Introduction
Operation Sindoor refers to India’s precision strike on Pakistani terror infrastructure on 7 May 2025, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22 April, where 26 civilians were brutally killed. This impactful operation sparked cross-border military escalation and marked the most significant India–Pakistan clash in years.
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a retaliatory missile strike campaign targeting nine terror sites in both Pakistan and Pakistan‑administered Kashmir. India’s official briefings highlighted that only terrorist camp structures were hit, not civilian or military assets.
Why India Launched It
It was launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists—linked to Pakistan-based TRF/LeT—killed tourists after checking their religion. Facing inaction from Pakistan, India decided on direct military response.
How It Unfolded
– Missile Strikes: On 7 May, India fired missiles at nine strategic sites, including four in Punjab and five in PoK.
– Airbase Hits: Strikes reportedly hit Pakistan’s Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) and Shorkot airbases.
– Drone & Mortar Exchange: Pakistan launched drone and mortar attacks at LoC areas, including Poonch.
Casualties & Fallout
– Pakistan Reports: ~31 civilians killed and several injured; mosques and residences were hit.
– Indian Side: India claimed 8 militants killed in terror facilities; 12 Indian civilians died in cross-border fire.
– Ceasefire: Pakistan sought de-escalation within hours—India reportedly quelled a 48‑hour plan in 8 hours.
Economic Impact
India
– Airspace shutdown disrupted flights for ~3 days, costing carriers ~$30 million (₹240 crore).
– Currency dip: The INR fell ~42 paise to close at ₹84.77/USD on 7 May.
– War fund provisioning: A short-term conventional war could cost India ₹1,460–5,000 crore (~USD 180–600 million) per day.
– Defence budget context: India’s FY 2024–25 defence outlay was $86.1 billion.
Pakistan
– $8–10 million/month in lost air navigation fees.
– KSE‑100 stock plunge: Fell ~6,500 points (~5%) intraday; 10% drop since late April.
– Military expenditure stress: FY 2024 spending was $10.2–11 billion.
– Debt servicing crisis: External debt at ~$130 billion, $73 billion due 2023–25.
– IMF dependency: Heightened vulnerability to fund program disruption.
Ongoing Developments
– Espionage Risk: Indian Navy intelligence leak during the operation.
– Defence Innovation: India deployed SkyStriker drones and Adani Defence tech.
– Policy Posture: India adopts ‘terror-only dialogue’ stance.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor marked a strategic shift—India’s first precision missile and drone strikes in decades, designed to counter terror infrastructure without expanding into full-scale war. It caused measurable casualties, economic disruption, and politico-military consequences, while also accentuating emerging vulnerabilities and defence capabilities on both sides.
