India clarified that Operation Sindoor was a focused and non-escalatory military response to a Pakistan-backed terror attack. The operation destroyed nine terror camps in PoK, showcased India’s resolve, and garnered global diplomatic support. It reinforced India’s commitment to dismantling cross-border terror infrastructure and promoting international counter-terror cooperation.
In a detailed statement submitted to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the Government of India firmly defended its recent military action — Operation Sindoor — calling it a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” response to a brutal terror attack carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
The clarification came from Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, who addressed questions from MP Ramji Lal Suman regarding the objectives, execution, and diplomatic context surrounding the operation. Singh emphasized that the Indian strikes were not random acts of aggression, but calculated retaliatory moves aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing imminent threats across the border.
A Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack
Operation Sindoor was launched in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which was blamed on Pakistan-based terror outfits. The government made it clear that the action taken was intended to send a strong message while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
On May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn precision airstrikes that successfully destroyed nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These camps were allegedly being used to train and launch terrorists into Indian territory.
Singh stated unequivocally:
“It focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralising terrorists likely to be sent across to India.”
Pakistan’s Escalation and India’s Response
According to the minister, Pakistan retaliated by targeting Indian civilian areas and military positions, a move that significantly heightened tensions. However, these actions were swiftly and decisively countered by the Indian armed forces.
“These provocations were met with a strong and decisive response from the Indian armed forces,” said Singh, noting that substantial damage was inflicted on Pakistani military assets during the operation.
Despite the growing conflict, India maintained a measured posture and avoided steps that would lead to wider escalation.
Diplomatic End to Military Hostilities
Singh revealed that on May 10, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart requesting a ceasefire. India accepted the request on the same day, leading to the cessation of hostilities.
This sequence of events undermined any narrative suggesting that India was pressured by global powers to halt its actions prematurely. The government stressed that the halt in operations came only after Indian objectives were met and Pakistan sought a diplomatic exit.
Global Support and Counter-Terrorism Advocacy
Responding to additional queries, Singh also elaborated on India’s sustained diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. He pointed out that India’s advocacy has led to:
-
Several Pakistan-based individuals and groups being listed under the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions regime.
-
Pakistan’s grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
-
Strong international condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, including from the UN Security Council, which called for the prosecution of the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers.
Singh also highlighted the recent U.S. move to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba — as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This designation was seen as a major diplomatic victory for India.
On Pakistan’s Role in UN Counter-Terrorism Committee
Addressing concerns over Pakistan being named Vice-Chair of the UN Counter Terrorism Committee for 2025, Singh clarified that such positions are filled via routine rotational processes among UN members. He reminded the House that India had served as Chair of the same committee in 2011-12 and again in 2022.
| Also Read: Rahul Gandhi slams BJP for hypocrisy over English education |
Operation Sindoor, according to the Indian government, represents a new chapter in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism — assertive but controlled, retaliatory but anchored in international norms. It highlights India’s dual strategy of military precision and diplomatic persistence in the fight against state-sponsored terrorism.
