What is Operation Sindoor? India’s Strikes on 7 May, Know Full Details

Recently On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive and focused military operation aimed at striking at the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The operation has become a major headline grabber across the world, not only because of its military precision, but also because of its wider geopolitical significance. Let’s know first, what is operation sindoor?

We will explain the background of Operation Sindoor, its objectives, target locations, its context in recent events, and how it connects to India’s wider military history – including an interesting link to the 1999 Kargil War. Let’s understand this in detail.

What is Operation Sindoor?

According to the official press release of the Indian Ministry of Defence, Operation Sindoor was launched as a precision strike mission targeting terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC) and inside Pakistan. The aim of this operation was to destroy terrorist infrastructure being used to plan and direct attacks against India.

Operation Sindoor was a code name used by the Indian Army in Kargil, during the Kargil War of 1999 between India and Pakistan. Specifically, it was the mission to recapture the strategic peak of Point 5060 in the Kargil sector, which had been occupied by Pakistani forces.

The key points of the official statement were:

Nine sites were targeted in Pakistan and PoK.
Only terrorist infrastructure was attacked – no Pakistani military facilities were involved.
The operation was described as focused, measured and non-aggressive, reflecting India’s restraint and commitment to avoid a wider military conflict.
It was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 25 Indians and one Nepali civilian.

The name “Sindoor” has deep cultural significance. Sindoor (vermilion) is a red coloured powder traditionally used in Hindu rituals, symbolising sacrifice, valour and victory. This makes the code name highly symbolic, reflecting the moral and cultural resolve behind the operation.

Why was Operation Sindoor launched?

The immediate trigger for Operation Sindoor was the Pahalgam terror attack, a brutal incident that claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali national. The attack shocked the entire nation and led to public outrage for stern action against the perpetrators.

Based on intelligence, the Indian government identified specific terror camps and infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan that were involved in planning and directing such attacks. Instead of launching a full-scale military operation, India opted for a targeted and restrained response, sending a clear message:

India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism, and those responsible will be held accountable.

This approach is consistent with the pattern of India’s recent military responses, including the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, both of which were designed to neutralise terror threats without triggering a wider war.

Nine locations targete

A widely circulated map shows the nine locations that were targeted during the operation. These locations house terror infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other groups.

Here is a list of the nine attacked locations:

1. Muzaffarabad – The capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, known for terror operations.

2. Gulpur – A town near the Line of Control often used as a launchpad for infiltration.

3. Bhimbar – Close to the Line of Control, home to terror camps and supply routes.

4. Sialkot – A town in Pakistan’s Punjab, near the international border.

5. Mudrike – Another location in Pakistan’s Punjab, suspected to have training facilities.

6. Chak Amru – Visible on both sides of the border on the map; important for infiltration routes.

7. Kotli – A district in PoK known for the presence of terrorists.

8. Bahawalpur – inside Pakistan, has historically been a stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

9. Chak Amru (again) – reinforced on the map, highlights its importance.

These locations were carefully chosen to have maximum impact on the terrorist network while minimising civilian and military escalation.

Strategic importance of targets

Why were these locations chosen? Let us briefly explain their importance:

• Muzaffarabad and Kotli are considered nerve centres for the terrorist leadership in PoK.

• Gulpur and Bhimber serve as key points for launching infiltrators into Jammu and Kashmir.

• Sialkot and Mudrik are deep inside Pakistan’s Punjab, which widens the strike zone and indicates India’s ability to strike beyond the LoC.

• Bhawalpur is particularly important, as it has long been associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, the group behind major attacks such as Pulwama (2019).

• Chak Amru serves as a strategic point near the border for cross-border movement.

By attacking these locations India sent a clear military and political message of going into a full-scale war without crossing the red line.

Link to Kargil: The Historic Echo

Interestingly, the name Operation Sindoor was also used during the 1999 Kargil war. During Kargil, Operation Sindoor referred to the mission to recapture Point 5060, a key mountain peak occupied by the Pakistani army. This peak overlooked the strategic Srinagar-Leh highway (NH1), which was crucial to India’s military supply lines. In that context, Operation Sindoor symbolised: War success at high altitude Sacrifice and valour in extreme conditions A turning point in the Kargil conflict By reusing the name for the 2025 airstrikes, the Indian armed forces appear to be invoking a sense of national resolve and military determination.

India’s message to the world

Operation Sindoor is not just a military operation – it is a diplomatic signal.

India’s official statement highlights that:

✓ The action was non-aggressive – no Pakistani military targets were attacked.

✓ Great restraint was shown in the selection of targets.

✓ The aim was to hold terrorists accountable, not to punish the Pakistani state or people.

This is in line with India’s strategy to maintain its image as a responsible power that uses force only when necessary and proportionate, while drawing clear red lines against terrorism.

What’s next?

According to the press release, the Indian government promised to provide details on Operation Sindoor later the same day. It will likely include the following:

– Operational details (possibly with video or satellite evidence)

– Damage assessment

– India’s next diplomatic steps

Internationally, there may be calls for restraint and de-escalation, but India’s action is likely to receive tacit support from many countries frustrated by Pakistan-based terrorism.

Operation Sindoor Another chapter: Be Pateint

Operation Sindoor marks another chapter in India’s evolving approach to national security: precise, targeted, restrained, yet unflinching in the face of terrorism.

By combining military power with diplomatic messaging, India seeks to maintain stability in the region while protecting its citizens. The operation also reminds us of the continued importance of vigilance along the Line of Control and the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism.

For the Indian public, Operation Sindoor is likely to become a symbol of national unity and resolve, just like the Kargil victory, the 2016 surgical strikes, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

As we await further briefings and details, one thing is clear – India has drawn a firm line in the sand, and it expects that line to be respected.

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