India Launches Precision Strikes on Pakistani Radar Installations Near Lahore in Covert Operation Sindoor

India Launches Precision Strikes on Pakistani Radar Installations Near Lahore in Covert Operation Sindoor

Opretion Sindoor

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, India launched a series of precision strikes targeting Pakistani radar installations near Lahore under the covert operation named "Operation Sindoor." This military action, carried out on May 7, 2025, marks one of the most substantial confrontations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Background: The Catalyst for Action

The immediate impetus for Operation Sindoor was the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. In this incident, 26 Indian civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists, lost their lives. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Indian government perceived this as a direct assault on its sovereignty and a continuation of cross-border terrorism, prompting a decisive military response.

Operation Sindoor: Strategic Execution

Codenamed "Sindoor," symbolizing the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, the operation was a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Air Force executed the strikes using Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. Over a span of 23 minutes, 14 coordinated attacks were launched on nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and areas near Lahore. These sites were identified as hubs for terrorist activities.

Notably, the operation was designed to avoid civilian casualties and prevent escalation. Indian aircraft did not breach Pakistani airspace, utilizing stand-off weapons to achieve their objectives. The Indian Army also deployed Indo-Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions to enhance precision.

Pakistan's Response and Claims

Pakistan condemned the strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression. The Pakistani military claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and 12 drones, asserting that the attacks resulted in 31 civilian deaths and 46 injuries. However, India refuted these claims, stating that their operations were solely against terrorist infrastructure and that no aircraft were lost.

In retaliation, Pakistan initiated artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), leading to civilian casualties on both sides. The Pakistani government also suspended diplomatic ties and trade agreements, further straining bilateral relations.

International Reactions and Concerns

The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. The United Nations, United States, China, Russia, and the European Union urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. Humanitarian organizations highlighted the risk to civilian lives and the potential for a broader regional crisis.

A Delicate Balance

Operation Sindoor underscores India's resolve to counter cross-border terrorism while navigating the complexities of regional diplomacy. The operation's precision and strategic planning aimed to neutralize threats without provoking a full-scale war. However, the situation remains volatile, with the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and ensure regional stability.