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Operation Sindoor: How political will reshaped India’s counter-terror strategy

Sanjeev Kumar | May 7, 2026 1:21 PM CST

New Delhi: Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, marked a clear change in how India responds to terrorism. The operation came in response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 people were killed. It was described by the government as a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” response to cross-border terrorism, showcasing India’s advanced drone, satellite, and intelligence capabilities.

Clear political mandate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a clear message to the armed forces: act against terrorist groups and their support systems, but avoid any harm to civilians. This clarity allowed the military to act quickly and confidently, without confusion or hesitation. The focus was on precision rather than wide-scale action.

Targeted military execution

India carried out strikes at nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These included Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bhimber, Chak Amru, and two sites in Sialkot. These areas were linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The aim was to hit specific terror infrastructure, not escalate broadly.

Earlier governments often responded to terrorism with evidence dossiers that were dismissed as soon as they reached Pakistan, along with diplomatic efforts that received little or no response, and restraint that was repeatedly taken advantage of. This approach shifted when the government altered the response strategy, authorising strikes not just in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, but also deeper inside Pakistan’s mainland.

Operation Sindoor showed a shift towards direct action when needed. It sent a message that India is willing to act beyond its borders against terrorist networks.

Diplomatic and narrative alignment

Along with military action, India also worked to isolate Pakistan internationally. The aim was to present the strikes as self-defence and reduce space for counter-messaging. This combined approach strengthened the overall impact of the operation.