In a startling public address, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed a pivotal moment in the recent Indo-Pakistan tension—a 2:30 AM phone call from Army Chief General Asim Munir. The call informed him of Indian ballistic missile attacks that had struck deep into Pakistani territory, specifically the Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad. This unprecedented admission by a Pakistani PM not only highlighted the depth of the strikes but also marked a rare moment of transparency in Pakistan’s security narrative. The Nur Khan Airbase, a historic and strategic military location, had not faced such direct hits since the 1971 war. The very fact that the head of state was alerted in the dead of night shows the gravity and precision of India’s offensive move under “Operation Sindoor.”

Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliation for the Pahalgam Terror Attack

India’s missile strikes came as part of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military retaliation following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian citizens. Conducted on May 7 and escalating in intensity by May 10, this joint operation saw the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy coordinate in a large-scale, high-precision assault on terror hubs and strategic military points across Pakistan and PoK. According to Indian government sources, approximately 100 terrorists affiliated with notorious outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were neutralized. This was not merely a symbolic gesture—it was a clear military doctrine in action, signaling India’s shift toward proactive deterrence in response to cross-border terrorism.

The Targets and the Aftermath: Inside the Strike Zones

The primary targets of India’s strikes were key Pakistani military infrastructures—airfields, radar stations, and communications hubs. Nur Khan (Chaklala) and Sargodha airbases were among the first to be hit, with satellite imagery confirming additional damage at Jacobabad, Bholari, and Skardu. The strikes demonstrated India’s growing precision-strike capabilities and its strategic focus on dismantling both terror infrastructure and military assets used to support such networks. These were not isolated incidents but part of a calculated, multi-front operation that spanned land, air, and sea. The scale and timing of the operation sent a powerful message to both Islamabad and the international community: India would no longer tolerate state-backed terror without retaliation.

Escalation and Diplomacy: Ceasefire or Tactical Pause?

Following the strikes, Pakistan responded with artillery shelling along the Line of Control and launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military bases in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat. However, India’s defense systems intercepted multiple threats, and further retaliatory strikes followed. With the potential for full-scale conflict looming, the U.S. reportedly intervened, urging Pakistan to initiate dialogue. On May 10, a hotline call between DGMOs of both countries resulted in a mutual agreement to cease military actions from land, air, and sea. Yet, India accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire hours later by sending drones into Indian airspace, prompting additional defensive actions. This showed how fragile such agreements remain in the face of deep-rooted hostilities and mistrust.

Strategic Fallout: Water Wars and the Nuclear Question

As the dust began to settle, India made it clear that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, announced post the Pahalgam attack, would remain in effect. Meanwhile, intercepted Pakistani military communications suggested a heightened alert around their nuclear command centers, prompting global concern about escalation. While the ceasefire was officially in place, both sides remained on edge. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Indian forces had taken “appropriate and proportionate responses” and stood ready for any future contingencies. The message was clear: this was not just about retaliation but a redefinition of India’s strategic posture. The events of May 10 will be remembered not only for the military precision but also for exposing the new, uncompromising face of India’s national security doctrine.

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Source : ndtv.com