By Lakshya Govani
On May 7, 2025, the Government of India carried out a significant and strategic airstrike, reportedly deploying advanced fighter aircraft including Rafale, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI jets. This bold military action was a direct response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians, including personnel from the Indian Navy and Air Force, as well as a Nepali tourist, lost their lives.
In the face of ongoing hostilities emanating from Pakistan, including drone incursions and terror infiltrations, India reaffirmed its commitment to national security. The airstrike reportedly targeted nine high-value terror infrastructure sites across the border, once again highlighting Pakistan’s role as a safe haven for terror outfits destabilizing the region.
Pakistan’s Role Under Scrutiny
The Pahalgam attack, executed by well-trained terrorists linked to Pakistan, shocked the nation. According to reports, the assailants singled out victims based on religious identity, targeting Hindus in particular.
Just before the attack, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, made a divisive statement reinforcing the two-nation theory, drawing sharp criticism from global observers. India has repeatedly highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing history of sheltering terrorist factions responsible for cross-border attacks.
Prime Minister’s Strong Response
In a public address from Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing that terrorists will be punished beyond imagination. He declared it was time to “destroy terrorism at its roots and turn Pakistan’s terror machine into dust.”
Within days, India took decisive measures to isolate Pakistan economically and diplomatically. Key actions included:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, reducing water flow into Pakistan.
- Controlled release of water from the Chenab River, causing flooding in parts of Sindh and Punjab, damaging crops and sparking protests.
- Naval blockades and surveillance in the Arabian Sea, impacting Pakistan’s trade routes.
- Airspace restrictions, leading to substantial losses in aviation and logistics for Pakistan.
These cumulative measures deepened Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis, exacerbating public unrest.
May 7: “Diwali Night” in Pakistan
While Indian citizens were notified about a mock emergency drill on May 7, only government and defense officials knew the true mission: Operation Sindoor.
That night, a fleet comprising three Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, and one Su-30 MKI launched precise airstrikes, reducing several terror facilities to rubble. Social media buzzed with memes and videos calling it a “Midnight Diwali” for Pakistan. Hashtags like #HappyDiwaliPakistan and #GoodMorningPakistan trended across platforms.
Pakistan, in turn, launched a propaganda campaign, claiming to have shot down Indian jets—including a Rafale—but these claims were refuted by the Indian Air Force as doctored visuals from past incidents. Instead, reports confirmed Pakistani F-16s and JF-17s were neutralized when they attempted to breach Indian airspace.
Pakistan’s Retaliation and Escalation
Pakistan claimed that mosques and military sites were targeted, leading to damage and unrest. In retaliation, Pakistani forces shelled civilian areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in injuries and further tension.
Despite a worsening economic and political crisis, Pakistan’s military response signaled continued aggression over internal stability.
The Drone Warfare
India utilized drones with precision-strike capabilities to dismantle multiple targets within Pakistan. In response, Pakistan attempted drone incursions, but Indian forces intercepted and destroyed them effectively, once again showcasing India’s technological and tactical
superiority in asymmetric warfare.
Question Raised Was ‘Will the Conflict Escalate into Full-Scale War’?
The central question now remains: Will this turn into a full-fledged war?
Analysts suggested two possible outcomes:
- Peaceful De-escalation: A ceasefire through back-channel diplomacy, although India appears less inclined this time, given Pakistan’s repeated failures to learn from past warnings.
- International Diplomatic Pressure: With India supported by global powers like the USA, Russia, and Israel, and Pakistan backed mainly by China and Turkey, international pressure—especially from the United Nations—could lead to a resolution.
Most global observers believed that while tensions were high, the possibility of an all-out war however remained low, and the crisis it was expected that will de-escalate through strategic and diplomatic channels.
India has made its position clear: Terrorism will be answered with strength, not silence. Operation Sindoor was not just a military action, but a message.