Prof (Dr) Ashish Gupta
In a multi-domain conflict era, where the nature of conflict changes faster than the drawing of borders, India’s national security architecture has emerged as something exemplary of jointness, agility, and strategic clarity. Operation SINDOOR, launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent people were massacred, is testament to the evolving operational doctrine. The operation was not meant for reactive reprisal; it represents a premeditated tri-services offensive whose orchestration of air, land, and cyber capabilities clearly conveys that India will not tolerate acts of terror nor allow its sovereignty to be encroached upon. While punishment was a factor, the most crucial changes occurred in the calculus of security. Deep strikes across the LoC, hitting key nodes of Pakistan terror infrastructure, have shown the retaliation on the Indian side to be now free from any sort of tactical restraint but rather based on strategic considerations and the fine art of operational excellence.
Operation SINDOOR held prominence for the application of power, but also for its precision and calculated use of strategy. Using solid intelligence from multiple agencies, nine major terror camps were identified and targeted with surgical strikes. The Indian response was in no way rushed. The operation provided for by Pakistan was deliberate and had a high degree of detail, and using accurate data to conduct strikes to ensure the jeopardy of civilian life is as minimal as possible. When this operation was done, and with all ethical considerations and in the interest of being responsible, India had shown that it acted sensibly but decisively with its options. Pakistan operationalised its retaliation by utilizing drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) to attack Indian airbases and supply lines, only for these to be thwarted by India’s advanced air defence capacity. A key component in achieving the capacity of India’s defence air system was the Integrated Command and Control Strategy (ICCS) context in which it could strip down to detect and respond very closely to a threat.The very aspect that made Operation SINDOOR extremely effective was the seamless cooperation of Army, Navy, and Air Force with full backing of the Government and key agencies. . What made the response even stronger was the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System, which facilitated all the air units to coordinate instantly in real time. This enabled India to target and destroy enemy drones rapidly, while remaining completely networked across various operations. The IAF’s performance during Operation SINDOOR was a clear indication of India’s growing strength in air power, technology, and coordination.
Operation SINDOOR demonstrated how capable and robust India’s military is in defending the country from all sides—land, air, and sea. The Indian Army demonstrated its might not only to safeguard our land but also to strike back when necessary. Cooperating closely with the Air Force, the Army employed various forms of weapons—ranging from shoulder-fired missiles and light guns to missiles with a long range—to destroy numerous drones and Pakistani weapons launched by Pakistan. Despite repeated assaults, the Indian Army ensured that both the military and civilian zones stayed secure. It was a colossal demonstration of how joint capability, sound planning and national will could thwart a country from a contemporary threat.
Operation SINDOOR was an extraordinary demonstration of the long-term capability of India’s Army, Air Force and Navy operating synergetic ally on land, in air and sea. The Indian Air Force (IAF) took extensive part in applying surgical strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan, including high-value targets like Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan Air Bases. These successful surgical strikes were supplemented by visuals presented during official briefings that illustrated India’s transparency and ability to provide high profile targeting accuracy. While Pakistan tried to get their revenge by attacking Indian positions with shortcomings using drones and UAV, the IAF’s thick air defence coverage made sure that Indian airspace remained secure. Next-Generation Systems are being brought into service in the form of the Akash missile system made-in-India.
Even old and reliable platforms like Pechora and OSA-AK would go through layers to intercept any forthcoming threat.
Concurrently, the Indian Navy dominated the seas during the operation. Through its highly advanced Carrier Battle Group, armed with MiG-29K fighter aircraft and early warning choppers, the Navy guarded the sea and intercepted any military movement, particularly along Pakistan’s Makran coast. Their robust air defense ensured no enemy aircraft penetrated Indian waters. The Navy pilots undertook non-stop flights, demonstrating India’s complete preparedness to counter sea-based threats. The dominance of the western sea route by the Navy kept Pakistan’s air force grounded, indicating India’s prowess in defence as well as tactics. The Border Security Force (BSF) also responded quickly and courageously at this time. BSF troops, in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, thwarted a large-scale infiltration bid. They saw suspicious activity in the early morning and promptly acted, resulting in a deadly gunfight. They ended up killing a minimum of two infiltrators and recovered weapons and other hazardous substances. This event proved how vigilant and prepared the BSF is to protect our borders, even in times of high tension.
As a whole, Operation SINDOOR wasn’t merely a successful operation—it was a strong and clear message. It indicated that India is capable of executing powerful, well-planned attacks on every front when provoked to excess. This operation became a reality due to years of preparation, practice, and robust government backing in defence. India demonstrated that although we are peace- and diplomacy-loving people, we are not going to remain quiet during sustained attacks. Operation SINDOOR will be remembered as a turning point—a sign of India’s military strength, teamwork among its forces, and firm national will. It not only removed serious terror threats but also made it clear that India will always defend itself with strength and smart action.
(Author is Dental Sr. Surgeon and Senior Fellow of International College of Dentist at New Delhi.
