On May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor, a targeted military strike by the Indian Armed Forces, hit nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists, the operation has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistan, which labeled it a violation of international law. This article examines the operation, Pakistan’s response, India’s political unity, and the broader implications for India-Pakistan relations.
The Indian Ministry of Defence described the operation as a precise response to the Pahalgam terror attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selecting the codename “Sindoor” to honor women affected by terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh coordinated with service chiefs, while NSA Ajit Doval briefed international allies, emphasizing India’s restraint in avoiding Pakistani military or civilian targets. The operation reportedly killed 80-90 terrorists, focusing on terror hubs without escalating into a broader India-Pakistan war.
Pakistan’s Condemnation and Retaliation
Pakistan strongly condemned Operation Sindoor, with the Pakistan Foreign Ministry calling it a “flagrant violation of the UN Charter” and an “act of war.” Pakistan alleged that Indian strikes targeted civilian areas in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, causing civilian casualties, including women and children. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan reserved the right to respond, with its military reportedly engaging in retaliatory fire along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in casualties on the Indian side. Pakistan closed its airspace, suspended flights in northern India, and shut down educational institutions in Islamabad. The Pakistani army claimed to have shot down Indian jets, though India has not confirmed these claims, highlighting a wave of misinformation from Pakistani sources.
🇮🇳 Operation Sindoor 🇮🇳
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) May 7, 2025
All educational institutions in Islamabad — schools and colleges — have been SHUT DOWN. pic.twitter.com/cs4RkBX4bA
India’s Unified Political Support
In India, Operation Sindoor garnered widespread political backing. Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi praised the operation, with Modi vowing to pursue terrorists “to the ends of the earth.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” reflecting national pride.
The Congress Party, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, expressed strong support for the Indian Armed Forces, commending their “resolute resolve and courage.” Kharge emphasized national unity, stating that “national interest is supreme” in the fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and PoK. This rare BJP-Congress unity underscores the operation’s significance in addressing national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Escalating Tensions and Global Concerns
The United Nations urged both nations to exercise restraint, amid fears of a broader India-Pakistan war in 2025. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed a unified defense of sovereignty, while India’s Ministry of Defence announced a press briefing to detail Operation Sindoor. The operation’s fallout, including LoC conflicts and civilian casualties reported by Pakistan, has heightened regional instability. NSA Ajit Doval and PM Modi held meetings to assess the situation, while Home Secretary convened discussions at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The strikes, while precise, have reignited debates over India-Pakistan relations, with Pakistan accusing India of using terrorism as a pretext for aggression. The international community, distracted by other crises, faces challenges in mediating this nuclear-armed rivalry.
In conclusion, Operation Sindoor marks a bold step in India’s fight against terrorism but has intensified India-Pakistan news dynamics. While India celebrates its surgical strike, Pakistan’s retaliation and claims of UN Charter violations signal a volatile path ahead. The unified support from BJP and Congress reflects India’s resolve, but the risk of further LoC conflict looms large.
