‘Sirf Hungama Khada Karna Maqsad Nahi’: Team Op Sindoor’s big message to Pakistan

One year after Operation Sindoor, Indian defence leaders say the mission was “just the beginning.” From precision strikes to strategic restraint, the operation marked a major shift in India’s anti-terror doctrine.

New Delhi: As Operation Sindoor completed one year on May 7, senior Indian military leaders who directed the mission said the operation was not merely a retaliatory strike, but the beginning of a long-term and decisive fight against terrorism operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives. The Indian armed forces targeted multiple terror infrastructure sites linked to outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

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‘Changing the situation was the goal’

Speaking at a press conference in Rajasthan, former Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said the intention behind the operation was not to create temporary chaos but to bring lasting change.

Quoting a famous line, Ghai said, “Sirf hungama khada karna mera maqsad nahi… meri koshish hai ki yeh soorat badalni chahiye,” stressing that India’s battle against terrorism would continue with determination.

He added that Operation Sindoor should be viewed as a defining moment in India’s strategic and military response against cross-border terrorism.

Precision strikes and coordinated action

Lt Gen Ghai highlighted that the operation reflected a new and coordinated “whole-of-government” approach. He said the armed forces were given clear political objectives while maintaining operational freedom on the battlefield.

According to him, nine precision standoff strikes were carried out during the operation. Seven strikes were executed by the Indian Army, while the Indian Air Force carried out two. The attacks were timed carefully to achieve maximum surprise and impact.

The targets were located deep inside PoK and mainland Pakistan, signalling that terror groups would no longer find safe havens across the border.

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‘India will act with responsibility’

The military leadership said Operation Sindoor combined strategic restraint with decisive action. Ghai stated that India would continue to protect its sovereignty, security and citizens in a professional and responsible manner.

Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, who also played key roles during the operation, joined the anniversary event, underscoring the coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force during the mission.