In response to the Pahalgam attack, India initiated “Operation Sindoor” in the early hours of May 7, 2025. This operation involved precision airstrikes targeting nine locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These air strikes were carried out jointly by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and lasted from 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM on May 7. The targeted sites include Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and more.
In a statement shared by the Defence Ministry, India emphasized that this retaliation against Pakistan has been “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature.” It further claimed that “No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.” India further stated that the strikes were carefully planned to avoid civilian casualties and were aimed solely at dismantling terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and POK. The operation was also described as a necessary measure to protect national security, especially after the “barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack” which claimed the life of 26 innocent civilians.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir. This resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The victims were primarily Hindu tourists, and the survivors claimed that the victims were attacked after asking about their religion. There wasn’t much doubt about who was behind the Pahalgam attack. It was attributed to the Pakistan-based militant groups, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. After this, there was a nationwide cry for retaliation, worsening the already existing India-Pakistan clashes.
Pakistan’s Response
After Operation Sindoor or the Sindoor attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, shared a tweet, condemning the airstrikes carried out by India on May 7. He then labeled them as an “act of war” and claimed that “a forceful response is being given.” Later, Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also released a statement claiming the airstrikes to be “an unprovoked and blatant act of war.” He further claimed that several civilians, including women and children, have been killed/injured in these airstrikes.
In retaliation for India’s attack on Pakistan in the form of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has also conducted artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC). This has resulted in the deaths of at least eight civilians in Kashmir. Additionally, Pakistan claimed to have shot down up to five Indian fighter jets, a claim that hasn’t been confirmed by India.
Strategic Significance of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor marks a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. This isn’t like the 2016 Uri surgical strikes or the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. In fact, it’s unlike any other past Indian operations. Most past operations were carried out on a smaller scale. However, Operation Sindoor was a technologically sound, extensive operation that killed 70 terrorists and destroyed multiple terror camps in Pakistan and POK.
In a debriefing session conducted in the latter part of the day, Col. Sofiya Qureshi addressed the media. She presented videos showing how India destroyed terror camps, including the Mehmoona Joya camp, Sarjal camp, Sialkot, and Muridke, among others. It was informed that these terror camps were responsible for planning and executing several terror attacks in India, including the attack on the Pathankot air force, the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks, and many others. This mission clearly showcases India’s willingness to conduct cross-border operations to neutralize threats.
Nationwide Mock Drills for Civil Preparedness
In the wake of Operation Sindoor and the heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, mock drills are being conducted across 244 locations across multiple Indian states to enhance civil preparedness. These exercises are coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) and local law enforcement. It is designed to educate civilians on emergency response protocols in case of any cross-border escalations, missile attacks, or airstrike warnings. From metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to sensitive border regions in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, several locations are included in this extensive list. These drills starting from May 7, 2025, include evacuation simulations, bomb shelter briefings, and first-aid response training. Authorities have urged citizens not to panic and treat the drills as precautionary preparedness efforts amid the current national security climate.
Current Status and Outlook
As of now, the situation remains volatile. Both nations have heightened military preparedness, and diplomatic ties have been strained. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation.
Where to Watch All Updates Related to Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Developments?
If you want to stay fully informed on every aspect of India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s response, and future implications, stay tuned to this space. You can also watch continuous coverage, detailed analysis, expert opinions, and real-time reporting on several trusted Indian news channels streaming LIVE on ZEE5. Here are some of the channels you can check for more updates on the same:
- Zee News – https://www.zee5.com/live-tv/zee-news/0-9-zeenews
- Aaj Tak – https://www.zee5.com/live-tv/aaj-tak/0-9-aajtak
- India Today – https://www.zee5.com/live-tv/india-today/0-9-indiatoday
- TV9 Bharatvarsh – https://www.zee5.com/live-tv/tv9-bharatvarsh/0-9-251
Apart from these top channels you can also check out other regional news channels like ZEE 24 Taas, ZEE News Telugu, ZEE 24 Ghanta, TV9 Gujarati, and more, on ZEE5’s NEWS section. With these, ZEE5 can be your go-to sources for tracking all developments—political, military, diplomatic, and strategic—related to India’s counter-terrorism efforts after Operation Sindoor.