On May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision missile strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This decisive action was in direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 28 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, were killed in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The operation marks a significant escalation in the longstanding tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Pahalgam Attack: Catalyst for Retaliation
The Pahalgam massacre, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians and injuries to over 20 others. India accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting the perpetrators, a claim Pakistan vehemently denied. The attack intensified existing hostilities, prompting India to undertake military action to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the border.
Execution of Operation Sindoor
Targeted Strikes
Operation Sindoor commenced in the early hours of May 7, 2025. The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs to execute precision strikes on nine identified terrorist facilities. The targeted locations included:
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Bahawalpur: Known for housing Lashkar-e-Taiba training camps.
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Muridke: Headquarters of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
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Tehra Kalan
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Sialkot
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Bhimber
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Kotli
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Muzaffarabad: Capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned to avoid civilian casualties and did not target Pakistani military installations.
Pakistani Response
Pakistan condemned the strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression. The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, and MiG-29 jets, and a UAV. Additionally, Pakistan reported civilian casualties, including the bombing of a mosque in Bahawalpur, resulting in the deaths of at least nine civilians and injuries to 35 others.
Escalation and Military Engagements
Following the airstrikes, cross-border hostilities intensified:
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Artillery Exchanges: Pakistani forces initiated heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to the deaths of three Indian civilians.
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Airspace Violations: Both nations reported violations of airspace, with Pakistan claiming to have downed an Indian drone in the Barnala sector.
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Military Casualties: India reported the loss of three fighter jets due to crashes, with three pilots injured. Pakistan claimed the destruction of an Indian brigade headquarters.
Diplomatic Fallout
The military actions precipitated a severe diplomatic crisis:
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Indus Waters Treaty Suspension: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, significantly reducing the flow of water through the Chenab River into Pakistan, leading to a reported 90% drop in water supply.
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Visa and Trade Restrictions: Both countries expelled diplomats, suspended visa services, and halted trade relations.
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International Reactions: The United Nations and China urged restraint, while the United States engaged in diplomatic discussions with both nations to de-escalate tensions.
Civil Defense Measures in India
In anticipation of potential retaliatory actions, India initiated “Operation Abhyaas,” a nationwide civil defense drill conducted on May 7, 2025. The exercise encompassed:
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Air Raid Drills: Testing of air raid sirens and evacuation protocols across 244 districts.
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Blackout Simulations: Implementation of blackout procedures to prepare for potential aerial attacks.
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Public Training: Educating civilians on emergency response measures, including the use of bomb shelters and first aid.
Economic and Humanitarian Impact
The escalation has had significant economic and humanitarian repercussions:
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Airspace Restrictions: Closure of airspace disrupted commercial flights, affecting tourism and trade.
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Agricultural Strain: Reduced water flow from the Chenab River threatened Pakistan’s agricultural output, raising concerns over food security.
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Displacement: Communities along the LoC faced displacement due to ongoing shelling and military operations.
Strategic Implications
The current standoff underscores the volatility of Indo-Pakistani relations and the potential for rapid escalation. The involvement of non-state actors like TRF complicates the security landscape, necessitating robust counter-terrorism strategies and international cooperation to prevent further deterioration.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor represents a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism efforts and its approach to cross-border threats. While the immediate objective of dismantling terrorist infrastructure was achieved, the broader implications highlight the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure long-term regional stability.