“Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack — a resolute response is already underway.” – Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif
6 May: In a powerful retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians — including 25 Indians and one Nepali — the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites located deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India’s Precision Counterstrike
According to the Indian Army, the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” No Pakistani civilian, military, or economic assets were hit. The strikes were limited to known terror camps associated with groups responsible for the April 22 massacre, believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba’s proxy, The Resistance Front.
The Indian Army’s official post read:
“Justice is Served. Jai Hind.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally oversaw the operation through the night, staying in close communication with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military leaders, reflecting the importance of the mission.
Pakistan Confirms Indian Strikes, Issues Stern Warning
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the strikes, stating that India carried out attacks on five locations inside Pakistan. In a strongly worded post on X, he declared:
“The treacherous enemy has launched a cowardly attack on five locations within Pakistan. This heinous act of aggression will not go unpunished. Pakistan reserves the absolute right to respond decisively to this unprovoked Indian attack — a resolute response is already underway. The entire nation stands united behind its armed forces, and our morale and resolve remain unshaken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave officers and soldiers of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan and its forces are fully prepared to confront and defeat any threat with our strength and determination. The enemy will never be allowed to achieve its malicious aims.”
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, also confirmed the missile strikes in Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muzaffarabad, calling them a “cowardly attack”. The government emphasized that Pakistan will not allow India to succeed in its “nefarious goals.”
International Reactions
United States
U.S. President Donald Trump called the Indian action “expected” and added,
“I just hope it ends very quickly.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also holds the NSA role, posted:
“I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo @POTUS’s comments that this hopefully ends quickly.”
Ajit Doval briefed Rubio shortly after the strikes. The Indian Embassy in Washington reiterated that India’s actions were responsible, limited, and aimed solely at terror camps, not Pakistani assets.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern and said:
“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”
He urged maximum restraint and reaffirmed the UN’s condemnation of attacks targeting civilians.
Focused, Firm, and Restrained
India’s Ministry of Defence reiterated that the strikes were launched to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack accountable, and that the nation remains committed to targeted counterterrorism, avoiding escalation.
“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” said the Indian Army.
Conclusion
As Operation Sindoor continues to echo across diplomatic, military, and public circles, India has drawn a firm red line against terrorism while global powers watch closely. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s fiery rhetoric suggests a brewing escalation, even as the world urges both nuclear nations to walk the path of restraint and peace.
