Operation Sindoor: The Indian Armed Forces had launched a missile strike on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK, including Bahawalpur, a known stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammad. These strikes were carried out in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and were conducted under the name “Operation Sindoor”. According to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, the operation was undertaken as a resolute response to the Pahalgam terror attack, with the objective of ensuring justice for its victims. The Army described the operation as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory”. The Army said that no Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a targeted military strike operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This strategic response came after the Pahalgam terror attack and involved precision strikes on nine identified terrorist hubs, including Bahawalpur—known as the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The operation was described by the Army as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," with explicit care taken to avoid Pakistani military installations. Operation Sindoor demonstrates India’s intent to counter terrorism decisively while avoiding unnecessary provocation.
Operation Sindoor: Targeted Places
The Indian Army has attacked the nine terror hubs of Pakistan. These sites were claimed to be occupied by various terrorist groups where they prepare strategies to launch terror attacks on India. One of these terror sites is Bahawalpur, which is known to be the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The Indian Armed Forces identified multiple terror-linked locations across Pakistan and PoK that were targeted during Operation Sindoor. These sites were associated with major terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, serving as operational bases, training camps, and weapons storage facilities.
Sites | Affiliation / Function |
Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur | Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed |
Markaz Taiba, Muridke | Lashkar-e-Taiba operational base |
Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot | Hizbul Mujahideen training camp |
Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala | Religious center associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba ideology |
Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad | Jaish-e-Mohammed combat training facility |
Shwawai Nalla Camp, Muzaffarabad | Lashkar-e-Taiba's field operations unit |
Makaz Raheel Shahid, Kotli | Hizbul Mujahideen coordination hub |
Markaz Abbas, Kotli | Jaish-e-Mohammed safehouse |
Sarjal Facility, Tehra Kalan | Cache for weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) |
Weapons Used in Operation Sindoor by India
India employed a range of advanced, precision-guided, long-distance strike systems during Operation Sindoor. These included the SCALP cruise missile, HAMMER guided bombs, and loitering munitions for surveillance and target elimination. Below is a summary of the key weapons used:
Weapon | Type | Details |
SCALP (Storm Shadow) | Long-range air-launched cruise missile | Designed for deep penetration strikes, this missile can travel over 250 km and is capable of hitting high-value targets with precision. |
HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) | Precision-guided bomb | Used against fortified structures like bunkers and buildings used by terrorist groups. It has a strike range of 50–70 km, depending on the height from which it is launched. |
Loitering Munitions | Drone-based precision strike system | These are remotely operated or autonomous drones that circle over an area, identify targets, and destroy them in a direct impact, making them effective for surveillance and final strikes. |
Operation Sindoor: Meaning in Hindi
भारतीय सशस्त्र बलों ने पाकिस्तान और पाकिस्तान अधिकृत कश्मीर (PoK) में नौ आतंकवादी ठिकानों पर मिसाइल हमला किया, जिनमें बहावलपुर भी शामिल है, जो जैश-ए-मोहम्मद का एक प्रमुख गढ़ माना जाता है। ये हमले पहलगाम आतंकी हमले के बाद किए गए और इन्हें “ऑपरेशन सिंदूर” नाम दिया गया। सेना ने इस अभियान को “केंद्रित, सीमित और गैर-उत्तेजक” बताया है। सेना ने कहा कि किसी भी पाकिस्तानी सैन्य प्रतिष्ठान को निशाना नहीं बनाया गया है। भारत ने लक्ष्यों के चयन और कार्रवाई की विधि में अत्यधिक संयम दिखाया है।
Operation Sindoor Press Release by PIB
The Ministry of Defence has released an official press release informing that the Indian Army had carried out a successful strike at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK and called it Operation Sindoor.
Past Military Operations by India Against Pakistan
India has conducted several strategic military operations against Pakistan in response to cross-border aggression and terrorist attacks. These missions showcase India’s evolving defence capabilities and its commitment to national security.
Operation Name | Year & Context | Description |
Operation Riddle | 1965 (Indo-Pak War) | Launched in response to Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar and Operation Grand Slam, this mission was part of India’s counteroffensive to repel incursions into Jammu and Kashmir. |
Operation Ablaze | 1965 (Pre-Indo-Pak War) | A preventive deployment by the Indian Army in April 1965 during escalating border tensions, especially in the Rann of Kutch. Though combat didn't follow immediately, it demonstrated India's preparedness. |
Operation Cactus Lily | 1971 (Bangladesh Liberation War) | A major ground and air assault during the Indo-Pak war in December 1971. Indian forces crossed the Meghna River to bypass strongholds at Ashuganj and Bhairab Bazar, advancing towards Dhaka. |
Operation Trident | 1971 (Indo-Pak War) | A decisive naval strike by the Indian Navy on Karachi harbour on December 4, 1971, marking the first use of anti-ship missiles in the region. |
Operation Python | 1971 (Indo-Pak War) | A follow-up naval attack on Karachi port, executed on December 8, 1971. These operations severely damaged Pakistan’s maritime capabilities. |
Operation Meghdoot | 1984 | Initiated on April 13, 1984, to seize strategic locations on the Siachen Glacier. India took control of key passes like Bilafond La and Sia La, securing dominance over the glacier. |
Operation Vijay | 1999 (Kargil War) | A military campaign to drive out Pakistani infiltrators from Indian posts in the Kargil sector. The operation concluded with India regaining all occupied heights. |
Operation Safed Sagar | 1999 (Kargil War) | The Indian Air Force’s air campaign during the Kargil conflict. It marked the first large-scale use of air power in the region since 1971, targeting enemy positions along the LoC. |
Surgical Strikes | 2016 | In retaliation to the Uri terror attack, Indian special forces carried out precision strikes on terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. |
Operation Bandar | 2019 (Balakot Air Strikes) | Aerial attack by the Indian Air Force on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility in Balakot, Pakistan, following the Pulwama suicide bombing. This was the first cross-LoC air strike by India since 1971. |