In a precise and calculated counter-terrorism operation, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, striking nine terrorist infrastructure sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. According to the Ministry of Defence, the action was measured, focused, and non-escalatory, carefully avoiding Pakistani military facilities and not harming any civilian. It marks a firm step in India’s commitment to bring those behind terrorist attacks to justice, while avoiding full-scale military escalation.
A focused retaliation under prime ministerial supervision
Under the close watch of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Operation Sindoor was launched after high-level consultations involving India’s intelligence and security agencies. The strikes targeted key locations used by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) for planning and launching attacks into Indian territory. Intelligence sources confirmed that the nine targets were carefully selected based on surveillance data and past links to terrorism.
These are the nine sites India targeted
Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur (JeM headquarters)
Markaz Taiba in Muridke (LeT operations hub)
Sarjal camp in Tehra Kalan (JeM)
Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot (HM base)
Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala (LeT-linked)
Markaz Abbas in Kotli (JeM)
Maskar Raheel Shahid in Kotli (HM)
Shawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad (LeT)
Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad (JeM)
Each of these locations had been under surveillance for months and was known to host terrorist leaders, train recruits, or stock arms and explosives.
Defence ministry statement: no military escalation intended
India’s official statement was clear: “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution.” The government emphasized that the mission was not a declaration of war, but a strategic and proportional response to a grave provocation.
The Pahalgam attack and India’s vow for justice
The Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, shocked the nation and triggered a wave of public outrage. Government sources reportedly said that “those responsible will be held accountable,” and Operation Sindoor was carried out to fulfill that promise. It involved the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, with real-time inputs from intelligence agencies.
Pakistan’s reaction and ceasefire violation
Following the strikes, Pakistan responded with artillery fire in the Bhimber Gali sector of Jammu and Kashmir, violating the ceasefire agreement. In response, the Indian Army acted appropriately and in a calibrated manner, according to the Directorate General of Public Information. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called India’s action an “act of war,” even as India clarified that no military facilities and civilians were targeted.
Pakistani media claimed that eight civilians were killed and 35 injured, though these numbers could not be independently verified.
International community urges restraint
The United States and United Kingdom issued “do not travel” advisories for parts of India and Pakistan following the operation. China appealed for restraint, urging both nations to avoid escalation. While some global actors have shown concern, many analysts see Operation Sindoor as a controlled message rather than a step toward prolonged conflict.
Domestic impact: flights disrupted, border villages on alert
The operation led to temporary closure of several airports in northern India, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Srinagar. Over 160 domestic IndiGo flights were cancelled, and multiple other services were delayed or rerouted. On the ground, residents of Tindiwala village near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab fled to safer areas following loud noises and social media rumors, causing temporary panic.
Political reactions: support across party lines
The operation received wide support from across the Indian political spectrum. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “None of us want war, but terror must not go unpunished.” Civil society voices and defence analysts have also largely supported the operation, praising its precision and strategic intent.
Market reaction: steady defence stocks, nervous investors
Despite tensions, Indian defence stocks remained stable, with companies like HAL and Bharat Electronics showing little volatility. Broader markets, however, opened cautiously, reflecting concerns over further escalation and economic impact from disrupted travel and increased geopolitical risks.
What’s next?
A detailed official briefing is expected later today, where defence and foreign affairs officials will provide insights into the planning, execution, and expected diplomatic course following Operation Sindoor. India is also expected to raise the issue at international forums, pressing for action against Pakistan-based terror groups.
Operation Sindoor signals a new chapter in India’s counter-terrorism policy—one that prioritizes preemptive action, precision strikes, and global messaging. By choosing targets carefully, India has demonstrated both strength and restraint, while sending a clear warning that the barbaric killing of civilians will not go unanswered.