Operation SINDOOR Summary: India’s Strategic, Multi-Dimensional Retaliation

Trigger Incident

  • April 22, 2025: Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked a village in Pahalgam, killing 26 civilians based on religious identity — an attempt to incite communal violence within India.

Mission Objectives

  • Punish terrorists and planners
  • Destroy terror infrastructure across the border
  • Avoid escalation, maintain operational ethics and precision

Key Military Actions

  1. Precision Airstrikes:
    • 9 terror camps destroyed in Pakistan and PoJK
    • Over 100 terrorists killed (LeT, JeM, Hizbul)
    • Deep strikes inside Punjab, Bahawalpur – even beyond LoC
    • Indian Air Force bypassed Chinese air defense systems in 23 minutes using Rafales, SCALP & HAMMER missiles
  2. Eliminated High-Value Targets:
    • Top terrorists neutralized: Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, Mudassir Ahmad
  3. Pakistan Airbases Targeted:
    • 11 airbases struck (May 9–10), destroying 20% of Pakistan’s air assets
    • Heavy losses at Bhoolari Airbase, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf
  4. Drones & UAV Intrusions Post-Ceasefire:
    • Intercepted and neutralized by India’s Akashteer air defense system

Information Warfare

  • Pakistan launched misinformation campaigns
  • India responded with:
    • Transparency and factual communication
    • Counter-propaganda efforts
    • Digital vigilance and public media literacy campaigns

Ceasefire

  • Declared on 10 May, 5:00 PM IST
  • Despite ceasefire, Pakistan violated terms via UAVs
  • Indian commanders authorized for immediate retaliation upon any further violations

Non-Military Measures

  1. Termination of Indus Waters Treaty:
    • Suspended until Pakistan abandons terrorism
    • Impacts 80% of Pak’s agriculture, threatens food & water security, and may cripple industries
  2. Trade & Border Actions:
    • Closed Attari-Wagah border
    • Suspended all bilateral trade
    • Banned Pakistani imports/exports, artists, and streaming content
  3. Diplomatic Sanctions:
    • Reduced diplomatic staff in Pakistani High Commission from 55 to 30
    • Declared defence advisors persona non grata
    • Revoked SAARC Visa exemptions for Pakistanis

Strategic Outcomes

  • New Strategic Doctrine:
    • Terror attacks = acts of war
    • No separation between terrorists and state sponsors
  • Global Support: Widespread international backing for India’s response
  • Narrative Control: India framed Kashmir issue as a counter-terrorism, not political issue
  • Tri-service coordination: Army, Navy, Air Force operated with full synergy

Leadership & Clarity

  • PM Narendra Modi:
    • Directed the operation while on a diplomatic visit abroad
    • Avoided emotional responses; focused on strategic unpredictability
    • Earned bipartisan praise for restrained yet firm action
    • Asserted: “Blood and water cannot flow together”

Key Achievements

  • Exposed Pakistan’s weak air defense
  • Dismantled terror ecosystem
  • Inflicted military and economic costs without civilian casualties
  • Set a precedent for bold and proportional responses to cross-border terrorism

Summary: PIB

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