India has launched a bold new counter-terrorism campaign—Operation Sindoor. This mission, still underway, marks a clear shift in how India responds to terrorism from Pakistan. Sources revealed that India’s actions were fierce but balanced. The operation had three clear aims: military, political, and psychological.
India Increases the Cost of Terrorism
Through this operation, India has sent a strong message to Pakistan and the world. It will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism. Now, any support for terror groups from Pakistani soil will come with a high cost.
One official said, “India has set a new normal. This is no longer business as usual.”
India Launches First Round of Strikes
On May 7, Indian forces targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes took place between 1:04 am and 1:30 am. Just 15 minutes later, India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) informed his Pakistani counterpart. He clarified that India only hit terrorist infrastructure and remained open to dialogue.
These strikes came in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.
India Prepared for Escalation
Pakistan did not respond diplomatically. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the armed forces to prepare for stronger retaliation. A source quoted him saying, “Wahan se goli chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega” (If they fire bullets, we will respond with cannons).
Strikes Go Deep Into Pakistan
Indian forces completed the mission within 30 minutes. The message was loud and clear—India will strike terrorists even deep inside Pakistan. “The strikes hit the heartland of Pakistan, not the border,” said a source.
India Links Terrorism with Water Treaty
India also linked Pakistan’s support for terror groups to the Indus Waters Treaty. Officials said the treaty would remain suspended as long as Pakistan continued supporting terrorism.
Even though terror may not completely stop, India has made it clear it will respond forcefully to every attack—no matter what threats come from Pakistan’s military or nuclear posturing.
Operation Sindoor Breaks From Past Actions
Unlike the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, Operation Sindoor went deeper. India struck targets not just in PoK but also inside Pakistan’s core territories.
“The Indus Waters Treaty survived three wars,” said a source. “But Pakistan can’t expect cooperation while supporting terrorism.”
Pakistan Retaliates, India Hits Back Harder
After India’s May 7 strikes, Pakistan retaliated on May 8, 9, and 10. It targeted Indian military positions. In response, India struck back even harder. It hit Pakistani radar sites and command centers.
On May 10, Pakistan made its biggest attempt. It used heavy weapons to hit 26 Indian military sites. However, India clarified it did not want to escalate the conflict further.
Ceasefire Declared—But on India’s Terms
A ceasefire was announced on the evening of May 10. US President Donald Trump declared it first at 5:30 pm. India confirmed it at 6:00 pm. Though Pakistan violated the ceasefire for a few hours, things returned to calm by Sunday.
Indian officials stressed that the ceasefire was not imposed. India agreed to it on its own terms.
Terror Hubs Chosen with Symbolic Value
India deliberately targeted major terror bases. These included Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JeM) base in Bahawalpur, Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) stronghold in Muridke, and other camps in Muzaffarabad. These places have strong links with Pakistan’s military and intelligence networks.
India struck JeM’s Bahawalpur base first. Masood Azhar, who was freed in the IC-814 hijacking, runs this base. He has been linked to several major terror attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack.
India Sends a Strong Psychological Message
By hitting these terror hubs, India sent a chilling message—nowhere is safe for terrorists. The strikes showed India could enter Pakistan’s heartland if needed.
Pakistan’s Complicity Exposed
After the Muridke strike, India received solid proof of Pakistan’s involvement. Senior Pakistani military and civilian officials attended the funerals of the terrorists who died in the strike.
One source said, “Funerals with flags and military officers show terrorists are not just backed by intelligence agencies—they are officially honoured.” The deputy commissioner of Lahore and officials from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office also attended.
