On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive military campaign targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Triggered by a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, the operation marked a significant escalation in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. Beyond the battlefield, India has embarked on a global diplomatic outreach, led by figures like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, to expose Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terror networks and to rally international support. This article explores the details of Operation Sindoor, its strategic impact, and India’s efforts to gain global backing, with a focus on the United States’ perspective.
The spark for Operation Sindoor was a horrific attack in Pahalgam, where terrorists from The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 civilians. The attackers reportedly targeted victims based on their religion, a move that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as an assault on the nation’s soul. India waited 15 days for Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators, but, according to Indian officials, Pakistan’s failure to act left India with no choice but to respond.
Operation Sindoor was not a knee-jerk reaction but a carefully planned military offensive. Indian forces struck nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK, using advanced weaponry like air-launched cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and long-range drones. The operation also targeted key terrorist hubs in Muridke and Bahawalpur, home to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, two groups long accused of orchestrating attacks in India.
Unlike India’s previous military responses, such as the 2016 Uri surgical strikes or the 2019 Balakot airstrike, Operation Sindoor aimed to inflict significant material damage on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. Indian forces destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases and crippled radar systems, command centers, and communication networks. The Indian Air Force’s precision strikes exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s Chinese- and Turkish-supplied weaponry, dealing a blow to its military capabilities.
The operation’s scale was unprecedented. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that over 100 terrorists and 64 Pakistani soldiers were eliminated, with 90 others injured. The Indian Army released videos showing the destruction of Pakistani posts and terror camps, emphasizing the operation’s success. A senior Border Security Force (BSF) official noted that Pakistani Rangers were seen fleeing during strikes on May 9-10, underscoring India’s dominance.
Prime Minister Modi framed Operation Sindoor as a “new benchmark” in India’s fight against terrorism, signaling that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence would no longer restrain India’s response to terror attacks. In a speech, Modi invoked cultural symbolism, referencing “sindoor” (vermilion, a symbol of honor worn by married Indian women) to highlight the emotional weight of the attack and India’s resolve to protect its people.
Recognizing that military action alone isn’t enough, India launched a robust diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan’s alleged complicity in terrorism. Seven all-party delegations, comprising 59 members including prominent leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, were sent to 33 countries, including the United States, to garner support. The delegations aimed to present evidence of Pakistan’s role in sheltering terror groups and to counter its narrative of being a victim.
In the U.S., Shashi Tharoor, speaking at the Indian Consulate in New York, emphasized India’s “calibrated and resolute” response. He presented evidence, including images of Pakistani military officials attending terrorists’ funerals, to argue that Pakistan provides safe havens for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. Tharoor stressed that India had exhausted diplomatic options, pointing to Pakistan’s failure to prosecute terrorists or dismantle their infrastructure.
India’s ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, also drew parallels between Operation Sindoor and global counterterrorism efforts, calling for a coalition against terrorism. India plans to submit fresh intelligence to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) about Pakistan’s terrorist financing networks, further pressuring the country on the global stage.
For the United States, Operation Sindoor presents a complex challenge. The U.S. has long maintained a delicate balance in its relations with India and Pakistan, both key players in South Asia. India’s operation has drawn attention to Pakistan’s alleged support for terror groups, a concern the U.S. shares, given its own history with groups like al-Qaeda, linked to Pakistan in the past. However, Pakistan remains a strategic partner in counterterrorism and regional stability, complicating Washington’s stance.
The U.S. has not publicly endorsed Operation Sindoor, but Tharoor’s delegation sought to highlight shared interests in combating terrorism. By referencing the 9/11 attacks, India aims to resonate with American audiences, framing Pakistan’s actions as a global threat. The U.S. has previously extradited figures like Tahawwur Rana, linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, signaling some alignment with India’s concerns. However, any direct U.S. support for India’s military actions risks straining ties with Pakistan, which could impact cooperation in Afghanistan and beyond.
Pakistan’s initial response to Operation Sindoor was toit an “act of war.” However, after suffering significant losses, including damage to its air force and terror infrastructure, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for peace talks. Sharif proposed dialogue on issues like Kashmir, water sharing, and counterterrorism, a shift from Pakistan’s earlier defiance. India, however, has made it clear that talks will focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, rejecting broader negotiations.
This change in Pakistan’s tone reflects the operation’s impact. Analysts suggest that Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistan’s military vulnerabilities and disrupted its ability to sponsor proxy attacks. The destruction of terror camps 100 kilometers inside Pakistan, as claimed by Amit Shah, has left the country scrambling to rebuild its capabilities.
India’s delegations have met with mixed reactions. In Colombia, Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over the government’s condolence message for Pakistani casualties, arguing that there is no moral equivalence between terrorists and those defending their nation. In Japan and the UAE, delegations emphasized counterterrorism strategies, gaining support for India’s stance. Russia, a long-standing partner, was briefed on the operation, with India reinforcing its “zero tolerance” policy.
The operation has also sparked domestic debates in India. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for allegedly informing Pakistan during the strikes, calling it a “crime.” However, the Press Information Bureau debunked these claims, clarifying that Pakistan was informed only after the operation, per standard protocol.
Operation Sindoor is more than a military strike; it’s a strategic shift in India’s approach to terrorism. By targeting terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan, India has challenged the notion that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal can shield it from retaliation. The operation’s multi-domain approach—spanning air, cyber, and naval domains—demonstrates India’s growing military capabilities.
For the U.S. and the global community, Operation Sindoor underscores the need for a unified stance against state-sponsored terrorism. India’s diplomatic outreach, backed by evidence of Pakistan’s complicity, aims to isolate Pakistan internationally and pressure it to dismantle terror networks. As India submits intelligence to the FATF and engages with global powers, the operation could reshape South Asia’s security landscape.
Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in India’s fight against terrorism. By combining precise military strikes with a global diplomatic campaign, India has sent a clear message: it will not tolerate attacks on its soil. For the United States, the operation highlights the shared challenge of combating terrorism while navigating complex regional dynamics. As India continues its outreach, the world watches to see if this bold move will lead to lasting change in the fight against terror.
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