Operation Sindoor: In a stunning show of military strength, India launched Operation Sindoor — a coordinated, pre-planned and high-intensity counterstrike across the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistani territory — to dismantle terror networks and issue a clear warning to Pakistan: “We are not bound by restraint when provoked.”
Within 72 hours of the Pahalgam terror massacre that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians — including pilgrims and security forces — India’s tri-services acted decisively. In the largest and most aggressive response since the 2019 Balakot strikes, Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps, training centers, radar bases, and communication hubs across the border.
Table of Contents
Who Spoke at the Historic Briefing?
A high-level tri-services press conference was held at 6:30 PM on Sunday, May 11, 2025, lasting over 60 minutes. It featured:
- Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai (Director General of Military Operations – DGMO)
- Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod (Flag Officer, Indian Navy Operations)
- Air Marshal Avdhesh Kumar Bharti (Deputy Chief, IAF Operations)
Each officer gave an account of the scale, precision, intent, and outcomes of Operation Sindoor. All three services emphasized coordination and clarity of objective — neutralizing terror threats and protecting Indian civilian lives without seeking escalation.
“Our target was terror, not the Pakistani state,” said Lt. Gen. Ghai.
Why Operation Sindoor Was Inevitable
The trigger was the Pahalgam terror attack on May 6, 2025, carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, with clear cross-border support. 26 pilgrims, including women and children, were gunned down in cold blood. Despite multiple warnings, Pakistan failed to act against terror groups operating openly on its soil.
Indian agencies traced the plot back to:
- Bahawalpur and Muridke terror camps
- Coordinated support from Pakistani ISI
- Intercepted radio signals involving Pulwama attack planner and Kandahar hijack mastermind
Why the Name ‘Sindoor’?
Strategic experts note that the operation was likely named “Sindoor” to symbolize:
- Sacrifice of Indian mothers and wives (sindoor being a symbol of marriage and martyrdom)
- Red hot retaliation against terror
- Holy resolve — a war not just of weapons, but of dharma
Ceasefire Broken — Pakistan’s Gamble Failed
Despite a DGMO-level ceasefire agreement on May 10 (to take effect from 7 PM IST), Pakistan violated it within hours, firing at Indian positions and launching drone incursions.
“They thought we would back off. We didn’t,” said Air Marshal Bharti.
Key Highlights of Operation Sindoor
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 7 May 2025 |
| Primary Objective | Destroy 9 identified terror camps in PoK and Pakistan |
| Result | 100 terrorists killed, including top commanders |
| Pakistani Army Casualties | 35–40 soldiers |
| Indian Martyrs | 5 soldiers, 1 officer from Para SF |
| Major Targets Destroyed | Muridke, Bahawalpur, Chaklala Airbase radar, Lahore naval post |
The Indian Air Force used high-precision air-to-ground munitions, GPS-guided bombs, and stand-off missiles. Four air-launched weapons completely destroyed the Muridke camp, known to house LeT’s command headquarters.
Weapons Used? Officials Stay Tight-Lipped
The press conference was filled with tough questions. But the top brass chose strategic silence over media frenzy.
Q: Were Rafales or BrahMos used?
A: “No comment. All pilots returned safely.”
Q: How many enemy aircraft were intercepted?
A: “Enough. Details will be shared after operational debrief.”
Q: Were S-400 systems used in the defensive phase?
A: “All systems functioned at 100%. No hostile projectile reached any Indian target.”
Officials emphasized that India’s missile defense shield was activated across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu, ensuring zero casualties from Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile efforts.
Pakistan’s Retaliation Crushed Instantly
In a desperate response, Pakistan:
- Deployed 16 drones and UAVs toward Jammu, Rajasthan and Punjab
- Launched low-intensity surface rockets toward LoC villages
- Attempted a cyber-disruption in Kashmir’s command grid
India neutralized all attempts. Drones were shot down by Akash and SPYDER missile systems. One drone landed near a BSF post but caused no harm.
“We were ready. Pakistan’s strategy failed even before it began,” said Air Marshal Bharti.
Navy’s Silent Dominance in Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy deployed stealth frigates and P-8I reconnaissance aircraft across the Arabian Sea. All Pakistani naval movements were monitored in real time.
“Their ships never left base. They were shadowed throughout,” Vice Admiral Pramod stated.
The Navy also carried out silent drills near the Gwadar-Karachi stretch, sending a strategic message to China, which is building naval infrastructure in that corridor.
Wave Two: The Counter-Counterstrike
As Pakistan violated the ceasefire post-Operation Sindoor, India launched Wave Two of precision strikes:
- Targeted air raids on Chaklala and Rahriyar Khan airbases
- Destruction of radar and SAM sites in Gujranwala, Lahore
- Suppression of command-and-control links feeding Bahawalpur camps
India’s air dominance ensured zero IAF losses in both offensive and defensive operations.
“We never lost air superiority — not even for a second,” Bharti confirmed.
Five Indian Soldiers Martyred — Nation Salutes Their Bravery
During the ground assault phase near Kel sector and Tangdhar, India lost:
- 1 officer from Para SF
- 3 infantry soldiers
- 1 engineer in demolition ops
Their sacrifice led to the destruction of 3 major terror tunnels and arms caches.
The DGMO ended the briefing with a moment of silence and vowed:
“Their blood will not go in vain. Their mission is our mission.”
India’s Final Message to Pakistan
“Our problem is not with Pakistan’s Army. But if they shield terrorists, we will treat them the same.” — DGMO
The Armed Forces conveyed to Pakistan’s DGMO:
“One more drone. One more bullet. One more attack — and we will unleash a response 10 times stronger.”
No more warning shots. The new Indian doctrine under Operation Sindoor is zero tolerance, maximum precision.
Global Reactions Pour In
- USA: “India has the right to defend its people.”
- France: “India’s restraint and precision are commendable.”
- China: Silent
- Russia: “We urge peace, but support India’s anti-terror efforts.”
- UN: Called for de-escalation but refrained from condemning India.
ByNews-View: India Draws a Red Line
Operation Sindoor is not just a military strike — it is a strategic declaration. The age of silent tolerance is over. The ceasefire, once sacred, will now be honored only if Pakistan stops weaponizing peace.
India has sent a loud message:
Terrorism will be eradicated at source.
Ceasefire is not a shield for cowardice.
Every Indian life matters.
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