Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor: India Pakistan Conflict Intensifies

The recent military escalation between India and Pakistan, dubbed Operation Sindoor, has drawn significant international attention. Launched on May 7, 2025, by the Indian military, the operation Sindoor targeted multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

According to Indian authorities, the strikes were a response to the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 men. The armed group The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba , took responsibility for the Pahalgam killings.

India asserts that the TRF operates as an offshoot of the LeT, which is based in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.

The Strikes

The Indian military struck nine sites across six cities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Five of these sites were in Kashmir, while the remaining four were in Punjab, Pakistan. According to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, the missile strikes aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent further cross-border infiltrations.

Targeted Locations

• Muridke, Punjab: Alleged LeT headquarters and training camps.
• Bahawalpur, Punjab: Claimed to be a base for Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM).
• Muzaffarabad, Kashmir: Targeted for being a hub of LeT’s Sawai Nala camp.
• Kotli, Kashmir: Gulpur camp, linked to LeT, and Mehmoona Joya, associated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM).
• Bhimber, Kashmir: Alleged training ground for militants.
• Sialkot, Punjab: Targeted for its alleged links to past attacks on Indian security forces.
• Shakar Garh, Punjab: Minimal damage reported, with no significant military presence claimed.

Casualties and Reactions

Pakistan reported 26 civilian casualties, including women and children, and 46 injured. According to Lieutenant Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson, the attacks were unprovoked and targeted civilians. In contrast, India claims to have targeted terrorist camps, alleging that these sites were used for recruitment, training, and launching attacks into Indian territory.

Geopolitical Ramifications

This escalation has strained bilateral relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, leading to diplomatic expulsions and threats to suspend significant treaties, such as the Indus Waters Treaty and the Simla Agreement. International observers fear the situation could further destabilize the region, prompting calls for restraint from global powers.

International Reactions to Indian Operation Sindoor

The recent Indian military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor,’ has sparked widespread international reactions, with many countries expressing concern and urging restraint. The global community is calling for dialogue to de-escalate the tense situation between India and Pakistan.

Turkiye: Warning of All-Out War

Turkiye condemned the operation Sindoor, warning of the risk of an all-out war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Turkish Foreign Ministry labeled India’s move as provocative, emphasizing that attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure are unacceptable.

Germany: Urging De-escalation

Germany expressed serious concern about the situation, urging both India and Pakistan to act cautiously to prevent further escalation. The German government has set up a crisis unit to closely monitor the unfolding events.

China: Calling for Calm

China urged both countries to maintain peace and stability, expressing readiness to mediate if needed. The Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of exercising restraint to avoid actions that could worsen the crisis.

United Kingdom: Promoting Dialogue

The UK expressed readiness to assist in de-escalating tensions, stressing the importance of maintaining regional stability. Trade Secretary Jonathon Reynolds emphasized that both countries should engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences.

Russia: Expressing Concern

Russia voiced its deep concern about the military confrontation and called for both sides to show restraint. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the crisis should be resolved through peaceful, diplomatic channels.

France: Emphasizing Caution

France acknowledged India’s right to protect its interests but urged both nations to avoid escalation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed the need to prioritize civilian safety and use diplomatic avenues for conflict resolution.

United States: Advocating Peace

US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the military action, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for both sides to engage diplomatically and pursue peace.

United Nations: Urging Restraint

The UN Secretary-General called for maximum military restraint, emphasizing that diplomatic solutions should take precedence over military actions.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in the long-standing India-Pakistan conflict. While India justifies the strikes as a counter-terrorism measure, Pakistan views them as an aggressive violation of sovereignty. The international community remains cautious, urging both sides to engage in dialogue and de-escalate tensions to avoid further conflict.

Experts have raised doubts about the Pahalgam attack the reason behind operation Sindoor, noting that the area lacked CCTV cameras and tight security. They questioned how the assailants could have had enough time to verify religious identity by asking to recite the Kalma or check circumcision. Some believe this is a political tactic for India’s electoral gains.