Shock and Retaliation: India Strikes Key Targets in Cross-Border Offensive

By Eshorjit | Infinitrix News | May 7, 2025

New Delhi — In a calibrated yet fierce response to the April 22 massacre of Hindu pilgrims in Pahalgam, the Indian government has confirmed the execution of “Operation Sindoor” — a cross-border air and missile campaign striking multiple sites across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered territory.

The operation, which unfolded in the pre-dawn hours of May 6, targeted what Indian intelligence described as “deep logistics and militant hubs” used by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and the Resistance Front (TRF). Among the targets were command facilities in Muzaffarabad, an arms dump in Kotli, and a suspected drone launch site in Bahawalpur.

The strikes followed days of intense diplomatic outrage after the Pahalgam attack killed 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali national. The TRF’s admission of responsibility was swiftly linked to handlers in Rawalpindi and Muridke — information Indian officials claimed came from intercepted communications and satellite surveillance.

“This was not just retaliation. This was rebalancing deterrence,” a senior Indian Army official told Infinitrix News on condition of anonymity. “We targeted infrastructure, not civilians. The intent was to degrade their ability to strike again, not escalate into open war.”

Pakistan’s Reaction: Condemnation and Claims

Islamabad accused India of violating its airspace and claimed that eight civilians were killed, including two children. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar condemned the attacks as “reckless adventurism” and said Pakistan would respond “at a time and place of its choosing.”

“This was an act of war. If India seeks escalation, it will find us prepared.” — PM Kakar (Pakistani address, May 6)

Pakistan’s Air Force reportedly scrambled fighter jets in response, and unconfirmed footage from Gilgit-Baltistan showed air defense activity. However, India denied any loss of aircraft or drones during the strikes. Indian sources claimed their aircraft remained within their own territory, using long-range systems.

International Diplomacy in High Gear

The United Nations called an emergency Security Council briefing within hours of the attack. While China voiced regret over India’s actions, the United States offered a more nuanced response, acknowledging India’s right to self-defense while urging restraint on both sides.

European leaders — including those from Germany and France — reiterated calls for dialogue. “The region cannot afford another prolonged conflict,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief. Talks are rumored to be under way via neutral backchannels, but neither side has confirmed contact.

Inside Operation Sindoor: India’s Strategic Play

Military experts have noted the operation’s precision, lack of collateral damage, and the use of homegrown technologies such as the DRDO-developed Astra Mk-II and loitering munitions from Bharat Dynamics. “This was a test of India’s autonomous deterrence capabilities,” said Lt. Gen. A. S. Brar (Retd.).

Analysts have also noted the timing — weeks before Indian general elections. While the government has denied political motivations, the optics of national defense strength are likely to resonate across the electorate.

Public Sentiment and National Unity

Public reaction in India has been largely supportive. Social media was ablaze with hashtags like #JusticeForPilgrims and #StrikeBackIndia. In cities from Delhi to Guwahati, candlelight vigils were held for the victims of the Pahalgam massacre.

At the same time, voices within civil society have urged caution. “We must not mirror the hate we condemn,” said activist Kavita Krishnan. “Accountability must remain lawful, not emotional.”

The Road Ahead

As of May 7, both armies remain on high alert. Civilians near the LoC have been evacuated in parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The government has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals, and all cultural exchanges have been frozen. The looming threat of escalation has prompted many international airlines to reroute flights away from the region.

Whether Operation Sindoor achieves long-term deterrence or pushes the subcontinent closer to war will depend not only on diplomacy but on each government’s ability to absorb pressure from domestic outrage and global diplomacy alike.

For now, India’s message is clear: the age of restraint in the face of cross-border terror may be over.