In a landmark development for national security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Operation Sindoor—India’s precision military strike on terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir—as a “moment of pride” during a high-level Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. The operation was launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a foreign national. The Indian armed forces executed a focused and well-calibrated military response, eliminating over 80 terrorists and severely damaging terror infrastructure.
PM Modi Praises Armed Forces and Strategic Planning
During the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their “commendable job” and “immaculate execution” of the operation. He emphasized that the mission was carried out exactly as planned, with “no mistakes whatsoever,” underscoring the strategic precision and preparation that led to the operation’s success. Ministers responded with unanimous support, thumping tables and echoing national pride in the armed forces and in the leadership’s firm stand against terrorism. PM Modi noted, “The whole country was looking up to us. We are proud of our Army.”
The strike was executed in the early hours of May 6, beginning at 1:05 am and lasting 25 minutes. Indian forces employed stand-off munitions such as the HAMMER bomb and the SCALP missile to target nine terror camps and training facilities without causing civilian casualties or targeting any Pakistani military installations. These strikes were synchronized to avoid detection and maximize impact, reflecting the sophistication and maturity of India’s military strategy.
Strong Symbolism: Women Officers Lead Operation Briefing
In a powerful and symbolic move, the post-strike media briefing was co-led by two distinguished women officers—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Their presence not only highlighted India’s military professionalism but also served as a tribute to the widows of those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack, as the operation’s name, Sindoor, pays homage to them.
Colonel Qureshi stressed that the targets were chosen based on credible intelligence indicating their direct involvement in cross-border terrorism. She clarified that no military installations were targeted during the strikes, maintaining the operation’s defensive and proportionate nature. Wing Commander Singh reiterated India’s policy of strategic restraint, stating, “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to any escalation.”
Decisive Targets, Focused Response
Among those eliminated were several high-value targets. Sources confirmed that ten relatives and close aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar were neutralized. Significant damage was inflicted on terrorist strongholds in Bahawalpur and Muridke, with approximately 25–30 terrorists killed at each site. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also confirmed the elimination of Hafiz Abdul Malik, a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, in a strike on Markaz Tayyeba in Muridke.
Despite Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling across the Line of Control that led to civilian casualties in Poonch, India maintained that its military action was “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.” The operation marks a significant shift in India’s counterterrorism doctrine—assertive yet carefully constrained to avoid broader conflict.
A Clear Message to Terror Sponsors
PM Modi’s detailed briefing to the Cabinet reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah joined the Prime Minister in closed-door discussions shortly after the strike. The leadership made it clear that while India seeks peace, it will not hesitate to act decisively when provoked.
Operation Sindoor thus stands as a defining moment—not only for the Indian Armed Forces but for India’s strategic posture. The nation, united in grief and pride, sends a resolute message to the world: acts of terror will not go unanswered.
