What is Operation Sindoor? 10 Key Things You Need To Know

On the morning of May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces started Operation Sindoor, a well-devised and target-specific military operation against nine terror establishments in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This strong action was taken in direct retaliation for the recent incident in Pahalgam. 
A press briefing was held at the National Media Centre, Delhi at 10:30 am today regarding the Operation Sindoor. 

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Press Briefing on #OperationSindoor

📍 National Media Centre, New Delhi

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Operation Sindoor: A Calculated and Strong Response

Operation Sindoor was backed by precision and restraint, a sign of India's commitment to maintain ethical military practices even as it took strong actions to secure its citizens. The operation was a collective effort by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, making extensive use of best in class surveillance, intelligence, and precision weapons to ensure that terror infrastructures were attacked, going out of its way to select areas, avoiding civilian habitations and Pakistani military complexes. The attacks began from Indian airspace, making sure that the damage only sustained to terror sites and military camps.

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Key Takeaways from Operation Sindoor

• Operation Sindoor was a combined tri-service precision strike on terror camps based in Pakistan and PoK.
• Nine terror locations associated with JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen were the target of the strikes.
• The operation was calibrated and non-escalatory and avoided all targets associated with Pakistani military and civilians.
• It was direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 civilians.
• Indian authorities worked closely with the international communities to emphasize Pakistan's support to terror outfits.
• Pakistan retaliated with increased military alert but no confirmed counterattacks.

The operation shows India's determination to hold terrorists accountable while maintaining ethical military standards.

The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism. #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/dmcCLfbMjN

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 7, 2025

Aftermath and International Response

After the attacks, Pakistan's military put its air force on red alert and threatened retaliation, although credible reports have yet to emerge to substantiate Pakistani counterattacks. Pakistani media and government sources spread disinformation, such as phony reports of missile strikes within India and destruction of Indian military targets, which independent experts have dismissed.

Also Checkout: History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)

India's Defence Ministry reiterated that Operation Sindoor was "non-escalatory, measured and focused," with only a target being terror infrastructure which was behind the Pahalgam attack. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had informed all important international partners, including the US, Russia, UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, about the link of Pakistan-based terror outfits with the attack by providing evidence to them.

The Nine Terror Sites Targeted

The mission targeted terror camps of the proscribed groups accused of plotting attacks on India. The nine targeted sites included:

These sites were carefully selected to target senior terrorist leadership and training hubs, with Indian forces demonstrating considerable restraint by avoiding Pakistani military targets.

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Operation Sindoor is an achievement in India's continued efforts to counter cross-border terrorism, balancing military precision with strategic restraint to send a clear message against terror without escalating hostilities.