Operation Sindoor: A Game-Changer in India's Military Strategy Against Terrorism

A New Era in India's Defence Strategy

New Delhi: In 2025, Operation Sindoor emerged as the Indian military's most extensive and multi-faceted combat initiative in decades, aimed at retaliating against Pakistan for its ongoing support of cross-border terrorism. This operation marked a pivotal moment for India's defense strategy.

On May 7, India executed a series of precise missile strikes targeting nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists. This action was a direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

The Indian government framed this military action as a demonstration of its 'political will' to counter Pakistan's support for terrorism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing that India would not tolerate any form of nuclear intimidation from Islamabad.

The strikes specifically targeted key terrorist facilities, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and the Lashkar-e-Taiba base in Muridke, along with various other locations across the region.

Following the strikes, India communicated to Pakistan its intention to avoid escalating tensions, clarifying that the operation was focused solely on terrorist bases.

However, as Pakistan initiated military retaliation, India responded robustly, deploying a range of advanced military assets, including the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid and S-400 missile systems.

The Indian military inflicted significant damage on several critical Pakistani military installations, including hangars, radars, and command centers.

This military campaign underscored the collaboration among India's armed forces and highlighted the evolution of modern warfare, which increasingly incorporates drone technology.

The hostilities concluded on May 10 after discussions between military officials from both nations, but the incident established a new paradigm for India's approach to countering cross-border terrorism.

Operation Sindoor is regarded as the most consequential military operation since the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

In a show of deterrence, the Indian Navy deployed its carrier battle group and submarines to maintain combat readiness following the Pahalgam attack.

Prime Minister Modi stated on May 12 that India would closely monitor Pakistan's actions moving forward, emphasizing that the country must dismantle its terror infrastructure to achieve peace.

Operation Sindoor was significant in showcasing India's military capabilities and strategic resolve, effectively neutralizing terrorist threats and reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, as noted by the defense ministry.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh reported that Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor resulted in the destruction or damage of at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16 jets.

While Singh did not disclose India's losses, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan acknowledged some aircraft were lost but refuted claims from Islamabad regarding the downing of six Indian jets.

India's non-military strategies following the Pahalgam attack also played a vital role in shaping the strategic landscape, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan ceases its support for terrorism.

This decision has significant implications for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus river system for its agricultural needs.

Throughout 2025, the Indian military maintained a proactive stance along the nearly 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) and enhanced its surveillance capabilities to monitor activities by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on the Chinese side.

The Indian Navy also expanded its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, a region increasingly influenced by Chinese activities.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi announced that the third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, 'Aridaman,' is nearing commissioning after successful trials.

India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program is a closely guarded initiative, with INS Arihant being the first vessel, followed by INS Arighat, forming a crucial part of India's nuclear deterrent.

In April, India and France finalized a major agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale marine jets, valued at Rs 64,000 crore (approximately Euro 7 billion), for deployment on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The defense ministry also accelerated plans to acquire six stealth submarines under Project 75 India, estimated at around Rs 70,000 crore.

India's defense collaborations with various countries, particularly the US, saw significant growth in 2025.

Two months ago, India and the US signed a decade-long defense framework agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral strategic ties, particularly in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

This agreement was reached amid efforts to mend relations that had deteriorated due to tariffs imposed by Washington on Indian goods.

Throughout the year, India successfully tested a variety of strategically important weapons, including multiple versions of the Agni missiles.

In August, India successfully launched the 'Agni-five' intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of reaching targets up to 5,000 km away, covering nearly all of Asia and parts of Europe.