India's Response to the Pahalgam Attack

 Operation Sindoor: India's Strategic Response to the Pahalgam Terror AttackDNA India+1Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre+1

On May 6, 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor, a calculated military response targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This operation was a direct retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists lost their lives. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based Islamist militant groups, specifically Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba .The Guardian+3New York Post+3The US Sun+3The Guardian+3DIE WELT+3New York Post+3Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre+3Reuters+3New York Post+3

Objectives and Execution

The primary goal of Operation Sindoor was to dismantle terrorist infrastructures responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. The Indian military employed precision-guided munitions and drones to strike targets, including training camps and logistical hubs in regions such as Muridke, Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli. Notably, Muridke is recognized as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, making it a significant target .Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livreDNA India

India emphasized that the strikes were "measured and non-escalatory," deliberately avoiding Pakistani military installations to prevent further escalation . The operation was conducted without Indian aircraft entering Pakistani airspace, utilizing long-range missiles and drones launched from within Indian territory.DNA India+3Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre+3AP News+3

Pakistani Response

Pakistan condemned the strikes as an "act of war," reporting at least eight fatalities and 35 injuries, including civilians. The Pakistani military claimed that Indian missiles struck civilian areas, including mosques, and asserted that they had shot down five Indian fighter jets—a claim not independently verified . In retaliation, Pakistan conducted cross-border shelling, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.Reuters+4AP News+4New York Post+4Reuters+2The Guardian+2AP News+2

International Reactions

The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump urged both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further military confrontation . The situation led to disruptions in air travel, with both countries closing airspace and suspending diplomatic engagements.AP News+4New York Post+4Reuters+4ReutersThe Guardian

Strategic Implications

Operation Sindoor marks one of India's most assertive military actions since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. By targeting specific terrorist infrastructures while avoiding broader military targets, India aimed to deliver a strong message against cross-border terrorism without provoking a full-scale war.The Guardian+4Reuters+4New York Post+4

However, the operation has significantly strained Indo-Pakistani relations, with both nations on high alert. The situation remains volatile, and the international community continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the need for diplomatic dialogue to resolve underlying issues.