What Was 'Operation Sindoor' and How Did It Impact Terrorism in the Region?

‘Operation Sindoor’, initiated by the Indian armed forces on May 7, marked a significant military response to a terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, resulting in 26 deaths. The operation targeted nine specific terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), emphasizing the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Importantly, India did not target civilian or military sites. This operation not only showcased India's military capabilities but also highlighted critical weaknesses in Pakistan's Defence systems, particularly its reliance on Chinese-supplied military hardware.

What triggered ‘Operation Sindoor’? The operation was a response to a massacre in Pahalgam where 26 civilians, primarily Indian tourists, were killed by gunmen. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the terrorists behind the attack, prompting the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the early hours of May 7. The operation involved a strategic deployment of long-range standoff weapons, including air-launched missiles and loitering munitions, targeting nine specific locations.

While Pakistan claimed to have retaliated, the Indian strikes were described as 'measured, non-escalatory, and proportionate', focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure without involving civilian or military targets. However, clashes ensued as Pakistan reported civilian casualties and accused India of escalating tensions.

The operation revealed Pakistan's heavy reliance on Chinese military equipment, exposing vulnerabilities within its armed forces. It served as an operational assessment of Chinese Defence technology against a combination of Indian and Western systems, exposing a pattern of failures and inefficiencies.

Over the past five years, China has supplied 81% of Pakistan's military acquisitions, totaling approximately $5.28 billion. This includes 20 fighter jets of the JF-17 Block III model and various advanced military technologies. However, the operation also revealed significant deficiencies in this equipment, casting doubt on China's reputation as a reliable arms supplier.

Failures in Chinese Defence equipment were particularly evident during the operation. The HQ-9 air defence system, for example, was unable to intercept several Indian missile strikes, while PL-15 Air-to-Air Missiles failed to engage effectively in combat. Furthermore, J-10C and JF-17 Block III jets did not succeed in deterring Indian airstrikes, with no evidence provided by Pakistan to substantiate claims of downed Indian aircraft.

Despite employing various Chinese-origin drones and sophisticated missile systems, Pakistan faced substantial losses and operational failures. This operation has not only highlighted the inadequacies of Chinese technology but has also fueled skepticism regarding Pakistan's military strategies.

In contrast, India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) played a crucial role in the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, allowing for seamless coordination during air defence operations. The effectiveness of Indian technologies, including indigenous missile systems and advanced radar capabilities, showcased India's growing self-reliance in defense.

In summary, ‘Operation Sindoor’ has far-reaching implications for regional security, questioning the reliability of Chinese arms and potentially reshaping future defense procurement strategies for Pakistan. While the operation reaffirmed India's military capabilities, it also underscored the need for continuous vigilance and readiness.