In 2025, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force launched a decisive military operation called ‘Operation Sindoor’. The operation was carried out in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, which killed 26 Hindu pilgrims. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed was said to be behind the attack. Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on nine terror bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), making India’s tough policy against terrorism clear.
Operation Sindoor: Planning and Execution
Operation Sindoor was planned at a high level by the Indian Air Force. The operation used Rafale fighter jets, which were equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The strikes lasted from 1:05 am to 1:30 am on 7 May 2025, targeting terror camps located in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Gulpur, Bhimber, Chak Amru, Bagh, Kotli, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan. According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, around 100 terrorists were killed in these strikes, including close aides and family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.
Execution of key targets
During Operation Sindoor, the IAF specifically targeted senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdul Rauf Azhar, who masterminded the 1999 IC-814 plane hijacking. According to Indian officials, Abdul Rauf Azhar was killed in an airstrike in Bahawalpur on 7 May 2025. The action was internationally lauded, and was considered a significant step against terrorism.
Role and Technological Superiority of Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force demonstrated its technical capability during Operation Sindoor. Along with the Rafale jets, India also used its S-400 and ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence systems for the first time, effectively neutralising drone and missile attacks by Pakistan. The Sudarshan Chakra system successfully neutralised more than 80% of the threats targeted at 15 urban centres, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar and Bhuj.
Situation after Operation Sindoor
Soon after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan accused India of launching missile attacks on three air bases, while India denied these allegations and accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire. Though the two countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire on 10 May 2025, mediated by the US, reports of explosions and drone attacks emerged in Jammu and Kashmir just hours later, raising questions about the sustainability of the ceasefire.
International response
Operation Sindoor and its aftermath evoked strong reactions from the international community. US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which was helped to be brokered by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. However, following reports of ceasefire violations, the international community urged both countries to exercise restraint and find a solution through dialogue.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s tough policy against terrorism and military capability. However, subsequent events made it clear that military action alone is not enough for lasting peace between India and Pakistan. Both countries need to resolve their differences through mutual trust and dialogue, to ensure lasting peace and development in the region.