Operation Sindoor Timeline: From Pahalgam Attack to Precision Strikes

Operation Sindoor was India’s swift and precise military response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. The operation marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, featuring coordinated air and missile strikes on terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Below is a detailed timeline and analysis of the key events leading up to, during, and after Operation Sindoor. Timeline of Key Events April 22, 2025: Pahalgam Terror Attack The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), attacked Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali tourist. The attack triggered nationwide outrage and a call for decisive action. April 29, 2025: High-Level Security Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting with defense chiefs, granting the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to respond to the attack. May 6-7, 2025: Launch of Operation Sindoor In the early hours of May 7, Indian Armed Forces commenced Operation Sindoor with a series of precision air and missile strikes targeting nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and PoK. The strikes were carried out between 1:28 am and 1:51 am, with loud explosions reported in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and other regions. The operation lasted approximately 23 minutes, utilizing advanced weapons such as SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs, and loitering munitions, all launched from within Indian territory. Targets Hit Nine major terror facilities were destroyed, including: Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur (JeM HQ) Markaz Taiba, Muridke (LeT base) Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot (Hizbul Mujahideen camp) Multiple camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Sialkot associated with LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. May 7-10, 2025: Escalation and Ceasefire Following India’s strikes, Pakistan placed its air force on high alert and retaliated with drone and artillery attacks, escalating hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC). India responded with a second wave of precision strikes, further damaging Pakistani airbases and military infrastructure, employing weapons like extended-range BrahMos missiles and modified Sukhoi-30MKIs for standoff attacks. The US intervened diplomatically, with President Donald Trump publicly announcing a pause in hostilities, which was followed by a fragile ceasefire after four days of intense exchanges. Operation Sindoor: Weapons & Tactics Weapon System Role/Type Key Features/Use Case Launch Platform SCALP Cruise Missile Long-range, air-launched Precision strikes on fortified targets Rafale fighter jets HAMMER Munition Precision-guided bomb Multi-guidance; tactical strikes Air-launched Loitering Munitions Kamikaze drone Real-time surveillance, autonomous strike UAVs BrahMos Missile Supersonic cruise missile Deep strikes, standoff capability Sukhoi-30MKI Spice-2000, Crystal Maze-2, Scalp, Hammer Precision-guided munitions High accuracy, minimal collateral damage Various aircraft The strikes were designed to avoid civilian casualties and Pakistani military installations, focusing exclusively on terror infrastructure. Aftermath and Significance Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets, were neutralized in the strikes. The operation demonstrated India’s capability to conduct deep, precision strikes without crossing the LoC or international border, establishing a new strategic deterrence posture. The strikes sent a clear message: India would hold both terror groups and their state sponsors accountable for attacks on Indian soil. Conclusion Operation Sindoor was a turning point in India’s counterterrorism doctrine, combining rapid decision-making, advanced military technology, and diplomatic coordination. The operation not only delivered justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack but also set a new precedent for India’s response to cross-border terrorism. Meta Description: "Explore the full timeline of Operation Sindoor, India’s precision military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. From the initial assault to targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, get a detailed breakdown of the operation’s key events, weapons, and outcomes