Operation Sindoor: India’s Precision Strike Against Terror-Timeline, Impact, and Global Response
Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 | By The Dainik News Team
New Delhi: In the early hours of May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a focused and unprecedented cross-border strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was India’s direct response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen[1][2][3][9].
What Triggered Operation Sindoor?
The seeds of Operation Sindoor were sown in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre. On April 22, militants stormed a tourist convoy in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 and wounding dozens more. India immediately pointed to Pakistan-based terror groups-Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba-as orchestrators of the attack, a charge Pakistan has denied[2][3][5][6].
The attack sparked national outrage and calls for justice. In a rare show of unity, political leaders across party lines backed a strong response. “The nation stands together in this hour. Those responsible will be held accountable,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared at an all-party meeting[1][8].
Timeline: How Operation Sindoor Unfolded
- May 7, 2025: At dawn, Indian Air Force jets and precision missile systems struck nine key terror camps across Pakistan and PoK. The operation lasted just 25 minutes but delivered a powerful message[1][2][6][9].
- Targets included camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and five other locations in PoK[6][8].
- India used advanced SCALP missiles, HAMMER bombs, and BrahMos cruise missiles, with intelligence guiding every strike to avoid civilian areas and Pakistani military installations[6][9].
- Over 100 terrorists were reported killed, with significant infrastructure destroyed. No Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, and no losses were reported by India[1][6].
- May 8–9: Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military bases and cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and Amritsar. India’s air defense systems intercepted most threats, and retaliatory strikes targeted Pakistani air defenses[1][2][7][8].
- Border skirmishes and artillery exchanges intensified, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations and civilian casualties[1][2][8].
India’s Message: Focused, Measured, and Non-Escalatory
The Indian government emphasized that Operation Sindoor was not an act of war but a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” response to terrorism[3][4][9]. No Pakistani military facilities were targeted, and the strikes were calibrated to minimize civilian harm while sending a clear signal to terror groups and their backers.
“Our actions are guided by restraint and responsibility. We seek peace, but will not tolerate terror on our soil,” said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra at a special briefing[4].
Impact on the Ground: Justice for Pahalgam Victims
For the families of the Pahalgam victims, Operation Sindoor brought a sense of justice and closure. “This is the real tribute to my husband,” said the widow of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the slain tourists. Local leaders and citizens across India hailed the operation as a necessary step to restore faith and security[1][7].
On the other side, Pakistan reported civilian casualties and condemned the strikes as “unprovoked aggression.” The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down several Indian jets, a claim India has categorically denied[6].
International and Political Reactions
The escalation drew swift global attention. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian and Pakistani leaders, urging restraint and offering to mediate. China and the United Nations echoed calls for dialogue and de-escalation[1][2][3][8].
In India, political parties set aside differences to support the armed forces. “This is a moment of national unity,” said Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju praised the consensus and lauded the military’s precision.
Operation Sindoor: The First Drone War?
Military analysts have called the current standoff the world’s first “drone war” between two nuclear-armed neighbors. Both sides deployed hundreds of drones for surveillance and strikes, with India reportedly neutralizing over 400 Pakistani drones targeting military and civilian infrastructure[6][7].
The use of advanced air defense systems like the S-400 played a crucial role in intercepting incoming threats, while loitering munitions and precision-guided bombs marked a new era in South Asian warfare.
What’s Next?
As of May 10, the situation remains tense but under control. India has reiterated its commitment to non-escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocates. The armed forces remain on high alert along the border, and airspace restrictions continue in several regions[2][8].
The world watches closely, hoping that both nations will step back from the brink and return to dialogue. For now, Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism-a message that the country will act decisively when provoked, but with restraint and responsibility.
For verified updates and in-depth coverage, stay with The Dainik. For feedback or tips, contact us at dainikpulsenews@gmail.com.