Operation Sindoor 2025: Bold Move Escalates Indo-Pak Tensions

In May 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation marked a significant escalation in the longstanding conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Operation Sindoor 2025: Origins of the Operation

The catalyst for Operation Sindoor was a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed militants, a claim Pakistan denied.

The Pahalgam Attack

The immediate catalyst was a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian Hindu tourists were killed. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, a claim Pakistan denied. This incident led to heightened military readiness on both sides.

Execution of Operation Sindoor

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force initiated Operation Sindoor, conducting 14 coordinated strikes over 23 minutes. Targets included nine locations in Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, notably Bahawalpur and Muridke, alleged hubs for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India employed Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, as well as Indo-Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions. Notably, Indian aircraft did not enter Pakistani airspace during the operation.

India described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that only terrorist infrastructure was targeted, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.

Pakistan’s Response

In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone and missile strikes across several Indian cities, including Amritsar. India’s S-400 missile defense system, known as Sudarshan Chakra, intercepted the majority of these threats, marking its first combat deployment.

Subsequently, India conducted Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) operations, claiming to have neutralized air defense systems in Lahore. Pakistan reported shooting down multiple Indian drones, including Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, and alleged that some drones struck Pakistani military facilities.

India’s Response on Pakistan Drone and Missile Attacks

On May 8, 2025, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan led to significant military exchanges. Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Amritsar, and Jaisalmer. India’s S-400 missile defense system successfully intercepted these threats, preventing casualties.

In retaliation, India conducted Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) operations, neutralizing air defense systems in Lahore. This marked the first combat deployment of India’s S-400 system. Pakistan claimed to have downed 25 Indian drones and reported civilian casualties from Indian artillery fire. The situation remains volatile, with both nations on high alert and international calls for de-escalation.

Air Engagements and Escalation

The conflict saw one of the largest aerial engagements since the Gulf War. On May 7, approximately 125 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets engaged in combat over the Line of Control. Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, one MiG-29, and one Su-30MKI, using Chinese-made J-10C jets. India reported the loss of two to three aircraft and one UAV.

Operation Sindoor represents a pivotal moment in India-Pakistan relations, highlighting the fragile balance between counterterrorism efforts and regional stability. As both nations navigate the aftermath, the international community continues to advocate for peaceful resolution and renewed diplomatic engagement.

Escalation on May 8

On May 8, the conflict intensified

• Indian Drone Operations: India deployed drones into Pakistani airspace, targeting air defense systems. Pakistan claimed to have shot down 25 Indian drones, including Israeli-made HAROP drones.
• Pakistan’s Retaliation: Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Indian cities such as Amritsar and Jammu. India’s S-400 missile defense system intercepted these attacks, marking its first combat use.
• Indian Countermeasures: India conducted Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) operations, reportedly neutralizing Pakistani air defense systems in Lahore.

Civilian Impact and Casualties

The hostilities resulted in significant civilian casualties

• At least 31 civilians were killed in Pakistan, including women and children.
• India reported 16 civilian deaths due to Pakistani shelling and drone attacks.

The violence has displaced thousands along the Line of Control, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.

International Reactions

The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict:

• United Kingdom: Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended India’s right to target terrorist infrastructure but urged caution to prevent further escalation.
• United States: U.S. officials called for restraint and emphasized the need for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Current Status

As of May 9, 2025, both nations remain on high alert. Military deployments have increased along the border, and fears of a broader conflict persist. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.

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