India appears to have achieved its primary politico-military objectives through Operation Sindoor, which involved a series of overnight precision strikes targeting nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Among the key targets were Muridke, a stronghold of Lashkar-e-Taiba linked to the Pahalgam attack, and Bahawalpur, the base of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the group responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. It is believed that India may have lost an unconfirmed number of aircraft during the operation.
The messaging from New Delhi is unequivocal: India possesses both the political will and the military capability to strike deep into Pakistani territory — including Punjab province, the very heart of the Pakistan Army’s recruitment base and political influence.
Will Pakistan Escalate?
After the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan responded with limited strikes in a tit-for-tat exchange, resulting in the downing of an Indian warplane and the capture of its pilot by the Pakistan military. The pilot was returned on March 1. It remains uncertain whether Islamabad will escalate the situation further. New Delhi’s current assessment is that Islamabad will be responsible for any escalation if Pakistan decides to retaliate again.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has briefed several key diplomatic partners, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, and Russia, with additional briefings expected in the coming days. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided an explanation of India’s rationale during these discussions.
“Despite two weeks having passed since the Pahalgam attack, there has been no demonstrable action from Pakistan against the terrorist infrastructure operating on its territory or under its control.”
Misri further cited credible intelligence suggesting additional planned attacks, creating a compelling need to pre-empt and deter further terrorism.
Calibrated Messaging to Avoid Escalation
India has been careful to signal that the strikes were limited, non-military, and focused solely on terrorist infrastructure. The intent, officials said, was to serve justice for the Pahalgam victims and prevent future attacks, not provoke a broader conflict.
“Earlier this morning, as you are aware, India exercised its right to respond, pre-empt, and deter further cross-border attacks. These actions were measured, proportionate, non-escalatory, and responsible,” Misri said, referencing the April 25 UN Security Council statement that called for holding the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack accountable.
At a nationally televised press briefing in Delhi, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that no Pakistani military establishments were targeted and that every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties. All sites were selected based on credible, actionable intelligence.
Terror Targets Neutralized in Operation Sindoor
- Sawai Nala, Muzaffarabad (PoJK)
A Lashkar-e-Taiba training center roughly 30 km from the LoC. Planners of the October 2024 attacks in Sonmarg and Gulmarg, and the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, are believed to have operated from here.
- Syedna Bilal Camp (PoJK)
A Jaish-e-Mohammad staging area and training facility for weapons and jungle warfare.
- Kotli Gulpur (PoJK)
Base for terrorists involved in the April 2023 Poonch attack and the June 2024 bus ambush on Hindu pilgrims.
- Bhimber (PoJK)
A centre for explosives and jungle survival training, located 9 km from the LoC.
- Kotli Abbas (PoJK)
A Lashkar-e-Taiba camp 13 km from the LoC, involved in infiltration operations.
- Sarjal Camp, Sialkot (Punjab, Pakistan)
Just 6 km from the international border; responsible for the March 2025 killing of four J&K policemen.
- Mahmoona Joya, Sialkot (Punjab)
A Hizbul Mujahideen control center linked to the Pathankot Air Force Base attack; 12–18 km from the international border.
- Markaz Taiba, Muridke (Punjab)
A key Lashkar hub responsible for training terrorists involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, including Ajmal Kasab and David Headley.
- Martaz Subhanallah, Bahawalpur (Punjab)
Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, located 100 km inside Pakistani territory; served as the premier recruitment and indoctrination hub for suicide attackers.
A Clear Message
“The message is clear: there will be consequences for attacks on Indian civilians,” said Col Qureshi. “Our response will be swift, just, and targeted.”
As India continues to engage diplomatically and present evidence internationally, all eyes are now on Pakistan — and whether it chooses confrontation or containment.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
