Operation Sindoor showcased India’s self-reliant defense capabilities, with coordinated air, land, and sea strikes targeting terror camps without civilian casualties, reinforcing its commitment to measured, strategic retaliation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 11, 2025 – In a powerful display of military synergy and strategic resolve, India’s Armed Forces unveiled the details of Operation Sindoor—a coordinated tri-services offensive that neutralized over 100 terrorists and obliterated key terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in direct retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including those of pilgrims and security personnel.
At a landmark press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, senior military leaders from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force provided a detailed briefing on the execution, objectives, and fallout of the mission. The session was led by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), accompanied by Air Marshal A.K. Bharti and Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod.
Lieutenant General Ghai stated that Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was intended to “punish perpetrators and dismantle terror infrastructure operating with impunity across the border.” Indian forces targeted nine known terror hubs affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed—two UN-designated terrorist organizations—located in Muridke, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli.
Despite reports that some camps were evacuated ahead of the strikes, the operation successfully eliminated over 100 terrorists, including high-value operatives linked to past attacks like the IC814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Ghai emphasized the use of advanced, indigenous military technology to conduct precision strikes while ensuring civilian areas were spared.
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Tri-Services Coordination and Strategic Precision
Air Marshal A.K. Bharti lauded the professionalism and accuracy of the Indian Air Force, confirming that key terrorist installations were surgically struck without harming Pakistani civilian or military infrastructure. He added that several Pakistani fighter aircraft were intercepted and downed in the operation’s early hours.
On the evening of May 7, Pakistan launched a retaliatory wave of UAV and drone attacks targeting Indian civilian and military sites. Most were intercepted by Indian air defense systems, though three drones penetrated defenses and caused minimal damage. Bharti contrasted this with India’s carefully calibrated strikes: “We targeted terror. They targeted civilians.”
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod highlighted the Indian Navy’s role in maintaining real-time maritime domain awareness throughout the operation. He confirmed that all Pakistani naval movements were tracked, and the Indian Navy was ready for offensive action from the sea if required. Pramod emphasized the Navy’s “measured, non-escalatory, and responsible” posture as part of a broader strategic deterrence.
The press conference also shed light on Pakistan’s breach of a ceasefire agreement reached during a DGMO-level hotline call on May 10. General Ghai revealed that at 15:35 hrs on May 10, both sides agreed to cease hostilities by 17:00 hrs. However, the Pakistan Army violated this within hours by initiating cross-border firing and drone incursions.
#WATCH | Delhi | DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai says, “I pay my solemn homage to my five fallen colleagues and brothers from the armed forces and civilians who tragically lost their lives in Operation Sindoor. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families…Their sacrifices… pic.twitter.com/1YAskzJ8SN
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025
“The Indian Army responded robustly,” Ghai declared. “We have made it clear that any repetition will be met with fierce counteraction.” He added that the Chief of Army Staff had authorized commanders on the ground to take decisive retaliatory measures without delay.
Political and Strategic Support
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the mission’s success as “a reflection of India’s military preparedness and the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.” He also condemned Pakistan’s attempt to strike non-military targets, including religious sites, while India maintained restraint and precision.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the use of indigenous loitering munitions—manufactured in Bengaluru—underlining India’s growing self-reliance in defense capabilities.
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General Ghai reported that 35–40 Pakistani Army personnel were killed between May 7 and 10. On the Indian side, one soldier and 12 civilians lost their lives in Poonch due to Pakistani shelling. Following the May 10 ceasefire, border regions in Rajasthan saw a partial return to normalcy, while Punjab implemented precautionary blackout protocols.
We are not ready to engage on matters of Kashmir. The only thing left on Kashmir is PoK. The message is that it is the DGMO-level talks which is the channel of communication with regard to cessation of military action. No third country or no third party is to be involved in this.… pic.twitter.com/uBmzNgfJKf
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2025
Targeting Infrastructure, Not Escalation
Air Marshal Bharti confirmed that radar installations near Lahore and Gujranwala were struck after Pakistan’s attacks on civilian areas. However, he reiterated India’s intent to avoid escalating the conflict, focusing only on dismantling terror networks. “Our goal is not confrontation with Pakistan’s military,” Bharti said. “It is to eliminate the threat of terrorism.”
The operation followed behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement, including U.S.-facilitated discussions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed Pakistan’s willingness to explore dialogue, but India opted for direct military-to-military communication, resulting in the May 10 hotline call.
Global reactions have been largely supportive of India’s calibrated response. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the ceasefire, while Russia, Qatar, and Spain called for restraint. In Pakistan, May 11 was marked as “Youm-i-Tashakkur,” or a day of gratitude, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for renewed dialogue on longstanding issues, including Kashmir.
Government sources confirmed that Operation Sindoor remains active, and the Indian military retains full operational authority to strike again if hostilities resume. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) advised the public to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
As of now, Indian troops continue to maintain high alert across the western front, ensuring preparedness against any further provocations.
