

India's Response: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani envoys, and shut the Wagah-Attari border. All Pakistani nationals on SAARC visas were also asked to depart India within 48 hours.

Security Upgrades: Identifying security loopholes, the Indian government thought of permanent deployment of Army and paramilitary personnel in suspect areas such as Baisaran Valley in order to avert further attacks.

Operation Sindoor: India conducted precision bombing of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 6, 2025, raising tensions to a new high in the Indo-Pak conflict.

International Reactions

The international community was alarmed at the growing tensions:

United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint and the need for dialogue in resolving disputes.

Other Nations: Nations such as the United States, China, and the United Kingdom appealed to India and Pakistan to de-escalate an

d pursue peaceful talks

Carryout of Operation Sindoor

At the break of dawn on May 7, the Indian Air Force conducted a 23-minute operation, sending Rafale aircraft loaded with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The targets were at Bahawalpur, Muridke, Tehra Kalan, Sialkot, Bhimber, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, specifically targeting terror camps and offices affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Casualties and Damage

India had reported killing more than 70 militants and destroying major terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan, however, denounced the strikes as a war act, reporting 26 civilian casualties, including children, and damage to buildings like mosques and residential zones. Pakistan also reported having shot down five Indian planes, something India has not confirmed.  

International Reactions

The global community reacted with concern towards the mounting tensions between the two nuclear-powered neighbors. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint, saying that further military confrontation needed to be avoided. Other countries, including China and the United States, appealed to both nations to tone down the tension and negotiate. 

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor is a landmark event in India's counter-terrorism policy, highlighting the new impetus towards more aggressive responses to attacks emanating from across the border. While tensions are still running high, the need for diplomatic efforts and mechanisms for resolving conflicts is more than ever critical to maintain regional stability and deter further escalation.