Operation Sindoor delivered calibrated, decisive blow; sent unambiguous message to world: Government

New Delhi: Operation Sindoor stands as a "resounding testament" to India's unwavering resolve against terrorism, and with precision and professionalism, the Indian armed forces struck deep into the heart of Pakistan's terror infrastructure delivering a "calibrated and decisive blow", the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The operation sent an "unambiguous message" to the world -- "India will not tolerate terror, and those who sponsor it will face the full force of retribution", it said.

"This operation would be remembered as a defining moment in India's military history and as a symbol of military precision and national resolve," the ministry said in a year-end review statement.

Operation Sindoor was carried out in the early hours of May 7 eliminating at least 100 terrorists in response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians.

Indian armed forces had launched a series of precision missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under this military action, which resulted in a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan.

The ministry said the operation stands as a "resounding testament to India's unwavering resolve against terrorism -- a bold demonstration of decisive leadership, joint operational synergy and the nation's intent to safeguard its sovereignty against brutal killings by Pakistan-based terrorists".

The operation showcased "unmatched multi-domain capability" and was executed simultaneously across the traditional domains of land, maritime and air as well as the emerging domains of cyber, space and information warfare.

"With strategic foresight and restraint of the forces, Operation Sindoor highlighted India's sustained focus on capability development, i.e., from intelligence dominance to cutting-edge technology and joint operational readiness," the ministry said.

The operation was a "classic demonstration of execution of will of the nation" through "seamless integration of all organs of the government". The success of home-grown technologies and weapon systems in combat was validation of the success of the vision of 'Aatmanirbharta' espoused by India, it said.

Operation Sindoor also marked a milestone in India's journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations -- whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare. It was also a shining example of tri-Service coordination, the ministry said.

While the Indian Air Force launched attacks from the air, the Army soldiers stood firmly on the Line of Control and "delivered a befitting reply to every Pakistani action", the statement said.

The Indian Navy maintained its strong posture in the north Arabian Sea, "sending a clear message to Pakistan that India is capable and prepared to strike at every vital Pakistani base, from sea to land, the ministry quoted an earlier statement of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Singh had told Parliament that Operation Sindoor had only been halted, and not ended, it said.

"If Pakistan again tries to carry out any nefarious act, we are fully prepared for an even more intense and decisive action," Singh had said.

The ministry said Operation Sindoor was powered by the country's "transitional shift in its policy against terrorism".

From successfully destroying terror camps in Pakistan and PoK and safeguarding the borders from the "neighbouring country's misdeeds that followed", the nation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Defence Minister Singh, "sent a clear message to its adversaries that the sovereignty, unity and integrity of Bharat will never be compromised", it said.

Singh had also said that the action was completely in self-defence, and was "neither provocative nor expansionist".

On May 10, at approximately 1:30 am, Pakistan launched a "massive attack" on IAF bases, army ammunition depots, airports, and military cantonments using missiles, drones, rockets, and other long-range weapons, along with electronic warfare technologies, it said.

However, the Indian air defence system, counter-drone system, and electronic equipment "completely thwarted the attack by Pakistan". The adversary failed to hit any targets, and none of the vital assets were damaged, the ministry said.

"Major airbases like Chaklala, Sargodha, Rafiqui, Rahimyar Khan, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Bholari were struck, and the mission was successfully accomplished. On May 10, Pakistan's DGMO contacted India's DGMO and appealed for a halt to military operations. On May 12, formal talks took place between the two DGMOs, and both sides decided to cease military operations," it added.

The effective use of state-of-the-art 'Made-in-India' weapons during the operation is testimony to the progress the country has made to attain self-reliance, which, in today's geopolitical landscape, is "fundamental to ensuring strategic autonomy".

From Operation Sindoor to Mission Sudarshan Chakra vision, from record defence production and exports to equipping the soldiers with latest weapons and technologies, and finalising deals for the future, "2025 gave a glimpse of a secure, self-reliant and prosperous India," it said.