- Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in India’s defence history, showcasing effective weapon systems and boosting the credibility of Indian defence exports.
- The strikes targeting Pakistan’s military and nuclear infrastructure were meant to send a clear message and establish deterrence.
- India has not bowed to American pressure, but has asserted its sovereignty while sending a clear message that it will take all necessary measures to protect its integrity and citizens.
- This operation marks a shift in India’s defence doctrine from strategic restraint to strategic offence, signalling that India will no longer absorb attacks but respond decisively.
The Pakistan and India tension, which was escalating into a full-scale war, on May 10, agreed to cease the hostilities. It is important to note that the first time de-escalation was announced, it was from the official Truth Social account of President Trump, where he said that India and Pakistan had agreed to de-escalate. Soon after, both India and Pakistan acknowledged that they had agreed to cease the hostilities.
However, it is very important to understand the real picture and the background story of what led to the de-escalation, as there is a lot of misinformation being circulated. This misinformation is not just coming from the official DG ISPR of Pakistan, but is also being run by established media houses like CNN, which are claiming that it was India that sought American mediation because it was threatened by Pakistan. This narrative is being officially run as a campaign against India and is being supported by many within India who are questioning the intent of the government during a critical time. Hence, it is important to understand the reality and the background of what led to the de-escalation.
On May 7, India decided to retaliate against the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist act carried out on April 22nd in Pahalgam. India launched Operation Sindoor, specifically targeting terrorist infrastructures in Bahawalpur and Muridke. Visuals of the operation were shared by the DGMO of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A.K. Bharti, in an official press conference held on May 12th and 13th. Importantly, Operation Sindoor did not target civilians or military infrastructure of Pakistan; it was exclusively an attack against terrorist elements sponsored by the Pakistani state.
However, rather than helping the Indian government in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan opted for a military provocation against India. As confirmed by the DGMO of the Indian Air Force, on May 8th, Pakistan launched a drone strike targeting India. Around 300–400 drones were sent to target 16 military sites, ranging from Leh to Kutch. However, all of them were successfully intercepted and did not cause any damage to Indian military infrastructure, thanks to India’s robust air defence system.
When India learned that its military installations were being targeted, it decided to respond. India responded not just by launching drones but also by launching tactical strikes against critical military infrastructures in Pakistan. On May 8th, India targeted the Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, which houses F-16 and JF-17 jets. This was confirmed by Indian Air Force DGMO A.K. Bharti, who also released visuals showing the Air Base badly damaged. On the same night, India targeted the Rafiqui Air Base in Shorkot, the Bolari Air Base, and the highly strategic Sargodha Air Base, considered one of Pakistan’s most important bases, housing F-16s.
India also targeted the Rahim Yar Khan Air Base, causing such extensive damage that its runway was shut down for seven days. The administration had to suspend operations for damage control and repairs. It is very important to note that despite all these military sites being heavily guarded by China-supplied HQ-9 air defence systems, none of the Indian missiles were intercepted. The HQ-9 systems proved completely ineffective.
Though the Indian Air Force DGMO A.K. Bharti did not officially confirm it, credible sources suggest that India also hit the Kirana Hills, suspected to house Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. Destruction at the site was confirmed when, on May 11th, an American aircraft, the A350 belonging to the U.S. Energy Department (responsible for monitoring nuclear activities), was seen flying over Pakistan. This aircraft was also seen near Dera Ghazi Khan, which is home to major nuclear facilities. Even an Egyptian plane was seen over Pakistan at the same time, it’s important to note that the visit of the Egyptian plane was impromptu but it can be assumed that Egypt has abundance of Boron courtesy of Nile delta and boron is used to contain nuclear leakages, though none of the party has confirmed the nuclear leak, but many verified foreign think tank institution’s the likes of Rand corporation have confirmed the same.
These strikes targeting Pakistan’s military and nuclear infrastructure were meant to send a clear message and establish deterrence. They created military and political panic in Pakistan, forcing the Pakistani government to reach out to the United States for mediation. This is where the Vice President and Secretary of the United States, Rubio, stepped in. Given the credible Indian strikes on military and nuclear facilities, and considering Pakistan’s strategic ties with the U.S. and the presence of U.S. military infrastructure in Pakistan, the US government became actively involved in mediation efforts.
To contain India’s military momentum, a narrative was pushed not only by US-based media agencies but even by official US government channels. A campaign was run suggesting that India had sought US mediation and bowed to American pressure. Many are now questioning why India agreed to the pause the hostilities. There are several reasons:
- India’s objective was achieved: The message delivered to Pakistan through these strikes was massive, and the strategic impact far exceeded that of previous operations.
- Balancing military action with economic progress: Prolonged military engagement, even if tactically successful, comes at an economic cost. India wanted to maintain that balance.
- Global order and realism: Whether one likes it or not, the U.S. remains the leader of the unipolar world order. While countries may not support American policies, they are compelled to respect its position. India, too, acknowledged this reality and chose the path of mutual respect, not submission.
India has made it very clear that any future dialogue with Pakistan will only be based on two issues: terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). This was reiterated by the Prime Minister in his address to the nation, where he said:
“Talks with terrorism, trade with terrorism, and water with blood cannot go hand in hand.”
India has not bowed to American pressure, but has asserted its sovereignty while sending a clear message that it will take all necessary measures to protect its integrity and citizens.
According to the DGMO of the Indian Army, five Indian soldiers have been martyred. Pakistan officially claims only 11 casualties, but given the scale of destruction, it is difficult to believe the number is that low.
Operation Sindoor is a watershed moment in India’s defence history. It has not only proven the effectiveness of Indian weapon systems but also opened doors for India in the global arms market. Indian defence exports are now seen as credible and battle-tested.
Additionally, Operation Sindoor exposed the vulnerability of Chinese-made air defence systems like the HQ-9, which failed to stop any of the Indian strikes.
Going forward, India should focus on:
- Increasing domestic military production
- Marketing indigenous defence systems globally
- Learning lessons from this operation to strengthen existing capabilities
This operation marks a shift in India’s defence doctrine, from strategic restraint to strategic offence. It sends a clear signal to Pakistan that India is no longer the India that absorbs attacks; it is an India that strikes back at will.
References:
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128268
- https://www.pib.gov.in/ShowAlbum.aspx?albumid=194363
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trump-claims-his-administration-stopped-nuclear-conflict-between-india-and-pakistan/article69568339.ece
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Megna Devkar 
Pranav S 
Parag Gilada