KEY POINTS
- India hit 9 terror hubs in Pakistan without crossing the border.
- Pakistani defences, including Chinese systems, failed.
- Cross-border terror now equals act of war for India.
In the early hours of May 7, India launched a powerful and well-planned military mission called Operation Sindoor. This mission came as a response to the deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed innocent people. The Indian public was angry and wanted a strong answer, and Operation Sindoor delivered just that.
India Strikes Back Without Crossing the Border
Operation Sindoor was different from past actions. This time, India struck 9 major terrorist hubs inside Pakistan without even crossing the border. The strikes killed several well-known terrorists, some of whom were wanted globally. The operation also damaged important Pakistani defence airfields and even destroyed a Chinese air defence system that was protecting Lahore.
India showed that Pakistan’s belief that its nuclear weapons make it untouchable is false. Indian missiles reached close to Pakistan’s nuclear sites, reportedly causing panic and forcing the US to step in and push for a ceasefire.
Clear Gains for India
India gained many things through this mission. Firstly, it raised the cost of terrorism for Pakistan. India proved that if Pakistan supports terrorists, it will face military consequences. Also, India’s air defence system worked perfectly by stopping most Pakistani drones and missiles.
Another major gain was how India conducted the operation. It was planned and executed with precision, and the communication to the public was done by two women officers, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, sending a strong global message about India’s modern and inclusive defence forces.
Moreover, India did not roll back any restrictions. The Indus Water Treaty remains suspended, trade and visa bans on Pakistan continue, and the message is clear: there will be no going back to normal until Pakistan stops exporting terror.
But despite the success, there are some concerns. Pakistan has shown again that it can act recklessly and provoke without facing major consequences. The world always tries to calm tensions when two nuclear nations are involved, which gives Pakistan a chance to escape serious punishment.
Also, India is growing rapidly. It is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030, and war brings economic risks. A long war could slow down India’s development and shift the government’s focus from growth to defence.
Inside India, there are also peace lobbies and anti-national elements who speak up in favour of de-escalation. During the operation, many social media accounts tried to weaken public morale. If the war had continued, these voices could have done more harm internally.
What Comes Next?
Pakistan’s support for terrorism will not stop on its own. India must stay alert and continue preparing for the future. Pakistan, with help from China, may upgrade its missiles and defence systems. So, India must invest more in missiles, drones, and stealth aircraft. Buying a few squadrons of ready-made stealth jets from countries like Russia, the US, or France is an option until India’s own technology is ready.
Another strong move India can make is to use sub-conventional warfare, the same way Pakistan uses terrorism. Supporting freedom movements in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could keep Pakistan under pressure from within.
China also plays a role in backing Pakistan. But instead of breaking ties, India should engage China cleverly. One idea is to force China to reduce its trade surplus with India or to shift manufacturing units to India under strict security. China is a global manufacturing power, and cutting it off completely may hurt India too.
But India must also not forget that China is a cyber superpower. It may not fight a direct war, but it can use cyber attacks and digital warfare. India needs to strengthen its cyber capabilities and close the gap with China.
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