Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack in April 2025. In a swift and targeted response, India carried out precision strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including sites in Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur, the latter being the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad. The operation was described by Indian officials as focused and non-escalatory, deliberately avoiding civilian and military targets to minimize broader conflict.

The strikes came after India accused Pakistan-based militants, specifically the Resistance Front (TRF), of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Despite India’s claims, Pakistan denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation. In retaliation, Pakistan engaged in artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in civilian casualties in Jammu and Kashmir. The cross-border tensions led to heightened military activity, with Pakistan vowing further retaliation and closing major airports as a precaution.

International reactions were swift, with US President Donald Trump addressing the situation soon after the strikes. Speaking to reporters, Trump called the escalation “a shame” and emphasized the historical nature of the Indo-Pak conflict, noting, “They’ve been fighting for a long time… I just hope it ends very quickly”. Trump refrained from taking sides, instead urging both nations to de-escalate and avoid further violence, a sentiment echoed by other global leaders and institutions.

Following the operation, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the rationale and limited scope of the strikes. The US State Department maintained a cautious stance, stating it was closely monitoring the evolving situation without offering an immediate assessment.