Operation Sindoor is a joint military strike on 7th May 2025, in the early hours of Wednesday morning by Indian Armed, Naval and Air Forces. India undertook a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). "Operation Sindoor" involved a tri-services deployment of air, naval, and land-based assets. It is the most extensive cross-border accuracy strike carried out by India after the Balakot operation in 2019. 

This topic is related to the General Studies Paper II, which covers Initiatives directed at GS Paper II - International Relation and Security and GS Paper III - Internal and Border Security, and is also important from the point of view of UPSC Current Affairs. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. 

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What is Operation Sindoor?

On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces successfully conducted "Operation Sindoor". The operation stressed hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted and bombarded by the Indian Armed Forces to eradicate the bases of the terrorists.

Indian Armed Forces also stated that their action had been focused, measured, and non-escalatory. No Pakistani military facilities had been targeted. India had demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution. These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam Terrorist Attack on 22 April 2025 at "Baisaran Valley" of Kashmir, in which a group of terrorists brutally killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. Indian Armed Forces also declared that they are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.

Operation Sindoor Timings

Operation Sindoor was executed by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, beginning at approximately 5:30 AM IST. This 23-minute operation involved 24 precision missile strikes targeting nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. The strikes aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, allegedly responsible for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 Indian tourists. The operation utilized Rafale Jets armed with SCALP Missile and AASM Hammer bombs. In retaliation, Pakistan reported shooting down five Indian jets and engaging in artillery exchanges along the Line of Control, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.

Nine Terror Sites Targeted Under Operation Sindoor

A total of 09 terror bases were destroyed. Among them, 4 were located inside Pakistan, and 5 were within Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Proved Targets in Pakistan

• Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur – Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ
• Markaz Taiba, Muridke – Lashkar-e-Taiba base.

• Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot – Hizbul Mujahideen camp
• Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala – LeT linked religious-indoctrination hub.

Proved Targets in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir:

• Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad – Jaish Training Centre
• Shwawai Nalla Camp, Muzaffarabad – LeT operations unit
• Makaz Raheel Shahid, Kotli – Hizbul Mujahideen Center
• Markaz Abbas, Kotli – JeM safehouse

Also read – Civil Defence Mock Drill & Blackout on 7 May

Weapons Used In Operation Sindoor

India used a suite of high-precision, long-range strike weapons in operation. Among these were the "SCALP cruise missile," the "HAMMER precision bomb," and "loitering munitions."

• SCALP (Storm Shadow): The SCALP missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with a range surpassing 250 kilometers and developed for deep-strike capabilities.
• HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range): The HAMMER smart bomb was utilized to hit solidified infrastructure such as reinforced bunkers and multi-story buildings used as training and logistical centers by LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The HAMMER is a precision-guided, standoff munition capable of striking targets at ranges of 50-70 kilometers, depending on launch altitude.
• Loitering Munitions: It is also known as "kamikaze drones," loitering munitions were deployed for surveillance, terminal strike roles, and target acquisition. These drone systems flow over target locations and, autonomously or under remote control, recognize and destroy dangers. 

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Timeline of Events Leading to Operation Sindoor

April 22

Pahalgam attack; India blames Pakistan.

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April 23-27

India suspends Indus Water Treaty, closes Attari border, revokes SAARC visas, downgrades ties, expels diplomats, bans some Pakistani media.

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April 24

Pakistan suspends Shimla Agreement, closes Wagah Border, closes airspace, halts all trade.

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May 5

UNSC Meeting: Following Pakistan's request, the UN Security Council holds a closed-door consultation on India-Pakistan tensions. While no official statement is issued, reports indicate that some members condemned the Pahalgam attack and asked Pakistan tough questions about the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The UNSC urged de-escalation and bilateral dialogue.

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April 28 Onwards

Increased border tensions, LoC firing reported, Pakistan missile test.

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May 7

India launches "Operation Sindoor" strikes on terrorist sites inside Pakistan/PoK; Pakistan condemns, alerts air force. India conducts nationwide civil defence mock drill "Operation Abhyaas".

