Operation Sindoor - A high-precision, multi-domain offensive and an evolution of India’s counter-terrorism doctrine

Operation Sindoor - A high-precision, multi-domain offensive and an evolution of India’s counter-terrorism doctrine Why the Name "Sindoor" Was Selected: The name "Sindoor" (सिंदूर) carries deep symbolic and cultural meaning in India, especially in the context of marriage and devotion: Symbol of Sacredness and Protection: Sindoor is traditionally applied by married Hindu women in the parting of their hair (maang), symbolizing their marital status. It's also seen as a symbol of auspiciousness, protection, and commitment—all values that can metaphorically apply to the nation's commitment to its territorial integrity. Blood and Sacrifice: The red color of sindoor can also symbolize blood, suggesting the sacrifice of soldiers and the fierce battle that took place to reclaim Indian territory. It invokes both emotional gravity and patriotic sentiment. Reclaiming Honor: The operation was about reclaiming what was rightfully India's, much like how sindoor is a mark of rightful honor and identity in many Indian traditions. The metaphor could be that just as sindoor marks honor and sanctity in marriage, the operation marked the restoration of the sanctity of India's borders. While official military naming sometimes follows random or classified systems, the Indian Army often uses meaningful and evocative names to boost morale, symbolism, and public support—and "Sindoor" fits into that tradition. On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack by militants near Pahalgam in the Indian administered Kashmir killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is backed by Pakistan, initially claimed responsibility for the attack, which it later retracted. In the aftermath, India announced a series of retaliatory measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting responsive measures and leading to a diplomatic crisis and border skirmishes. On the intervening night of 6-7 May, 2025, from 01:05 to 01:30 AM, Indian armed forces conducted a tri-service military operation codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’. It targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), aiming to neutralise the operational capabilities of groups responsible for cross-border terrorism on Indian soil. India said the operation was intended to “pre-empt” and “deter” cross-border terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam attack of 22 April, 2025, that killed 26 civilians (25 Indians and one Nepali) at Baisaran Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government attributed the attack to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group had initially claimed responsibility for the attack and subsequently denied it, alleging a “cyber intrusion”. India described its actions as “focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature”. The operation deliberately avoided targeting Pakistani military installations to minimise the risk of escalation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that Operation Sindoor was an “ongoing operation”. He also stated that the strikes had killed over 100 terrorists. Among the most notable casualties was Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Abdul Rauf Azhar, who was involved in the IC-814 hijacking of December 1999 and the killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. Reportedly, 10 family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar were killed. This was the most expansive military operation conducted by the Indian armed forces since the 1971 War. Moreover, unlike previous operations such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, which were targeted responses, Operation Sindoor constituted a multi-domain, high-precision offensive spread across Pakistan’s Punjab province and PoJK, signalling a strategic evolution in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes targeting nine sites—four in Pakistan and five in PoJK—linked to anti-India terrorist groups such as the LeT, JeM and the Hizbul Mujahideen. The targeted sites included Muridke (LeT headquarters) and Bahawalpur (JeM headquarters). Operation Sindoor: The Details Operation Sindoor was an intelligence-driven operation that leveraged satellite surveillance, drone technology and human intelligence. Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets took off under the guise of a training exercise, employing radar blackouts and NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to mask their movement and maximise surprise. The operation was conducted through stand-off weapons, with missiles being launched by fighter jets from Indian territory. India used two key weapon systems for the operation: SCALP & HAMMER. In addition, India also used SkyStriker suicide drones, which can carry a warhead of up to 10kg. SCALP, also known as Storm Shadow, is an air-launched cruise missile well-known for its stealth feature and primarily employed for long-range deep-strikes into enemy territory. HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is an all-weather air-to-ground precision-guided munition (PGM) manufactured by France-based Safran. The PGM is insensitive to jamming and can be launched from low altitude over rough terrain. The choice of precision-guided munitions was meant to neutralise target sites without causing any major collateral damage in the form of civilian casualties. Global Dimension and Diplomatic Signaling: India briefed the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia about its military operations and related developments.“India’s actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible and designed to be non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani civilian, economic or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted,” a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Washington and shared by the MEA read. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval also spoke to the acting US NSA and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and briefed him about India’s actions. Doval also drew India’s redlines, saying, “India had no intent to escalate but was well prepared to retaliate resolutely, should Pakistan decide to escalate”. As it stands, Operation Sindoor represents an ongoing military campaign. It has unequivocally demonstrated a significant evolution in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. It underscores the fact that India now reserves the right to conduct pre-emptive strikes against terrorist outfits irrespective of the location of their bases

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