Img Sourcer :ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY
In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, India launched missile strikes into Pakistani territory, an operation it designated “Operation Sindoor“. The Indian government stated that the strikes were a direct response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and were aimed at dismantling “terrorist infrastructure” located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to reports, the Indian missiles hit at least five different locations, including Muzaffarabad and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as well as Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province. India’s Ministry of Defense described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” asserting that the strikes specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure such as training camps and avoided any Pakistani military or government facilities. Furthermore, India claimed that the operation was executed using precision missiles launched from within Indian airspace, with no Indian aircraft crossing into Pakistani airspace, signaling an intention to limit the scope of the conflict. Indian officials confirmed that nine terror-linked sites were targeted, including locations associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Why Operation Sindoor
a newly married woman lost her husband in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and her emotional, public outburst was widely covered—especially her curses against the terrorists and grief over losing her sindoor (symbolizing marriage and love)—then naming the operation “Sindoor” would make sense.
The fictional name “Operation Sindoor” carries symbolic weight rooted in Indian cultural and emotional significance, which is often a factor in how military operations are named. Here’s why it might be called that.
Sindoor” (vermilion) is a red powder traditionally applied by married Hindu women along the parting of their hair. It symbolizes protection, honor, and sacred duty, especially toward one’s family or homeland.
Trigger Event
- April 22, 2025: A terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in 26 deaths, primarily Indian tourists
Indian Response
- Operation Sindoor: On May 6, India launched precision air and missile strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Casualties: Pakistan reported at least eight civilian deaths and over 35 injuries.
- Indian Losses: Pakistan claims to have shot down multiple Indian fighter jets and captured pilots.
Pakistani Reaction
- Retaliation: Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war” and initiated counterattacks, including artillery fire along the Line of Control, resulting in additional civilian casualties.
- Military Posture: Increased military activity observed along the border regions.
International Response
- Global Concern: World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urged both nations to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution have intensified amid fears of further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.