Operation Sindoor: India’s Deep Strikes and the War That Did Not End on May 10

When India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, the strikes were hailed as one of the boldest military actions since the Balakot operation of 2019. Triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead, the operation targeted nine terror hubs deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While a ceasefire was officially announced on May 10, the narrative that the conflict ended there has now been challenged by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who clarified that the war continued in various forms well beyond that date.

Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi lauded the Indian Army for a calibrated response during Operation Sindoor, which saw Pakistan attacking with missiles and drones after the security forces struck nine terror targets in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.(AFP FILE) | Hindustan Times

The War Beyond Ceasefire

Speaking at the launch of Lt Gen KJS Dhillon’s book Operation Sindoor: The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan, General Dwivedi stressed that the campaign was far from over on May 10. He explained that multiple decisions—ranging from operational timeframes to calibrating responses—had to be made even after the guns fell silent. Calling the military response a “rhythmic wave”, he underlined that the 88-hour window of strikes reflected unmatched coordination across India’s armed forces.

The Army Chief also cautioned that it was too early to declare the operation a final success, pointing out that infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) remain a persistent challenge despite the heavy blow dealt to terrorist infrastructure.

Tri-Service Coordination and Precision Strikes

Operation Sindoor demonstrated a new level of synergy among the Army, Air Force, and Navy. For the first time, a cross-border strike unfolded as a seamless tri-service mission, combining precision drones, advanced air defence systems, and intelligence-driven targeting. According to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the entire operation lasted just 23 minutes, yet eliminated more than 100 terrorists, including high-value operatives connected to the Pulwama attack and the IC-814 hijacking.

Pakistan’s attempts at retaliation through drone and missile attacks were swiftly neutralized, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s layered defence systems. The campaign sent a clear message of deterrence—India was no longer confined to defensive responses but was prepared to impose costs on its adversaries.

Public Sentiment and Symbolism

Beyond the battlefield, Operation Sindoor left a cultural imprint. Across India, public celebrations and tributes reflected widespread support for the armed forces. In Belagavi, Karnataka, a Ganeshotsav pandal honoured the operation’s heroes, including Lt Col Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, symbolizing the deep respect civilians hold for military sacrifices.

The Army also released official footage of the precision strikes, reinforcing the government’s claim of overwhelming success. The narrative of national pride, resilience, and operational superiority resonated across media platforms, shaping public memory of the event.

Strategic Implications for India-Pakistan Relations

Strategically, Operation Sindoor represents a significant shift in India’s doctrine. Analysts have noted that it reflects an evolution from mere deterrence to active cost-imposition, wherein India demonstrated its ability to deliver calibrated but powerful responses. The strikes, though limited in duration, carried immense political and military weight, altering the dynamics of India-Pakistan conflict management.

The ceasefire on May 10, mediated in part by the United States, prevented a wider escalation. However, the aftermath continues to unfold, with infiltration attempts persisting and the security environment on the LoC remaining fragile. General Dwivedi also reiterated the importance of theaterisation, a unified command structure that would streamline India’s military responses across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

The MGMM Outlook

Operation Sindoor stands as one of the boldest military responses in recent years, launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that shook the nation. While a ceasefire was announced on May 10, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has clarified that the operation did not truly end that day, as India continued to make crucial strategic decisions and face infiltration challenges along the Line of Control. The strikes were remarkable not only for their scale but also for the unprecedented tri-service coordination, where the Army, Air Force, and Navy executed precision missions that destroyed terror hubs and neutralized over a hundred operatives, including high-value figures linked to Pulwama and IC-814. This showcased India’s growing resolve to move beyond defensive measures and impose real costs on its adversaries.

Beyond the battlefield, Operation Sindoor resonated deeply with the Indian public, symbolizing both resilience and national pride. Celebrations across the country, from cultural events to tributes honoring military heroes, reflected the unity and support behind the armed forces. Strategically, the operation marked a shift in India’s doctrine, signaling an evolution from deterrence to active, calculated responses. Though mediated ceasefire efforts by global powers prevented escalation, the persistence of infiltration attempts shows the conflict is far from over. Operation Sindoor has therefore become more than a military strike—it is a defining chapter in India’s security narrative, reflecting both operational superiority and the unyielding spirit of the nation.

(Sources: Firstpost, India Today, Hindustan Times)