Operation Sindoor – Key Facts for UPSC Current Affairs Preparation

UPSC aspirants must keep themselves updated with the latest news on Operation Sindoor as well as the important facts related to it. Go through the following table for a quick summary of Operation Sindoor from UPSC point of view - 

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How Many Died in Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, allegedly linked to militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India claimed to have killed over 100 militants, while Pakistan reported 31 civilian deaths and 46 injuries, including children. The strikes also resulted in the deaths of 15 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir due to retaliatory Pakistani artillery fire. Pakistan's Prime Minister condemned the Indian strikes as "cowardly" and vowed retaliation, while India defended the operation as a measured response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.

Significance of Operation Sindoor for India

This operation, Operation Sindoor, is a notable escalation of India's response to cross-border terrorism. It is declared to be the first time since the 1971 Indo-Pak war that all three branches of the Indian military have united to strike targets within Pakistan. The name "Sindoor," a Hindi term for the vermilion that married Hindu women wear, is said to symbolize nationwide mourning and determination, particularly for the couples who were targeted in the Pahalgam attack. 

Pakistan’s Full Statement After Operation Sindoor

It was reported that after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan declared it shot down three Rafale Planes, one SU-30 and one MIG-29, flown by India, a Pakistan Military representative informed Reuters. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said his nation's military shot down five Indian jets and took an unknown number of Indian soldiers prisoner.

He also stated, "They have taken the initiative, and we have just responded," Pakistan's Asif told a Pakistani media channel. "We have been saying throughout the last fortnight that we will never initiate anything hostile toward India. But if India attacks, we'll respond. If India backs down, we will wrap up,".

The Centre said that "The announcement came as the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor,' shooting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist aggression mainly arises against India, have been planned and directed." 

Operation Sindoor - Pakistan's Response

🔴 Civilian Casualties: Pakistan's Foreign Ministry declared that eight civilians were killed and 35 others were wounded, including women and children, as an outcome of the missile strikes. The Pakistani army also alleged that Indian missiles targeted civilian locations in cities like Sialkot and Muzaffarabad. Yet, India denied these protestations, repeating that only terror bases were smashed.

🔴Military Revenge: After India's strikes, Pakistan resorted to artillery shelling and firing across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), showing heightened uncertainties along the border. Three Indian civilians were reported killed in the Pakistani shelling. India's military answered proportionately.

🔴Pakistan Declares To Have Shot Down Indian Jets: In a significant escalation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian jets: Three Rafale aircraft, One SU-30, and One MiG-29. This claim was later confirmed by Pakistani administrators, who also said that Indian pilots had been captured. Yet, India has not independently confirmed these declarations.

🔴Messages from Pakistan's Leadership: Pakistani heads criticized India's military moves, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling it a "cowardly attack." Pakistan reserved the right to react decisively to what it termed as an unprovoked attack. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif commented, "We will respond if India attacks, but if they back down, we will wrap up."

Impact of “Operation Sindoor” on India-Pakistan Relations

Pakistan has cleared its airspace following India's Operation Sindoor mission that smashed nine locations. This followed after blasts were heard in different cities, including Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur. The statement further said that power was blacked out in Muzaffarabad.

It said Indian armed forces' actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalators in nature, stating that "no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated significant restraint in the choice of targets and the implementation method."

Impact on Civilian Life and Flights

Amid growing pressures, flight operations in northern India were severely impacted. Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet canceled or delayed flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, and several other cities. Airports in these areas were temporarily closed, and flights were disrupted until further notification.

Global Responses and Geopolitical Implications

1. Global Concern: The international community has worried about the rising pressures between India and Pakistan, urging both sides to de-escalate and engage in discussion.
2. US and UN Reactions: The United States and the United Nations have urged restraint and called for stability in the province, worrying that the situation could become an enormous conflict.

Way Forward

Operation Sindoor marks a notable shift in India's approach to counter-terrorism. By targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India has sent a powerful message about its resolve to operate against terror parties operating on its borders. 

Now, the focus remains on the protection and security of civilians, the requirement for diplomatic channels to stay open, and the significance of global actions to bypass additional escalation in the already explosive area.

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