RRB NTPC (2025) Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Selection Process

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia witnessed a significant shift in May 2025 with India's Operation Sindoor.

This operation, a direct and robust response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, marked a new chapter in India's counter-terrorism doctrine.

Test your Op Sindoor knowledge! 25+ MCQs on India's counter-terror operation Sindoor. Key dates, figures & tech. Practice now!.

What was Operation Sindoor?

Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was a meticulously planned military action by India aimed at:

1. Punishing the perpetrators and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack.
2. Destroying critical terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This operation represented India's deepest cross-border military penetration (up to 150 km) since the 1971 war, surpassing even the Balakot (2019) and Uri (2016) strikes in its extensiveness.

Key Facts for Your Exams:

• Trigger: Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025) – 26 deaths.

• Operation Launch Date: May 7, 2025.

• Primary Targets: 9 major terror hideouts/bases.

  • Pakistan: 4 bases, including Bahawalpur and Muridke (Punjab province).

  • PoK: 5 bases, including Muzaffarabad and Kotli.

  • These were known hubs for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

• Terrorist Casualties: Approximately 100 terrorists were reported killed in these precise strikes.

• Nature of Operation:

  • A coordinated tri-service action involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This was the first such major tri-service operation since the 1971 war.
  • Showcased India's strategic restraint by focusing solely on terrorist targets and avoiding civilian harm or Pakistani military establishments initially.

• Operational Duration (IAF Air Defence Jamming): The Indian Air Force reportedly bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems (HQ-9) and completed its mission in just 23 minutes.

India's Arsenal in Action:

Operation Sindoor saw the deployment of India's advanced precision-strike capabilities:

• Rafale Jets: The spearhead of the aerial assault, used for launching long-range missiles.

• SCALP Cruise Missiles (Storm Shadow): A long-range (550 km) air-launched cruise missile developed by European firm MBDA. Known for its stealth, GPS/INS guidance, and ability to hit high-value, fortified targets.

• HAMMER Precision-Guided Bombs: Medium-range (70 km) modular bombs from France's Safran, equipped with GPS, infrared, and laser guidance for dynamic/mobile targets. They enhanced the Rafale's strike versatility.

• Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones): These "suicide drones" (like India's indigenous Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker) provide real-time intelligence and can execute autonomous precision strikes by crashing into targets.

• Air Defence Neutralization: Following Pakistani retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Indian cities (May 7-9), India deployed kamikaze drones to neutralize Pakistan's air defence, including disabling Lahore's air defense system.

• Strikes on Pakistani Airbases (May 9-10): India targeted 11 Pakistani military installations, including airbases like Noor Khan, Rafiqui, Sargodha, Bholari, and Jacobabad, destroying about 20% of Pakistan's air force assets. Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf and 4 airmen were among those killed at Bholari Airbase.

• India's Air Defence Superiority: India's multi-layered air defence, including the indigenous Akashteer system and the S-400 Triumf (purchased from Russia, often called India's 'Sudarshan Chakra'), successfully intercepted hundreds of incoming drones and missiles.

India's Arsenal in Operation Sindoor: Rafale jets armed with SCALP missiles & HAMMER bombs, alongside Nagastra-1 & SkyStriker loitering munitions, played key roles in the precision strikes.

The Diplomatic and Non-Military Front:

Beyond military might, India employed significant non-kinetic measures:

1. Termination of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): The 1960 treaty was held in abeyance, giving India full control over western rivers (Jhelum, Chenab). The message was clear: "Blood and water cannot flow together."

2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border & Suspension of Bilateral Trade: Key goods exports (like onions) were halted, and imports (cement, textiles) were banned.

3. Revocation of Visas: Visas for Pakistanis residing in India were revoked, and a ban was imposed on Pakistani artists.

4. International Censure: Pakistan's appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to censure India was rejected. Most global powers, including the US, tacitly accepted India's right to self-defence under UN Article 51. (Both India and Pakistan invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter).

5. Persona Non Grata: Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared Persona Non Grata.

Leadership & Key Figures:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Displayed decisive leadership, assuming command despite being on a pre-scheduled diplomatic visit. He ensured a balanced response of strategic restraint and assertive action.

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri: Articulated India's position to the international community through multiple press briefings.

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan: Played a pivotal role in coordinating the tri-service operation.

• National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval: Instrumental in strategic planning and intelligence.

Impact & Significance:

On Pakistan:

• Strategic Deterrence Recalibrated: Challenged Pakistan's long-held belief about India's reluctance for deep cross-border military actions.
• Terror Infrastructure Degraded: Significant damage to terror camps.
• Psychological & Military Pressure: Exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan's defence.
• Diplomatic Isolation: Failed to garner significant international support post-strikes.
• Economic Strain: Aggravated by the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and trade.

On India:

• Strengthened Conventional Deterrence: Demonstrated willingness and capability for deep, precise strikes.
• Political & National Unity: The operation received bipartisan political support and strong public endorsement.
• Enhanced Diplomatic Credibility: India's restrained yet firm action gained quiet international acceptance.
• Validated Operational & Intelligence Capabilities: Showcased enhanced military prowess and intelligence integration (HUMINT & TECHINT).

Ceasefire & Information Warfare:

• After India conducted retaliatory strikes on radar installations in Lahore and Gurjanwala, and inflicted heavy damage, Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO.

• A ceasefire was agreed upon, effective from 1700 hours IST on May 10, 2025, covering land, air, and sea.

• Despite the ceasefire, Pakistan reportedly continued to intrude with UAVs, which were intercepted by India.

• India also faced and countered an aggressive online misinformation campaign launched by Pakistan.

A New Strategic Red Line:

Operation Sindoor drew a new "red line": if terror is state policy, it will be met with a visible and forceful response. This marked a shift from deterrence to direct action and rejected any artificial separation between terrorists and their state sponsors.

Conclusion:

Operation Sindoor is a landmark event, reshaping India's counter-terrorism strategy and its geopolitical standing. It underscored India's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, combining military precision with diplomatic astuteness. For aspirants, understanding the multifaceted nature of this operation – its military, diplomatic, and strategic dimensions – is crucial.