In May 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This action was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indian tourists lost their lives. The operation has intensified tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, drawing international attention and raising concerns about regional stability.
Operation Sindoor: A Coordinated Military Response
Operation Sindoor was a meticulously planned operation involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The operation targeted nine terrorist sites, including locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, known hubs for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed . Precision-guided munitions, such as SCALP-EG cruise missiles and AASM HAMMER bombs, were employed to minimize collateral damage.
One of the significant outcomes of the operation was the elimination of Abdul Rauf Azhar, the mastermind behind the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and a key figure in Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: Catalyst for Retaliation
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the death of 26 Hindu tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, prompting a decisive military response.
Pakistan's Admission of Terrorist Support
In a revealing interview with Sky News on April 24, 2025, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted to the country’s history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organizations, referring to it as “dirty work” for the West . This admission was further corroborated by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a CNBC interview, acknowledging the nation’s long-standing ties with terrorist groups.
India's Strategic Measures to Isolate Pakistan
India has initiated several diplomatic and economic strategies to isolate Pakistan on the global stage:
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has taken steps to regulate water flow from the Chenab River, impacting Pakistan’s agriculture-dependent economy .
- Reuters
- The Times of India
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- Economic Pressures: Efforts are underway to discourage multinational companies from operating in Pakistan, leveraging India’s vast market as an incentive.
- The Tribune
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Diplomatic Isolation: India is actively working to curtail international funding and support to Pakistan, highlighting its role in fostering terrorism.
The Exodus of Kashmiri Hindus: A Historical Context
The current tensions also bring to light the 1989-1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus, where approximately 90,000 to 100,000 individuals fled the valley due to threats and violence from militant groups . This historical event underscores the longstanding challenges in the region and the impact of terrorism on civilian populations.
International Reactions and Alliances
Russia: Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to Russia’s Victory Day Parade on May 9, 2025. However, due to the escalating situation, India decided to lower its level of representation .
- The Moscow Times
- Times of India
- China: While reaffirming its support for Pakistan, China has called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- The Economic Times
- United States: President Trump has urged both nations to de-escalate tensions and engage in diplomatic dialogue.
- WSJ
The Concept of 'Pulse-Pause' Warfare
The current conflict exhibits characteristics of ‘pulse-pause’ warfare, where short bursts of intense military activity are followed by periods of relative calm. This approach aims to achieve tactical objectives while avoiding full-scale war. In the context of India and Pakistan, such strategies are employed to manage hostilities without escalating to nuclear confrontation.
Operation Sindoor marks a significant chapter in India’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard its national security. The operation’s precision and coordination reflect India’s commitment to addressing threats decisively. However, the broader implications underscore the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to ensure regional stability.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 | Vande Mataram | Salute to the Armed Forces of India
