On April 22, 2025, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, shook the entire nation. This cowardly assault claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. The terrorists targeted tourists based on their religion, shooting men while sparing women with the taunt, “Go tell Modi.”
The attack not only raised questions about India’s security apparatus but also ignited a fire of outrage in the hearts of every Indian. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on the night of May 6-7, 2025, conducting precise airstrikes on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Pahalgam Attack:
Pahalgam, a picturesque tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir known for its natural beauty and tranquility, became a target of terror on April 22, 2025. In the Baisaran Valley, terrorists attacked tourists, selectively targeting Hindu men.
The attack claimed 26 lives and left several others injured. The terrorists not only killed innocent people but also humiliated women, instructing them to convey the news of the attack to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident sparked nationwide anger.
The Pahalgam attack was not an ordinary terrorist incident; it was a direct assault on India’s sovereignty and security. The terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility, with clear links to Pakistan. The attack evoked memories of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Across the country, people demanded stringent action from the government. On social media, hashtags like #PahalgamTerrorAttack and #JusticeForPahalgam began trending, reflecting the public’s fury.
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) May 7, 2025
जय हिन्द! #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/rUPYhXCjHR
Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, declared, “The time has come to crush the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. The terrorists will face a punishment beyond their imagination.” His statement was not mere rhetoric but a symbol of resolute intent, soon manifested in Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Precise and Restrained Action
Operation Sindoor, named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, was launched exactly 15 days after the Pahalgam attack, on the night of May 6-7, 2025. It was a joint effort by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Indian Air Force conducted precise airstrikes between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on Tuesday, targeting nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoK. These included locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, where terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen operated their camps.
The hallmark of this operation was its precision and restraint. India ensured that no Pakistani military installations were targeted to avoid unnecessary escalation. The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) provided pinpoint intelligence, enabling the use of 24 missiles. According to the Ministry of Defence, over 100 terrorists were eliminated, and the infrastructure of terrorist organizations was completely destroyed.
The name ‘Sindoor’ was symbolic, dedicated to the women whose husbands were martyred in the Pahalgam attack. In Indian culture, sindoor represents marital bond, and through this operation, India responded to the grief of the widows whose partners were taken by terrorists. Prime Minister Modi monitored the operation throughout the night, granting the armed forces full autonomy, making this action historic.
Pakistan’s Reaction and the International Community’s Stance
Operation Sindoor caused chaos in Pakistan. The Pakistani military and government labeled the strikes as “cowardly” and “provocative.” Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that India targeted residential areas and mosques, but the Indian military released video evidence refuting these claims.
Pakistani Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistan would “respond at a time and place of its choosing,” but their frustration was evident.
In retaliation, Pakistan initiated firing along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting civilians in areas like Poonch and Rajouri. The Indian Army responded decisively, but India made it clear that it did not wish to escalate tensions further. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to the international community for intervention, but his pleas received little attention.
The international response was mixed. U.S. President Donald Trump remarked, “We knew India would do something big.” Media outlets like France 24 and CNN described India’s action as a response to the Pahalgam attack, while some Pakistani channels called it an aggressive move.
At the United Nations, India described the Pahalgam attack as the most significant terrorist attack since 26/11 and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism. Many countries viewed India’s action as a strong step against terrorism, while Pakistan faced criticism for harboring terrorist groups.
Strategic and Emotional Significance of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was not just a military action; it was a symbol of India’s strategic strength and emotional unity. Strategically, it showcased India’s military capabilities and the prowess of its intelligence apparatus. The Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets and precision weaponry rendered Pakistan’s air defense systems ineffective. Like the Balakot airstrike of 2019, this operation was a masterstroke, sending a clear message to Pakistan that India could go to any lengths to combat terrorism.
Emotionally, Operation Sindoor provided a sense of justice to the families of the Pahalgam attack victims. Aishanya, the wife of Shubham Dwivedi from Kanpur, who was martyred in the attack, said, “Operation Sindoor is the answer to my husband’s sacrifice and my sindoor. I thank Prime Minister Modi for delivering justice.”
Across the country, people praised the Indian armed forces and the government for this action. On social media, hashtags like “Jai Hind” and “#OperationSindoor” trended as citizens expressed their patriotism and pride.
This operation was a historic moment for India, strengthening the fight against terrorism and demonstrating that India would no longer be limited to mere condemnation. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “We followed the ideals of Lord Hanuman. We seek peace, but if anyone dares to challenge us, we will respond decisively.”
Operation Sindoor is a testament to India’s unwavering resolve to not tolerate terrorism at any cost. The Pahalgam attack plunged the nation into grief and anger, but Operation Sindoor transformed that sorrow into justice and pride. This operation was not only a response to the Pahalgam attack but also a reckoning for past terrorist attacks like Mumbai, Uri, and Pulwama.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has shown that it is not only committed to the safety of its citizens but also ready to play a leading role in the global fight against terrorism. Operation Sindoor sent a clear message to Pakistan that India will no longer remain silent. This is a new India, one that will confront its enemies on their own turf.
Moving forward, India must further strengthen its security apparatus to prevent attacks like Pahalgam from recurring. Additionally, the international community must unite to take decisive steps against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has proven that India is second to none in the battle against terrorism.