What Has Happened So Far Since India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Airstrikes?

Kathmandu: South Asia stands on edge as tensions flare between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan following India’s recent military action under Operation Sindoor. The airstrikes, conducted on May 6, 2025, targeted alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 civilians, including one Nepali citizen.

The Pahalgam Attack: Spark Behind the Strike

The chain of events began on April 22, when five armed militants attacked a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The assault resulted in 28 fatalities and over 20 injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the 2008 Mumbai carnage. Most victims were non-Muslim tourists, including Hindus and a Christian. Initially claimed by The Resistance Front, a group with ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the claim was later retracted.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Show of Force

In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 6. The Indian Air Force executed a swift 23-minute aerial offensive using Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The strikes targeted nine key locations: Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, among others. According to Indian authorities, these were hubs for terrorist training linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India described the airstrikes as a “measured, non-escalatory action”, asserting it aimed to prevent further cross-border terrorism without provoking broader conflict.

Pakistan’s Retaliation and Civilian Impact

Pakistan strongly condemned the strikes, labeling them an “unprovoked and blatant act of war.” Officials reported at least 26 civilian casualties and 46 injuries, claiming that mosques and residential areas were among the impacted sites.

In a swift military response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft and destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the Indian action a “cowardly attack on civilians” and pledged a “decisive response.”

International Reaction: Calls for Restraint

The global community has voiced deep concern over the escalating conflict:

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres and U.S. officials have urged both nations to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.

• China’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret over India’s military action and called for calm and de-escalation.

• The United Arab Emirates echoed similar sentiments, warning of the wider regional risks.

Civil Aviation and Education Disruptions

The military confrontation has spilled into civilian life:

• Indian carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, citing security risks.

• In Pakistan, schools and colleges in Punjab have been closed. All public examinations, except for international board exams, have been postponed.

Current Situation: Heightened Military Readiness

As of May 7, both nations remain on high military alert. India has increased security along its borders, while Pakistan has mobilized its forces. Civil defense drills have begun in multiple border regions. The risk of further escalation looms large, with international actors maintaining close watch over the volatile situation.

While diplomatic avenues remain open, the region stands at a dangerous crossroads, and the coming days will likely determine whether restraint or retaliation defines South Asia’s future.