India’s armed forces have launched a military operation dubbed Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, striking nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese citizen.
India’s Justification for Action– Operation Sindoor
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that India exercised its “right to respond” to the terror threats emanating from these regions, stating that the strikes were “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.” The Indian government emphasized that its actions were focused solely on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and targeting militants who pose a direct threat to India. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that no civilian, economic, or military targets were harmed during the operation, and the strikes were aimed at neutralizing terror camps used to launch attacks across the border.
The operation lasted from 01:05 AM to 01:30 AM IST, targeting four locations in Pakistan and five in PoJK. No military establishments were struck, and reports of collateral damage are yet to be confirmed, though Pakistan claims civilian casualties, including women and children.
Key Struck Locations
One of the notable sites targeted was the Markaz Taiba in Muridke, Pakistan, a key training facility of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which was used to train militants such as Ajmal Kasab, the perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Military Response
The Pakistani military has vowed retaliation, calling India’s actions an “act of war.” Pakistan’s DG ISPR announced that all Pakistan Air Force aircraft were deployed in response to India’s strikes, and promised to respond “at a time and place of its own choosing.” Pakistan has also accused India of violating the ceasefire agreement with artillery shelling across the Kashmir Line of Control, prompting a measured response from the Indian Army.
International Reactions
US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the conflict between India and Pakistan would resolve swiftly, noting the long-standing tensions between the two nations. The US government also acknowledged the strikes but urged both nations to de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, Indian political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, hailed the precision and effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, with the Indian Army receiving widespread praise for its actions.
Ongoing Developments and Future Outlook
The situation remains tense, with both India and Pakistan on heightened alert. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, and diplomatic channels are expected to play a critical role in preventing further escalation.
India’s military strike is viewed as a firm response to ongoing cross-border terrorism, and there are indications that further actions may follow if the threat persists.
