Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Army as a direct military
response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which
resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives. The Indian Army released new
visuals of the operation, emphasising that the action was "justice, not
revenge" for the attack.
The video, shared by the Army's Western Command, depicted Indian troops
engaging in targeted strikes and shelling on Pakistani territory, specifically
focusing on posts that had initiated firing against India.
A soldier featured in the video underscored the Army’s resolve, stating, "This
(Operation Sindoor) started with the Pahalgam attack. It is not anger but a
resolve to teach a lesson that will be remembered in the future. It is
justice, not revenge." The footage showed intense military action, including
the destruction of enemy posts that had violated the ceasefire, with the
narration declaring that all such positions were decimated, forcing
adversaries to retreat.
Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7, targeting nine terror-related sites in
Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army described these
strikes as a measured act of justice, not an act of vengeance, aiming to
disrupt terror infrastructure and send a clear message to those responsible
for the violence. Pakistan retaliated with shelling and drone incursions,
prompting further Indian strikes on 11 military bases.
The escalation was followed by a ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, after
which both sides agreed to halt hostilities. The Indian Army clarified that
there is no expiry date for this cessation of hostilities, countering media
reports that suggested the ceasefire would end on May 18. The Army also
confirmed that no Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks were
scheduled for the day, and the commitment to peace along the Line of Control
remains in effect.
In parallel with military action, India launched a significant diplomatic
outreach. The Centre announced the formation of seven delegations comprising
51 political leaders, including parliamentarians and former ministers from
various parties.
These delegations, led by prominent figures such as Baijayant Panda, Ravi
Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Shrikant Shinde, Shashi Tharoor, Kanimozhi,
and Supriya Sule, will travel to 32 countries and the EU headquarters in
Brussels.
Their mandate is to present India's resolve to combat terrorism and build
international support in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The delegations
include members from both the ruling NDA and opposition parties, reflecting a
rare bipartisan consensus on national security.
In response, Pakistan announced its own diplomatic initiative. Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif tasked Pakistan People's Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to
lead a delegation abroad to present Pakistan’s case for peace.
This move is widely seen as an attempt to counter India’s diplomatic offensive
and repair Pakistan’s international image, which has come under scrutiny due
to longstanding allegations of supporting terrorism in the region.
Operation Sindoor marks a significant episode in India-Pakistan relations,
characterised by a calibrated military response, a subsequent ceasefire, and
an unprecedented diplomatic campaign by both nations to shape the global
narrative around terrorism and regional security.
Agencies